When it comes to marriage, there’s little many of us wouldn’t do to keep it flourishing. But when day-to-day stressors start weighing heavily on your relationship, it can feel nearly impossible to find the time or energy to reconnect.
That’s where a couples retreat—also called a marriage counseling retreat—can make a difference. These immersive experiences give couples a chance to step away from distractions, focus deeply on one another, and rebuild connection with the help of a licensed therapist.
But what exactly is a couples retreat, how does it work, and how do you find the best option near you? Let’s break it down.
What Is a Couples Retreat and How Does It Work?
A couples retreat is a short but intensive therapy experience designed to help couples rekindle and strengthen their relationship. Unlike weekly counseling sessions that last 50–60 minutes, retreats involve multi-hour sessions over several days.
Most retreats are guided by licensed marriage counselors or therapists and include:
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Deep dives into unresolved issues
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Communication skill-building exercises
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Structured time to practice new tools in real time
Some are private intensives (just you and a therapist), while others are group retreats with multiple couples. Many are hosted in relaxing or destination-style settings, allowing you to focus fully on your relationship.
Will a Couples Retreat Help My Marriage?
In most cases, yes. A retreat can be transformative for couples who:
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Feel disconnected or emotionally distant
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Repeat the same conflicts without resolution
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Want to rebuild intimacy and trust after betrayal
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Have tried weekly therapy without breakthrough
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Simply want to invest in strengthening an already solid foundation
By minimizing distractions and giving you time to focus solely on your relationship, a retreat creates space for deeper conversations, loving interactions, and more lasting change than many couples experience in traditional therapy.
Types of Couples Retreats
When searching for the best couples retreat near you, it helps to know the different options available:
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Group Retreats: Fixed dates, multiple couples, community-based learning. Great for premarital or enrichment.
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Private Intensives: On-demand, 2–5 day sessions with one therapist working exclusively with one couple. Best for crisis repair.
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Faith-Based Retreats: Led through a spiritual or religious framework (Christian, Jewish, interfaith).
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Secular Retreats: Skills-based retreats grounded in relationship science and therapy models like Imago or EFT.
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Virtual/At-Home Retreats: Online retreats or structured DIY programs you can complete from home or even at a local hotel.
How to Find the Best Couples Retreat Near You
Finding the right retreat takes some research, but here are four proven strategies:
1. Ask for Advice
Trusted friends or family members who’ve been through marriage struggles may have recommendations. Word-of-mouth referrals can lead you to reputable therapists or programs.
2. Do Your Research Online
Search for licensed therapists offering couples retreats and read reviews. Be cautious—always confirm credentials and therapeutic background before committing.
3. Expand Your Horizons
Don’t limit yourself to retreats in your immediate area. Traveling to a different city can remove distractions and create a true getaway atmosphere. Many couples travel to Baltimore, DC, Philadelphia, or New York for our private intensives.
4. Consider At-Home Options
Thanks to modern technology, many couples choose online marriage intensives or self-guided retreats. For example, our 5-Step Marriage Restoration Course ($479) is designed as a structured DIY retreat that couples can complete from home—or even turn into a hotel getaway for added focus.
Couples Retreat vs. Marriage Intensive
A common question is: What’s the difference between a retreat and an intensive?
| Feature | Couples Retreat (Group) | Marriage Intensive (Private) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Multiple couples | One couple only |
| Dates | Fixed, scheduled in advance | On demand, year-round |
| Privacy | Shared environment | 100% private and confidential |
| Focus | General skills and enrichment | Deep crisis repair and breakthrough |
Key Takeaways
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A couples retreat is an intensive form of therapy that compresses months of weekly counseling into just a few days.
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Retreats remove distractions, allowing couples to focus fully on repairing and strengthening their marriage.
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Options include local retreats, destination getaways, and even online/at-home programs.
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Choosing the best couples retreat near you involves research, recommendations, and openness to traveling if needed.
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Many couples see retreats as a “reset button” for their marriage, offering clarity, new tools, and deeper connection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How long does a couples retreat usually last?
Most retreats last 2–3 days, though some extend to 4–5 days depending on the format and the therapist’s approach.
Q2: Are couples retreats worth it if weekly therapy hasn’t helped?
Yes. Many couples turn to retreats after stalled progress in weekly sessions. The immersive setting allows for deeper breakthroughs.
Q3: Do couples retreats work for marriages in crisis?
Retreats can be highly effective for couples on the brink of separation, as the extended time together helps uncover core issues and build new communication patterns.
Q4: Can we do a couples retreat at home?
Yes. Many licensed therapists offer online retreats via Zoom, or you can create your own DIY retreat at home using structured courses and intentional time away from daily stressors.
Q5: How much does a couples retreat cost?
Costs vary widely. Group retreats typically range from $1,000–$4,000, while private intensives may cost $5,000–$8,000. Virtual or DIY options are often more affordable.
Q6: What’s the difference between a couples retreat and a marriage intensive?
A retreat often includes multiple couples in a group setting, while a marriage intensive is private, on-demand, and tailored to just one couple at a time.
Sources
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Johnson, S. (2008). Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love. Little, Brown Spark.
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Hendrix, H. (2007). Getting the Love You Want. Holt Paperbacks.
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Lebow, J., Chambers, A., Christensen, A., & Johnson, S. (2012). Research on the Treatment of Couple Distress. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 38(1), 145–168.
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American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Effectiveness of Couple Therapy.
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Gottman, J., & Gottman, J. (2015). 10 Principles for Doing Effective Couples Therapy. Norton.
