The weekend retreats are thoughtfully designed to help couples strengthen their marriages, blending guided discussions, Christian principles, and proven therapy techniques. Whether you’re a couple in crisis, seeking to reconnect, or preparing for marriage, these retreats offer support tailored to your unique stage in the relationship.

Retreats typically involve couples participating in group sessions that are both informational and educational. These sessions provide a teaching environment focused on equipping couples with tools and insights, without requiring participants to share personal marital stories in a group setting. Instead, the group sessions prepare couples for private counseling sessions and weekend assignments, which they’ll work on together during the retreat.

Couples will share their personal stories privately with Steve and Dorinda in one-on-one counseling sessions, fostering a safe and confidential space for healing and growth.

Venue:

The venue for the weekend retreats is a home Steve’s family built when he was in high school. Located on a working beef farm where Steve and Dorinda raised their four children in rural West Virginia, the home underwent major renovations that were completed in 2024.

There are three bedrooms each with a private bathroom, a group educational room, a completely furnished kitchen, and a private counseling room.

Sound machines are provided to each couple to ensure their private conversations are kept confidential at all times, and there is indoor and outdoor space to enjoy and be used as a part of each weekend program.

The venue can be found on Airbnb. Money is raised for the ministry by offering the venue as a short-term rental when not used for events.

Cost:

Marital Intensives for Couples:

Couples’ Cost:
There is NO charge for the weekend retreat. MARI Ministries is supported by donors, sponsors, and partnerships, and we accept donations from attendees.

Security Deposit:
A $250 security deposit is required, but it can be waived if it causes financial distress. All security deposits are refunded at the conclusion of the event. Your check will not be cashed, and it will be returned.

Cancellation:
Cancellations made prior to the scheduled retreat will have the security deposit refunded, provided MARI Ministries is able to secure another couple to fill the spot.

Intensive programs offered by for-profit organizations:

The price typically begins at $3500 a weekend.

FAQs:

Dress code:
You are encouraged to dress comfortably and casually. Since temperature preferences vary, every effort has been made to accommodate everyone by offering ceiling fans, individually controlled heating, and air conditioning in the bedrooms. Dressing in layers is recommended, and slippers are more than welcome. You may also have the chance to explore the farm, so be sure to bring suitable footwear for walking.

What is provided? 
Food, drinks, toilet paper, linens, private rooms with private bathrooms, towels, materials, and the program. No money will be necessary for the weekend. Complimentary soap and shampoo are provided, and so are emergency forgotten items like toothbrushes or lotion. However, feel free to bring what you prefer to use.

Food:
All food is homemade, with three high-quality, hot meals a day provided. There are snacks for the sessions and during the evening. Guests with stringent dietary concerns are welcome to bring their own food.

Drinks:
A wide variety of hot coffees, teas, cold drinks, and bottled water are provided. Juices and milk are provided for breakfast.

TVs:
Television and internet service are provided in each bedroom by Prodigi, one of the MARI Ministries sponsors.

Confidentiality Notice:
By attending the weekend retreat, you agree to maintain full confidentiality regarding who attended and what occurred concerning private information shared. You will not know in advance who the other guests will be. A typical retreat has three couples in attendance.

Personal Opportunity:
If a small group, family members, or close friends wish to attend a retreat weekend together, we are happy to accommodate and schedule a customized date. Please contact MARI Ministries to make arrangements. A minimum of three couples is required to reserve this type of retreat.

Children:
We have 15 grandchildren, and we love children. However, due to the nature of the program, the content, and environment, children cannot attend.

Nursing mothers:
If you are a nursing mother, we can discuss suggestions to make it possible for you to attend. Please contact MARI Ministries to discuss those options.

Housing:
Can we go home at night? It is recommended that all attendees plan to be on-site from the beginning to the end of the program for full effectiveness.Rare exceptions can be discussed by contacting MARI Ministries if there are extenuating circumstances.

Smoking:
There is no smoking, tobacco use, vaping, or alcohol permitted at the facility.

“During this weekend, we learned new ways to communicate, connect, and listen … God transformed both of us and restored our marriage! Highly recommended!”

Bruce & Eileen, Attended Marriage Retreat

“ … it helped us as a couple so much that we would go again just for maintenance. Learning about each other and how God MUST be the number one focus … We would recommend any couple go … because you will only come out better for it.”

Scott & Cristin, Attended Marriage Retreat

“We are so thankful and blessed by this ministry … in a lot better place than we were. I know healing takes time, and we have to continue to work together.”

James & Samantha, Attended Marriage Retreat

Your support makes it possible to sustain and grow this ministry.

Please consider making a one-time, monthly, or annual donation, or help to serve the ministry by volunteering goods, services, or time.