This course is an absolute must for all married couples and even those planning on getting married.

The course was started by Nicky and Sila Lee in 1996. Nicky and Sila are on the staff at Holy Trinity Brompton – the London church that started the Alpha course. They have been married for over 25 years and have four children. They have spoken to thousands on the subject of marriage and are the co-authors of The Marriage Book. At St Matthews, we try and run the course at least twice a year.

The aim is to help couples build a healthy marriage that lasts a lifetime. The course provides them with practical tools to strengthen their relationship and it gives them the time and space to discuss any difficult issues. The hope is that it will help couples to break bad habits and create good ones to enable their marriage to grow.

All married couples are encouraged to do the course. The aim is that it won’t just attract those in crisis but that it will be an opportunity for any couple to invest in their marriage.

As part of our Monday Night Life at St Matthews we regularly run this course. The course runs for 7 Monday evenings at St Matthews. If you are interested in joining the next course please either complete the Marriage Application (172.69 kB), or chat to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it on 084-557-5301 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it on 084-557-5300. You can also email them by clicking on their names.

A five session course set in a fantastic atmosphere. You will be served with a candlelit meal and/or coffee, tea and dessert in a romantic setting while listening to practical talks that are informative and fun, either given live or played on DVD.

If you’re like most people you prepare and plan for many things in life: education, career, retirement and holidays. And most couples spend up to 250 hours planning their wedding, but very little time, if any, planning for married life. There are many things you can do to begin building a lifelong, happy marriage. Investing in your relationship before you are married will reap rewards for many years to come.

Who is this course for?

• Are you engaged or seriously considering marriage?
• Do you want to have the best possible start to your marriage?

If you answered yes to these questions then The Marriage Preparation Course is for you.

The Marriage Preparation Course is for any engaged couple who wants to give their marriage the best possible start. It doesn't matter how long you have been engaged - some couples have set a wedding date, while others have not. Or if you have been living together and would like to explore the idea of getting married, or if one or both of you have been married before.

Whilst the course is based on Christian principles, it is designed for all couples with or without a church background. You do not need to be getting married in a church to come on the course

The course runs for 9 evenings at St Matthews. If you are interested in joining the next course please complete the  Marriage Preparation Application (82.55 kB), chat to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it on 084-557-5301 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it on 084-557-5300. You can also email them by clicking on their names.