Frequently Asked Questions

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 We’re more than just a weekend.
Our program includes a comprehensive follow-up series with over 24 hours of additional marriage-focused content, offered both online and in person. These sessions provide opportunities for deeper learning, guided discussions, ongoing support, and connection with a supportive community of couples. 

  Only the two of you can save your marriage—but you don’t have to do it alone.
Retrouvaille provides you with practical tools and proven techniques to help you rebuild your relationship. If you come with open minds, open hearts, and a willingness to work, the program can guide you toward healing and renewed connection.

You’ll be supported by volunteer couples who have walked this path themselves—Retrouvaille helped save their marriages, and now they’re here to help you.

 Yes, absolutely—our program can help separated and even divorced couples.

We’ve seen many couples who were living apart, recently divorced, or even had signed papers on the table experience healing and reconciliation through our program. Some had been separated for years; others came as a last-ditch effort—and left with renewed hope.

All we ask is that you bring an open mind and an open heart. You don't need to have it all figured out—just the willingness to take the first step. Transformation is possible, and we’ve seen it time and again.

 No, personal sharing is not required.
There are no group discussions during the weekend. The entire experience is private and focused solely on you and your spouse. Everything shared and practiced happens between the two of you, in the privacy of your room.  

 We take your privacy very seriously. Our attending couples’ names are never shared with any other organizations, parties, or individuals outside the Retrouvaille Community. Only your first names will be used throughout the weekend. Sharing anything more than this will be completely up to you. 

Religious services are offered on the first morning and  also at the closing of the program.  All couples attending  are invited to participate it is completely optional.  

Do I need to be religious to attend?
Not at all. While the program has Christian roots, our focus is on helping couples improve communication, resolve conflict, rebuild trust, and learn forgiveness.

There is no effort to convert anyone, and any religious elements—such as optional services—are completely voluntary and do not affect the program’s core content.

We’ve had many non-religious couples attend and find the experience deeply helpful. Take what works for you and leave the rest.

  You will discover during the weekend that there is nothing you cannot come back from, as long as both husband and wife are willing to put in the effort. Many couples that have attended the Retrouvaille program actually grow into a new, far better place. 

 First, you need to register for a weekend program. Once you register, you will be contacted by the Registration Couple from the community where you will be attending the weekend. They will give provide you with additional information and answer any questions you may have. 

 What if I'm struggling to forgive?
You're not alone—many couples come to the program carrying deep hurt, anger, or betrayal. During the weekend, you'll discover that healing and forgiveness are possible, even in the most difficult situations.

If both spouses are willing to put in the effort, there's nothing you can’t come back from. In fact, many couples who attend Retrouvaille find that their relationship not only recovers—but grows into something stronger, deeper, and more loving than before.

 We ask couples to check into the facility by 7pm and check in with us by 7:15 pm. We start the program promptly at 7:30 pm. We do try to wait for everyone to arrive so please be considerate of others so that we can start on time. We end by 4:30pm. 

 Costs are site specific.  A non-refundable registration fee is required upon registration to reserve your spot with a donation request on the Sunday of your weekend. Post sessions and on-going monthly support meetings are included at no additional cost. 

  Retrouvaille is an all-volunteer ministry, and we work hard to keep the program affordable. Your initial deposit covers your lodging and meals for the weekend. After that, couples are asked to make a donation based on what they can afford to help cover the remaining costs—such as materials, facilities, and travel expenses for the presenting team and clergy.

If you're financially able, we invite you to "pay it forward" by contributing more to help another couple attend and support our shared mission of healing marriages.

 We are a non-profit ministry, and we plan our weekends based on having enough couples to fulfill our contracts and spread the costs of holding a weekend. If you can not attend and give us 2 weeks notice we can usually move you to the next weekend we have scheduled. Also, we know some of you will decide in the upcoming weeks that you don't need this program because things seem to be "getting better" or you may get cold feet. Trust us, this is common. Many couples who cancel call back a few months later and say they want to reactivate their registration! If you are registering, you should make attending a priority. Statistics show that most couples wait up to 6 years to get the help they need. Why put off having a better marriage?  

 It’s not uncommon for one spouse to feel hesitant. They may not see a need for any assistance or intervention.  Encourage them to see the weekend as a small investment in a relationship you’ve both worked hard to build. Let them know there’s nothing to lose—and potentially everything to gain.

You might try sharing stories or information from this website to help them understand what the program is (and isn’t). Hearing from other couples who were once unsure can be especially reassuring.

You can also reach out to your local registration couple—they're happy to offer guidance and ideas that may help your spouse feel more comfortable about attending.

The program is designed for both spouses to participate, so their involvement is important to the process.

 To get the most out of the weekend, it's important to step away from daily life and distractions. Even if you live alone, things like phones, chores, or familiar routines can pull your focus away from the healing process. Staying onsite allows you and your spouse to be fully present and gives you the private space needed for the deep, personal conversations that are a key part of the program. Your room becomes a place for reflection, connection, and uninterrupted time together.

 The facility will do everything possible to accommodate special dietary requests. If you have a severe allergy, please consider bringing your own food as a backup.  All rooms have refrigeration many have microwaves. 

 Will we get a schedule for the weekend?
The weekend is designed to help you focus fully on your relationship without distractions. We intentionally do not provide a detailed schedule, only topics covered,  so you can stay present and engaged with each session, rather than anticipating what’s next. There is a full agenda with little to no downtime, as each part of the program builds on the last.

Will we have time to use the gym or pool?
This is an intensive, working weekend focused entirely on your marriage. There won’t be time for leisure activities like swimming or going to the gym. We encourage you to set aside this time completely for your relationship—it’s a rare and valuable opportunity to reconnect without outside distractions.

  In Retrouvaille “marriage” refers to a conventional relationship between one man and one woman. 

Can we bring our pet?
Please contact the facility directly to find out if they can accommodate your pet. Keep in mind that you will be responsible for any additional fees associated with bringing your pet.

Can we bring our children?
To ensure a focused and uninterrupted experience, children are not permitted during the weekend—except for very young nursing infants. Please make childcare arrangements for the entire weekend before attending.