SFCEE is A Catholic Marriage Prep Retreat Open to All Couples of any faith and any background.
If you’re engaged and searching for a marriage prep retreat in the Bay Area, we warmly invite you to join us for a 2026 San Francisco Catholic Engaged Encounter weekend.
Although our name includes “Catholic,” this marriage prep retreat is not strictly for Catholics — and it is not a traditional Pre-Cana classroom experience.
It is a structured marriage prep and communication workshop open to couples of any religious background.
Recommended by the Archdiocese of San Francisco, it satisfies the marriage preparation requirement for most dioceses. At the same time, it has proven deeply beneficial for couples from other faith traditions, mixed-faith relationships, and couples who simply want a strong foundation before marriage
2026 Retreat Dates
March 14–15, 2026
Vallombrosa Retreat Center — Menlo Park
This weekend is currently full.
August 22–23, 2026
Vallombrosa Retreat Center — Menlo Park
Spots available
Register by: August 7, 2026
Cost: $395 per couple
Each retreat begins at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday and concludes Sunday afternoon.
With limited retreat center availability, we are offering two carefully scheduled weekends in 2026. Space is intentionally limited to preserve the depth and quality of the experience.
What Is the Purpose of a Marriage Prep Retreat?
The purpose of a marriage prep retreat is not simply to complete a requirement.
It is to intentionally prepare for the reality of lifelong partnership.
A wedding day lasts a few hours.
Marriage lasts a lifetime.
A thoughtful marriage prep retreat gives couples the time, structure, and guided space to discuss important topics before vows are exchanged — not after challenges arise.
This retreat helps couples:
Strengthen communication habits
Clarify expectations
Discuss finances openly
Understand family dynamics
Align on long-term goals
Reflect on faith and shared values
The goal is not perfection.
The goal is preparation.
What to Expect During the Weekend
Over a day and a half at Vallombrosa Retreat Center in Menlo Park, you will:
Listen to married couples share real experiences from their own marriages
Hear how they navigated challenges and growth
Reflect privately
Write personal responses
Dialogue one-on-one with your fiancé(e)
You will spend most of your time working as a couple.
You will not be asked to share your personal conversations with the larger group.
The structure is intentional and carefully designed to promote meaningful dialogue in a respectful and focused setting.
Is This Only for Catholic Couples?
No.
Although the retreat is designed for couples planning to be married in the Catholic Church, it is open to all couples of any faith background. It has consistently proven beneficial for couples from other Christian traditions, interfaith couples, and couples who simply desire deeper preparation before marriage.
You do not need to be Catholic to attend.
You simply need to be willing to invest intentionally in your future marriage.
What Is the Difference Between a Marriage Prep Retreat and a Marriage Prep Seminar?
This is an important question.
Some couples ask whether a one-day seminar or virtual workshop is sufficient.
The answer depends on your goal.
If you are primarily looking to check a box on your preparation list, a shorter seminar may meet that need.
But if you are looking to set a strong foundation for your marriage, time matters.
A one-day or virtual seminar often provides information.
A two-day marriage prep retreat provides space.
Space to reflect.
Space to write.
Space to process.
Space to have deeper conversations without rushing.
Certain discussions cannot be meaningfully explored in a compressed timeframe. The extended format allows couples to move beyond surface-level answers and into thoughtful dialogue.
For many couples, that unhurried time becomes one of the most valuable parts of the experience.
2025 Retreat Highlights
Our 2025 marriage prep retreats have continued to affirm the importance of intentional preparation.
Couples have shared appreciation for the structured time to slow down, listen carefully, and ask important questions before entering marriage. As we look ahead to our final 2025 weekend and into 2026, we remain committed to serving engaged couples throughout the Bay Area with clarity, warmth, and conviction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this marriage prep retreat fulfill Catholic marriage preparation requirements?
In many parishes within the Archdiocese of San Francisco and surrounding dioceses, this retreat fulfills the required marriage preparation retreat. Please confirm with your parish.
Do both of us need to be Catholic?
No. The retreat is open to couples of any faith background and is often beneficial for interfaith couples.
Will we have to share personal details publicly?
No. All discussions are private between you and your fiancé(e). There is no required group sharing.
Is this only for very religious couples?
No. Couples at all stages of faith are welcome. The retreat is grounded in Catholic teaching but centered on communication and relationship skills that are applicable to all couples.
Where is the retreat held?
Vallombrosa Retreat Center in Menlo Park, California.
How many couples attend?
It can be anywhere from 15-22 couples on a given retreat weekend.
Preparing for a Lifetime
The wedding day is one celebration.
Marriage is the lifelong vocation.
For over 40 years, San Francisco Catholic Engaged Encounter has offered marriage prep retreats that prioritize honest dialogue, practical preparation, and intentional commitment.
If you are looking for a marriage prep retreat in the Bay Area, whether you are Catholic or not, we would be honored to walk with you.
To register for the August 2026 weekend, please visit our registration page.
We look forward to serving you.