Find truly secular, evidence-based secular marriage retreats near you—no sermons, non religious marriage counseling retreats that provide tools to restore connection and rebuild trust.
Why Couples Search for Secular Marriage Retreats
When your marriage feels strained, the last thing you want is to attend a program that doesn’t match your beliefs. Many retreats are faith-based, which can leave secular or interfaith couples feeling uncomfortable. That’s why more and more people are searching for “non-religious marriage retreats near me” and secular marriage retreats. They want a safe space to heal that is rooted in research and professional counseling, not sermons or spiritual teachings.
At The Marriage Restoration Project, every retreat we offer is fully secular, evidence-based, and results-driven. Our focus is on equipping couples with tools to communicate, rebuild trust, and strengthen connection. No religious agenda. No judgment. Just proven methods that work.
Who Leads Our Retreats
All of our evidence based marriage retreats are led by licensed marriage therapists who have been personally trained and mentored by Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin, LCPC, co-founder of The Marriage Restoration Project. Shlomo is:
- A licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) with more than 20 years of experience
- A certified Imago Relationship Therapist and faculty trainer, working with Dr. Harville Hendrix and Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt and co-authoring a curriculum with them
- The creator of the No Blame, No Shame methodology, a structured approach that blends dialogue, attachment science, and trauma-sensitive repair strategies
- A published author and recognized voice in relationship repair, frequently featured in national media
While Shlomo continues to lead retreats at our Baltimore headquarters, he has personally trained a network of clinicians across the U.S. and internationally. This ensures that no matter which city you choose, you’ll receive the same consistent and effective process.
Our Approach: Clinical, Compassionate, Secular
Our retreats are designed to deliver transformation in just two days. Instead of 50-minute weekly sessions that can leave couples stuck, our intensives provide extended time for breakthroughs that might otherwise take months.
The retreat process emphasizes:
- Assessment and clarity on what’s truly driving conflict
- Structured dialogue to remove defensiveness and foster empathy
- Identifying and breaking destructive cycles that keep couples stuck
- Rebuilding emotional safety and intimacy
- Creating a long-term plan for success with eight follow-up sessions included
Everything is skill-based, practical, and non-religious. You’ll leave with tools you can immediately use to strengthen your marriage.
Marriage retreat city guides
Baltimore, MD (Headquarters) – Located in Pikesville, just outside Baltimore City, our headquarters is easily accessible from BWI Airport and serves couples across Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia. Nearby landmarks include Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Camden Yards, and historic Annapolis. Shlomo often leads intensives here, and it is also where our clinicians are trained. Private marriage intensives are often led here by Rabbi Shlomo.
Philadelphia, PA – Conveniently located near Center City and easily accessed via Philadelphia International Airport. Couples often enjoy extending their stay to explore Old City, Rittenhouse Square, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
New York City, NY – Our Manhattan location is accessible via Penn Station, Grand Central, LaGuardia, and JFK. Perfect for professionals in the city who want to fit in a retreat without leaving New York, or for couples who want a discreet getaway paired with Broadway, Central Park, or the High Line.
Lake Placid, NY – A destination retreat in the Adirondacks, ideal for couples looking for privacy and natural beauty. Near Mirror Lake and the Olympic sites, this location offers both serenity and adventure. Closest airports include Albany International and Plattsburgh International.
Beacon, NY – Located in the scenic Hudson Valley, just off the Metro-North line from Manhattan. Close to Dia Beacon Museum and Mount Beacon, making it a peaceful yet artsy setting for couples who want easy access from New York City without the bustle.
Fort Lauderdale / Miami, FL – In sunny South Florida, easily reached from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport or Miami International. This location offers oceanfront accommodations near Las Olas Boulevard, South Beach, and the Art Deco District.
Sarasota, FL – A Gulf Coast retreat near Lido Beach, Siesta Key, and the Ringling Museum. Couples fly into Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport or Tampa International Airport for a destination-style experience.
Los Angeles, CA – Our LA intensives are accessible from LAX and situated near cultural hubs like Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Park, and Hollywood. Perfect for couples who want a retreat without leaving Southern California.
Carlsbad, CA – In coastal North County San Diego, minutes from LEGOLAND, Carlsbad Village, and the Pacific coastline. Couples fly into San Diego International Airport or John Wayne Airport in Orange County.
Santa Rosa, CA (Northern California / Bay Area) – Located in Sonoma County wine country, just north of San Francisco. Couples can fly into Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport or SFO. Nearby attractions include wineries, redwoods, and Bodega Bay.
Palo Alto, CA – At the heart of Silicon Valley, minutes from Stanford University, Mountain View, and Menlo Park. Easily reached from San Jose International Airport or San Francisco International Airport.
Portsmouth, VA (Virginia Beach area) – Located near Norfolk Naval Shipyard and the Chesapeake Bay, accessible from Norfolk International Airport. Couples often combine their retreat with time in Virginia Beach or historic Williamsburg.
Leesburg, VA – Nestled in Northern Virginia’s wine country, about 30 minutes from Dulles International Airport. Couples often extend their stay by visiting Great Falls Park or exploring historic downtown Leesburg.
Beachwood, OH (Cleveland area) – Situated in suburban Cleveland, near University Circle, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Lake Erie. Accessible via Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
Detroit / Southfield, MI – Located near Detroit Metro Airport (DTW), our Southfield retreat is convenient for couples from the Midwest. Couples often add a visit to the Detroit Institute of Arts, Belle Isle Park, or the Motown Museum.
Austin, TX – In the heart of Central Texas, near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Couples love the city’s live music scene, Lady Bird Lake trails, and Hill Country surroundings.
Edison, NJ – A central New Jersey hub close to Rutgers University and easily reached from Newark Liberty International Airport. Couples often enjoy exploring Princeton or the Jersey Shore.
Vancouver, WA (Portland Metro) – Just across the Columbia River from Portland, OR, this retreat is 15 minutes from Portland International Airport. Couples often add hikes in the Columbia Gorge or a drive to Cannon Beach.
Tucson, AZ – Located near the Catalina Foothills, with desert views and access to Tucson International Airport. Nearby attractions include Saguaro National Park and Sabino Canyon.
Colorado (Woodland Park / Longmont) – Mountain-view retreats within reach of Denver International Airport and Colorado Springs Airport. Couples often combine the intensive with trips to Garden of the Gods, Rocky Mountain National Park, or Boulder.
Hawaii (Kamuela / Waimea, Big Island) – A destination retreat in Hawaii’s Big Island uplands, near Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea. Couples fly into Kona International Airport for a tropical, restorative experience.
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada – Located in the Waterloo Region, just an hour west of Toronto. Couples can fly into Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) or the closer Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF). This retreat is convenient for couples from Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and the Greater Toronto Area. Nearby attractions include Victoria Park, St. Jacobs Market, and the Grand River trails.
London, UK – In the heart of the city, accessible from Heathrow, Gatwick, and London City airports. Couples often pair their retreat with cultural experiences at the British Museum, Hyde Park, or the West End.
Israel – Our Israel retreats are offered in locations accessible to Ben Gurion Airport. Couples often add visits to Jerusalem’s Old City, Tel Aviv’s beaches, or the Galilee region.
What to Expect in a 2-Day Intensive Itinerary
Every retreat, whether in Baltimore, Los Angeles, or London, follows the same structured two-day intensive schedule. The experience is immersive and designed to maximize breakthroughs in a short timeframe. A sample flow looks like this:
- Day 1 Morning: Assessment and goal setting, identifying patterns of conflict, learning the foundation of structured dialogue.
- Day 1 Afternoon: Practicing dialogue, exploring unmet needs, and beginning repair exercises.
- Day 2 Morning: Diving deeper into root causes, communication skills, and guided healing conversations.
- Day 2 Afternoon: Rebuilding connection, intimacy, and trust; creating a long-term relationship roadmap.
Every couple leaves with a personalized aftercare plan, plus eight follow-up sessions to make sure change lasts.
Cost of a Secular Marriage Retreat
Transparency is important, especially since couples compare options before booking. Our 2-Day Private Marriage Intensives are priced in line with other professional clinical services but include significantly more hours and outcomes than weekly therapy.
- Base Package: 2-Day Private Retreat + 8 Follow-Up Sessions: Our private marriage intensives include 8 follow-up sessions
- Add-Ons: Extended hours, affair recovery focus, or additional coaching sessions
Because every couple’s needs differ, exact pricing depends on the format and location. You can view our latest details on the pricing and packages page.
In-person marriage retreat / Virtual marriage retreat: Your Choice
Our retreats are primarily in person, because face-to-face dialogue creates the deepest breakthroughs. However, we also offer a virtual intensive option for couples who cannot travel. Virtual retreats follow the same structure and are led by the same licensed clinicians trained by Shlomo, using secure video conferencing platforms.
- In-Person Intensives: Available at all listed locations across the U.S. and internationally
- Virtual Intensives: Same 2-day format with live, real-time sessions from your own home
Couples often choose in person for privacy and focus, but virtual is equally effective when travel isn’t possible.
FAQs About Non-Religious Marriage Retreats
How do I know if a marriage retreat will be religious?
Look at who is leading it, what framework they use, and whether they post a clear agenda. Our retreats are led by licensed therapists, not clergy, and every element is skills-based and secular.
Are secular marriage retreats as effective as religious ones?
Yes. Effectiveness depends on the process, not theology. Our retreats are designed to accomplish in 48 hours what might otherwise take six months of weekly sessions.
What if my partner and I have different beliefs?
Secular retreats are ideal for interfaith or mixed-belief couples. They provide a neutral ground where the focus is only on strengthening your relationship.
Do non-religious retreats cover issues like affairs or premarital preparation?
Yes. We offer specialized formats including Affair Recovery Retreats for rebuilding trust after betrayal and Premarital Intensives for couples who want to start marriage with strong communication and connection skills.
Are there really non-religious marriage retreats near me?
Yes. With retreats in Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Lake Placid, Beacon, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Sarasota, Los Angeles, Carlsbad, Santa Rosa, Palo Alto, Portsmouth, Leesburg, Beachwood, Detroit, Austin, Edison, Vancouver, Tucson, Colorado, Hawaii, London, and Israel, couples across the U.S. and abroad can access the same consistent methodology.
Key Takeaway
If you are searching for a non-religious marriage retreat near me, The Marriage Restoration Project provides a network of private, secular, and clinically grounded intensives. Every therapist is personally trained by Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin, ensuring consistency, quality, and results. This isn’t about sermons or religious frameworks—it’s about giving you the tools to restore trust, rebuild intimacy, and reconnect with your partner.
Explore our locations here and review our pricing and packages to find the retreat that best fits your needs.
Directory of Non-Religious Marriage Retreat Locations
- Baltimore, MD (Headquarters)
- Philadelphia, PA
- New York City, NY
- Lake Placid, NY
- Beacon, NY
- Fort Lauderdale / Miami, FL
- Sarasota, FL
- Los Angeles, CA
- Carlsbad, CA
- Santa Rosa, CA
- Palo Alto, CA
- Portsmouth, VA
- Leesburg, VA
- Beachwood, OH
- Detroit / Southfield, MI
- Austin, TX
- Edison, NJ
- Vancouver, WA
- Tucson, AZ
- Colorado (Woodland Park / Longmont)
- Hawaii (Kamuela / Waimea, Big Island)
- London, UK
- Israel
- Ontario, Canada
