Overview of Marriage Preparation Programmes
The Ministry – through its network of partners – organises, supports and provides marriage education programmes to couples of various needs.
Preparing for a wedding is merely the beginning of preparing for a marriage. As much as wedding preparations take time and effort, so does marriage. A good marriage needs a good foundation and it takes commitment, effort and skills.
Marriage preparation programmes will help you understand issues relating to marriage and learn skills that help prepare for life together as husband and wife.
Tips on selecting Marriage Preparation Programmes for you and your partner:
- Shop Around. There are differences in the programmes offered. Do consider details such as duration of the programme, location, class size and cost.
- Decide Together. Decide with your partner which programme is suitable and when would be a good time to attend.
- Register directly with the service provider.
Marriage Programmes
PREP is an evidence-based marriage and relationship education programme offered by the Ministry. It is designed based on over 30 years of research in US that aims to help soon-to-wed and newly-wed couples to:
- Improve communication and problem-solving skills
- Attain higher relationship satisfaction; and
- Develop better conflict resolution skills
Research has shown that couples who attended PREP have higher levels of positive communication and interaction and greater confidence in the future of their marriages.
PREP 12-hour Workshop
Couples can also sign up for the PREP 12-hour workshop. The workshop, conducted over 2 days (weekends), provides deeper coverage on a range of topics such as communication, conflict resolution and problem-solving. Couples also have opportunities during the workshop to reflect on their relationship and learn skills to enrich their marriage.
The Ministry provides couples a $140 rebate* upon completion of the PREP 12-hour workshop. The PREP 12-hour workshop is offered by the following agencies:
Cornerstone Community Services
Contact No: 6344 8063
Email Address: familylife@cornerstoneservices.org.sg
Course Fee
(before rebate): $350 per couple
Careworks Community Services
Contact No: 6293 4394
Email Address: ccs@cplink.org.sg
Course Fee (before rebate): $350 per couple
Family Central - A Service by Fei Yue Community Services
Contact No: 6734 1401
Email Address: familycentral@fycs.org
Course Fee (before rebate): $374.50 per couple
Morning Star Community Services
Contact No: 6285 1377
Email Address: training@morningstar.org.sg
Course Fee (before rebate): $350
per couple
TOUCH Community Services Ltd
Contact No: 6709 8410
Email Address: familylife@touch.org.sg
Course Fee (before rebate): $420 per couple
*Rebate is applicable to all soon-to-wed and newly-wed couple(s) attending marriage preparation programme for the first time. Either one of the spouses must be a Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident. Couples must complete the programme together to qualify for the rebate.
ePREP is a complimentary, online version of the PREP workshop. ePREP consists of 6 self-learning sections that couples can complete at their own convenience over a period of 3 months.
ePREP is offered by the following agencies:
AMKFSC Community Services
Contact No: 6351 0610
Email Address: famforlife@amkfsc.org.sg
Click for registration details
Website: https://www.amkfsc.org.sg/what-we-do/family-services/fam4life
Care Corner Singapore Ltd
Contact No: 6978 4090
Email Address: ffl@carecorner.org.sg
Click for registration details
Website:
https://www.carecorner.org.sg/services/marriage-support/
Fei Yue Community Services
Contact No: 9791 4100
Email Address: FFLC@fycs.org
Click for registration details
Website: https://www.family-central.sg/courses/eprep/
The Ministry also supports Marriage Preparation Programmes which are conducted by approved Social Service Agencies. Sign up for a Marriage Preparation Programme today and enjoy a $70 rebate* from the Ministry.
View list of MSF approved organisations
Sign up today to prepare for and build your Marriage of a Lifetime.
*Rebate is applicable to all soon-to-wed and newly-wed couple(s) attending marriage preparation programme for the first time. Either one of the spouses must be a Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident. Couples must complete the programme together to qualify for the rebate.
Prepare/Enrich Marriage Enrichment Programme (P/E MEP) is a complimentary programme for married couples. P/E MEP consists of four 3-hour sessions. Over these sessions, couples can expect to identify their strengths and build confidence in their relationship skills with the help of a Certified Facilitator and the P/E assessment inventory tool.
P/E MEP is offered by the following agencies:
AMKFSC Community Services
Contact No: 6351 0610
Email Address:
famforlife@amkfsc.org.sg
Registration details: Learn more about programme dates available or sign up here
Website: https://www.amkfsc.org.sg/what-we-do/family-services/fam4life
Care Corner Singapore Ltd
Contact No: 6978 4090
Email Address: ffl@carecorner.org.sg
Click for registration details
Website:
https://www.carecorner.org.sg/services/marriage-support/
Fei Yue Community Services
Contact No: 9791 4100
Email Address: FFLC@fycs.org
Registration details: Learn more about programme dates available or sign up here
Website: https://www.family-central.sg/courses/eprep/
Singapore Citizen (SC)-foreigner couples are encouraged to attend marriage programmes for SC-foreigner couples to start their marriage on a strong foundation. Some couples whose Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) applications are approved may be required to attend these programmes before they are issued the LTVP. Couples are advised to attend the programmes early.
Marriage Preparation and Marriage Support Programmes
Benefits of programmes:
- Help SC-foreigner couples address cross-cultural issues
- Help the foreign spouses better adjust and integrate into society
- Link couples to available community resources
Marriage programmes for SC-foreigner couples generally comprise a preparation component before marriage, and a support component after marriage. The programmes cover areas on strengthening couples' relationship within a cross-cultural context, conflict management, managing finances and practical information about staying and living in Singapore.
To ensure that couples' specific needs are met, they can attend other customised marriage preparation courses before attending the marriage programmes for SC-foreigner couples.
Pre-Marriage Long-Term Visit Pass Assessment (PMLA)
SC-foreigner couples are strongly encouraged to undergo PMLA before marriage to check if you will qualify for long-term stay in Singapore after getting married. This will help you better plan for your future and couples who have undergone the PMLA will have their LTVP application processed in a shorter time.
To ensure that couples’ specific needs are met, the following groups can attend their respective Marriage Preparation Programme (MPrep) followed by the Marriage Preparation and Support Programme (MPSP):
| Groups | Couples to attend |
|---|---|
|
|
|
*MPrep is mandatory for minor marriages |
|
*MPrep is mandatory for minor marriages |
|
|
Sign-Up Details
| Programme | How to sign up |
|---|---|
| Cinta Abadi programme | Click here for a list of appointed Cinta Abadi operators |
| Marriage Preparation Programme conducted by INSPIRASI Hubs | Contact either agency:
or |
| Marriage Preparation Programme conducted by PPIS Vista Sakinah | Contact PPIS Vista Sakinah at 6891 3090/ vistasakinah@ppis.sg |
| Marriage Support Programme and Marriage Preparation and Support Programme | Contact either agency:
or |
Couples who are required to attend the programmes for the Completion of Formalities for ICA, please ensure that you sign up for the right programmes.
For any further queries, please contact MSF at 6355 5000 or email transnationalmpp@msf.gov.sg.
Note: Completion of these programmes does not guarantee approval of LTVP application.
Marriage is a life-long journey. It is important to build a strong and long-lasting marriage from the start.
Marriage preparation programmes are designed to address the needs of different types of marriages. The different programmes provide an effective platform for couples to gain information and tips to strengthen their marriage.
Programme for Minor Couples - INSPIRASI HUBs
If either one or both of you are below 21 years old, you will have to complete a marriage preparation programme before you file for an application for marriage. You will also be required to obtain consent from your parents or guardians. The changes to the minor marriage application requirements took effect from 22 October 2018.
The marriage preparation programme is offered by INSPIRASI HUBs. Through the mandatory marriage preparation programme, couples would be able to make informed decisions about the marriage and be better prepared for the next stage of their journey.
More information on the amendments
Programme for Young Couples
If either you or your partner is below 21 years old, find out more about what makes a successful marriage in Marriage Preparation Programme for Young Couples by INSPIRASI HUBs.docx
Grooms aged 21 to 24 years old are also encouraged to attend the programmes with their partners.
Cinta Abadi… Marriage of a Lifetime for First Marriages
If you are entering marriage for the first time, begin your journey with Cinta Abadi Marriage Preparation Programme.
Cinta Abadi caters to Muslim first marriages with grooms aged 25 years old and above and brides aged 21 years old and above. The programme is conducted in English and Malay at various locations across the island.
Remarriage Preparation Programme
Is this a remarriage for you or your partner? Learn how to make this marriage work and pick up tips on step-parenting and helping the children adjust to a new family in the Remarriage Preparation Programme.
To help minor couples better prepare for marriage, they are required to attend a marriage preparation programme before they can be issued with a marriage licence. This is in addition to obtaining parental consent.
Effective for couples marrying on and after 1 October 2016, the above requirement will apply where one or both of the marrying parties are Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents; and
- Where at least one party is below 18 years old; or
- Where at least one party is aged 18 years and above but below 21 years old
Note: Age is at the day of solemnisation.
Minor couples are also required to attend a marriage preparation programme conducted by a MSF-approved organisation.
For marriages where one party is below 18 years old, couples must also undergo social assessment by MSF to assess their suitability for marriage before they are issued with a Special Marriage Licence.
Premarital counselling – often a part of marriage preparation programmes – helps couples to prepare for marriage, work through issues, resolve differences and determine if they are ready for marriage.
Couples can visit these organisations for premarital counselling services:
- Secular organisations such as social service agencies and private counselling centres;
- Religious organisations such as churches, mosques and temples; and
- Private Counsellors / family therapists
View the list of MSF-approved providers of marriage education and support programmes
Related links:
Strengthening Families Programme@FSC
Find out more information on marriage preparation, support and counselling at the Strengthening
Families Programme@FSC ("FAM@FSC") website. FAM@FSC provides marriage and divorce support and family counselling in 10 centres across Singapore.
Interested couple may sign up for the workshop via IFL’s Events page, which is updated on a quarterly basis.