Premarital Preparation Course
To qualify for the exemption by attending a premarital preparation course, both applicants must submit a notarized Certification of Completion completed by the course provider confirming the couple attended the course together, or separately, within one year of the date of application to the County Clerk for the license. The Certification of Completion form was developed by the Administrative Office of the Courts and defines the qualifications of persons who are eligible to conduct the four (4) hours of premarital preparation training as required by Chapter No. 854.
Click here to print the Certificate of Completion form. This is the only form that can be accepted as proof of counseling.
The law gives minimal guidance as to the content of the course. It states that the course may include:
- Conflict management and resolution
- Communication skills
- Financial responsibilities
- Children and parenting responsibilities
- Data compiled from available information relating to problems reported by married couples that seek marital or individual counseling
- Compatibility
- Expectations
- Personalities and families-of-origin
- Intimacy and sexuality
- Long-term goals
The types of persons who can provide the approved premarital preparation course are:
- Psychologist (as defined under TCA 63-11-203)
- Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (as defined under TCA 63-22-115)
- Professional Counselor (as defined un TCA 63-22-104)
- Official representative of a religious Institution (recognized under TCA 63-22-204)
- Clinical Social Worker (as defined under TCA Title 63-Ch.23, Part 1)
- Clinical Pastoral Therapist (as defined under TCA Title 63, Ch. 22, Part 2)
- Psychological Examiner (as defined under TCA 63-11-202)
- Any other instructor approved for the judicial district