Award Banner
Award Banner

Marriage preparation programmes in Singapore: What are they and how much do they cost?

Marriage preparation programmes in Singapore: What are they and how much do they cost?

Hosting a wedding banquet is simply the start of your lives as a married couple. For a marriage to last, there must be a strong foundation of commitment and mutual understanding. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for couples to realise their differences a short time into their marriage, which can result in unresolved arguments and resentment.

To help couples prepare for their new life together, soon-to-wed and newly-wed couples can attend marriage preparation programmes. In each session, the couple will get to interact with marriage professionals as a pair and individually, going through topics such as conflict resolution, love languages, financial planning, and more.

Marriage preparation programmes are not compulsory but highly encouraged. The only exception is for civil marriages where minors are concerned - where at least one party is below 18 years old or if at least one party is aged 18 years and above but below 21 years old, the couple has to undergo a mandatory marriage preparation programme together.

FOR MUSLIM COUPLES

For the case of Muslim couples, if either one or both parties are below 21 years old, the couple will have to complete a marriage preparation programme organised by INSPIRASI HUBs before they file for an application for marriage.

There is also a separate programme for young couples - if either one of you is below 21 years old, both of you can attend this Marriage Preparation Programme for Young Couple by INSPIRASI HUBs. Young grooms aged 21 to 24 are also highly encouraged to attend the programme with their partners.

For first-time grooms aged 25 years old and above, start your marital journey with the Cinta Abadi Marriage Preparation Programme. This programme sets the stage for a strong marriage as couples will learn about each other's strengths and aspirations, how to resolve conflicts and strengthen ties with family, and learn how to nurture intimacy. More than 7000 participants have benefitted from this programme since 2014.

Upon completing any of the programmes, you will receive a certificate of attendance/completion, which you can produce during the marriage registration process at the Registry of Muslim Marriages (ROMM).

FOR SINGAPORE CITIZEN-FOREIGNER COUPLES

The MSF offers pre and post marriage programmes to support cross-cultural marriages and the foreign spouses to adjust to Singapore. Some couples are required to attend these programmes as part of the foreign spouse's long-term visit pass application approval conditions.

The marriage preparation programme is attended before marriage and covers roles and expectations of the couple, communication, managing conflicts and in-law relationships within a cross-cultural context.

COST OF MARRIAGE PREPARATION PROGRAMMES

#1 Offered by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF): Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Programme (PREP)

The PREP is an interactive workshop conducted over two days (12 hours, one weekend). Couples will learn how to improve their communication and problem-solving skills, resolve conflicts, and attain higher relationship satisfaction.

The MSF offers a $140 rebate to all soon-to-wed and newly-wed couples attending a marriage preparation programme for the first time. Couples may sign up for PREP with the following agencies:

Cornerstone Community Services
(Call 6344 8063 to book)
$350 per couple (before rebate)
Careworks Community Services
(Call 6293 4394 to book)
$350 per couple (before rebate)
Family Central – A Service by Fei Yue Community Service
(Call 6734 1401 to book)
$374.50 per couple (before rebate)
Couples’ Corner – A Service by Care Corner Counselling Centre
(Call 6353 1180 to book)
$420 per couple (before rebate)
Touch Community Services Ltd
(Call 6709 8400 to book)
$420 per couple (before rebate)

If you would like to know more about PREP before committing to the workshop, the MSF has a free 2-hour 'Introduction to PREP' talk held at the Registry of Marriages from Mondays to Fridays, 12.15pm to 2.15pm. Interested couples may sign up for this talk during the process of e-filing for their marriage.

#2 Offered by MSF-approved Voluntary Welfare Organisations

The MSF will offer a $70 rebate for couples who sign up for a marriage preparation programme. Take note that not all programmes cover topics for to-be or newly remarried and transnational couples.

We have shortlisted the most comprehensive programmes that will not burn a hole in your wallet:

Organisation Duration Any topics covered for remarried and transnational couples? Cost (Individual) Cost (Group)
aLife Ltd -Marriage Preparation Programme 8 hours No   $100
Alive Community Network – Alive Marriage Preparation 9 hours Yes   $350
Careworks Community Services-Prepare Enrich Individual & Group: 8 hours each Yes $320 $280
Hearty Care Centre – “It takes more than 2” (HCC is a subsidiary of Singapore Buddhist Welfare Services) Individual & Group: 8 hours each Yes $299.60 $246.10
REACH Counselling – One, Two, Three, or Six? Individual: 8 hours
Group: 10 hours
Yes $400 $320
Family Life Society – Couple’s Builder’s Programme (This is a Catholic-rooted/ Christ-centered programme) 6 hours No $300

For programmes held in group settings, you'll have the opportunity to meet other new couples and acquire marriage and parenting knowledge through discussions, exercises, and role-plays.

If you are still unsure which organisation you and your partner would like to sign up with, you can view the detailed course descriptions. You may review the differences in the programmes offered and decide the most suitable one for you and your partner.

WALKING THROUGH MARRIED LIFE HAND IN HAND

In 2018, 59.9 per cent of the resident population aged 15 years and over are married. 5.0 per cent of the same population are divorced or separated.

Connection and intimacy are delightful, but a good marriage still takes a lot of work. This means doing things for each other that keeps the spark going and working together to create the best relationship both of you can.

Attending a marriage preparation programme is a useful way to get to know your spouse - the person you will be living together with for the years ahead. With the help of a marriage professional or counsellor, you'll be able to identify any underlying issues you and your partner might have and take steps to rectify them.

This article was first published in Dollars and Sense.

homepage

trending

trending
    Hong Kong actor Lee Lung Kei still plans to marry fiancee 37 years younger after her release from prison
    2 Taiwanese men allegedly part of a crime syndicate charged with cheating
    AI and art: Studio Ghibli-inspired trend sparks debate on ethics and consent
    Edwin Goh proposes to Rachel Wan, both returning to Singapore after 2 years in Australia
    'My brain got so fried up': Gurmit Singh hit by anxiety attack while acting in his 1st Chinese drama
    How do Trump's tariffs affect you? Here is an explainer
    2 GRCs and 1 SMC: This Woodlands junction separates 3 electoral divisions
    The iconic Milo Van beverage is now available in supermarkets
    21 men in Singapore among 435 arrested in cross-border operation targeting online child sex abuse
    Disney's Beauty and the Beast musical to make Asia premiere in Singapore this December
    What happens next after South Korea's removal of President Yoon?
    Singapore and Malaysia police's video collaboration for Hari Raya goes viral

Singapore

Singapore
    • Singapore deploys 34-member emergency medical team to aid Myanmar quake relief efforts
    • PPP's Goh Meng Seng says MPs work 'extra hard' only before elections for votes, Baey Yam Keng hits back
    • 'She should be with her family': Employer gives maid plane ticket, $800 to return to Myanmar and search for missing mum
    • 'Don't cheat, don't be greedy': Elderly couple in their 90s share secret to longevity with DPM Heng in viral clip
    • Where the parties stand on key issues ahead of GE2025
    • Clean-up underway for oil leak from Johor; public advised to avoid water activities at Changi and Pasir Ris beaches
    • Online voting not feasible due to 'voter impersonation' risks: ELD
    • Singapore disappointed with tariffs, will engage US to clarify calculations: DPM Gan
    • 'He needed something to help him fight,' says man who bought Hokkien mee for dying patient
    • MaNaDr admits to lapses, introduces 1-minute minimum teleconsultation rule

Entertainment

Entertainment
    • 'I was right there just 3cm behind her': Exo's Kai recalls joys of simple life during military service, meeting commuter checking him out online
    • E-Junkies: The Click Five will consider making new music if upcoming tour goes well
    • Former NCT idol Lucas to make acting debut in Taiwan
    • 'Blessed beyond measure': Desmond Tan and wife expecting second child
    • Jean-Claude Van Damme accused of having sex with trafficked women
    • Jim Carrey pays tribute to Val Kilmer's 'grace and courage'
    • Val Kilmer reportedly discussed reprising his role as Batman before his death
    • Sum 41 releases final music video before splitting up
    • Probe finds former Smap idol Masahiro Nakai committed sexual assault, victim says 'What I've lost will never be recovered'
    • Gossip mill: Chantalle Ng dating longtime friend, ex-TVB actress now sells chicken feet, Leslie Cheung's partner pays tribute on his 22nd death anniversary

Lifestyle

Lifestyle
    • A first look: Blue Bottle Coffee's cafe at Raffles City, here's what to expect
    • Life-sized dinosaurs, pre-historic plants: Gardens by the Bay to transform into Jurassic World this May
    • 'The menu is a reflection of us': Singaporean woman and American husband open restaurant selling soul food
    • Life after death: Guide to be launched to help parent caregivers plan for autistic children's future
    • Hyundai Santa Fe review: Rugged-looking premium SUV levels up the luxury for Hyundai
    • What to do this weekend (April 4 to 6)
    • Long-range cruiser: GAC E9 luxury MPV with over 1,000km of range now in Singapore
    • Deepal officially arrives in Singapore with opening of new showroom
    • We ask parents how they keep their children's screen time low - here's the lowdown
    • The best new-launch condo layouts we've seen so far in 2025

Digicult

Digicult
    • A $500 wake-up call: How the Samsung Galaxy Ring made me realise my stress
    • Monster Hunter Wilds producer explains how game has remained unique and fresh over 20 years
    • Nintendo Switch 2 to launch in June with US$449.99 price tag
    • Games in April: RPGs, racing and Ronaldo in a fighting game
    • Is it time to get a MacBook at a good price? The M4 MacBook Air says yes
    • China's Baidu launches 2 new AI models as industry competition heats up
    • China's top universities expand enrolment to beef up capabilities in AI, strategic areas
    • International Women's Day: Meet the Singapore women levelling up in gaming
    • US indicts slew of alleged Chinese hackers, sanctions company over spy campaign
    • Meet the women powering innovation in tech in Singapore and beyond

Money

Money
    • Giant deal: Malaysian company to acquire Cold Storage and Giant supermarket chains in Singapore
    • Trump's tariffs provoke trade war threats, fears of pricier iPhones
    • Australia says US tariffs 'not act of a friend' but rules out reciprocal move
    • South Korea's acting president calls for talks with US over tariffs
    • Southeast Asian nations, hit particularly hard by US tariffs, prep for talks with Trump
    • China urges US to immediately lift tariffs, vows retaliation
    • Trump's tariffs stoke global trade war as China and EU vow response
    • HDB to launch 3,000 balance flats in July 2025: What homebuyers need to know
    • With 61 years left on its lease, this Bishan maisonette matches national record at $1.5m
    • Why are homebuyers choosing pricier new launch 2-bedders over resale options in 2025?

Latest

Latest
  • Daily roundup: Singapore and Malaysia police's video collaboration for Hari Raya goes viral — and other top stories today
  • Myanmar junta chief meets foreign leaders in Bangkok as earthquake toll tops 3,100
  • Russian drone barrage hits Kharkiv homes, kills 4 people
  • Trump offers support to French far-right leader Le Pen after her conviction
  • For Trump, tariff gamble brings political risk
  • South Korea's President Yoon ousted
  • Driver of car in Amsterdam explosion may have been attempting suicide, police say
  • Netanyahu may visit US next week, Trump says
  • South Korea's impeached President Yoon faces court ruling to decide his fate

In Case You Missed It

In Case You Missed It
  • Thai woman struggles to evacuate during earthquake while her dog sleeps unfazed
  • Workers painting exterior of Geylang block discover man's skeletal remains in flat
  • 'New, younger' PAP team vows to reclaim WP-controlled Sengkang GRC, says Lam Pin Min
  • New face Jackson Lam 'very good on the ground' and will be asset to Parliament, says Shanmugam
  • Woman who publicised tips on how she evaded GST for luxury purchases fined $18k
  • Powerful quake in Southeast Asia kills several, 81 trapped in Bangkok building rubble
  • Dog dies after being skinned alive in Malaysia, animal welfare group condemns 'barbaric' act
  • Blue for seafood, red for meat: Case partners Koufu to have colour-coded price labels at 'cai fan' stalls
  • WP will campaign for 'responsible and loyal opposition' in GE2025 to earn seats in Parliament, says Pritam
This website is best viewed using the latest versions of web browsers.