(And Why the Cost of Not Going Could Be So Much Higher)
If you’re exploring the idea of a marriage counseling retreat, you’re probably wondering, “How much is this going to cost us?” It’s a fair question. A retreat is an investment of time, energy, and yes—money. But before we talk numbers, let’s zoom out for a moment. The real question might be: “What will it cost us if we don’t do this?”
While a marriage retreat isn’t cheap, the emotional toll—and financial cost—of unresolved conflict, disconnection, or eventual divorce can be much greater. This post will break down how much a marriage counseling retreat really costs, what makes some retreats more valuable than others, and why investing in your relationship now might save you far more than money down the road.
What Does a Marriage Retreat Cost?
Prices vary depending on format (private vs group), length, location, and the therapist’s experience. Here’s a general breakdown:
| Type of Retreat | Price Range (per couple) |
|---|---|
| Private, 2-Day Intensive | $3,000 – $6,500+ |
| Group Weekend Retreat | $750 – $2,500 |
| Luxury Destination Retreat | $8,000+ |
Most private marriage counseling retreats fall between $4,000–$5,500. Our retreat includes two full days of intensive work with your therapist, plus a game-changing follow-up package (more on that shortly). Travel and lodging are typically separate.
You might be thinking, “That’s a lot for a couple of days.” But let’s put that in perspective. Six months of traditional weekly therapy at $175/session costs around $4,200—and still may not bring about the kind of change a focused, immersive retreat can offer in just two days.
What Makes Our Retreat Different: 8 Follow-Up Sessions Included
Most marriage retreats end when the weekend ends. You go home, life hits, and without support, the breakthroughs begin to fade. That’s why our program includes not only the intensive 2-day experience, but also eight 90-minute follow-up sessions with your retreat therapist. That’s over 12 additional hours of guided support—built in and included with your retreat investment.
Why does this matter? Because real life happens after the retreat. Habits return. Communication slips. The follow-up sessions help you integrate the tools, stay accountable, and navigate challenges with your therapist by your side.
We’ve researched dozens of retreats across the country. Most offer one brief follow-up—or none at all. Ours includes 8 sessions because we believe transformation needs time, structure, and continued connection. No other retreat we’ve seen includes this kind of ongoing care. We’re not just here for your breakthrough. We’re here for your rebuild.
The Real Cost of Divorce
Now let’s talk about the alternative. If the retreat feels expensive, consider the cost of doing nothing. Or worse—going through a divorce. Even in low-conflict cases, the numbers are staggering.
| Divorce Expense | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney Fees | $10,000 | $50,000 |
| Court Costs | $250 | $500 |
| Child Support (12 months) | $0 | $22,500 |
| Alimony (12 months) | $0 | $20,280 |
| Home Evaluations | $0 | $10,000 |
| Division of Assets | $0 | $25,000 |
| Separate Housing Costs | $0 | $44,400 |
| Therapy for Family | $0 | $25,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $64,715 | $146,730+ |
And that doesn’t even include the ongoing emotional toll, the years of co-parenting stress, the toll on children, or the cost of rebuilding separate lives. A no-contest divorce with modest income still runs $39,000+ per year when you factor in duplicated living expenses. The truth? Divorce is expensive. Emotionally. Financially. Relationally.
The Emotional Cost of Staying Stuck
Even if divorce isn’t on the table, there’s still a cost to doing nothing. Living like roommates. Feeling unheard or misunderstood. Walking on eggshells. Resentment growing in silence. The emotional weight of disconnection affects your health, your energy, your parenting, your ability to show up fully in other areas of life. And the longer it festers, the harder it is to reverse.
So, Is a Marriage Counseling Retreat Worth It?
If both partners are willing to show up and do the work, an intensive marriage counseling retreat can be the fastest, most efficient, and most transformative investment you’ll ever make for your relationship. Instead of dragging pain out over months or years, you can gain the tools to heal in just two days—and then cement that growth with structured follow-up support.
Our retreat is designed to give you a complete framework: deep immersive work, actionable tools, and the support to apply them long after the retreat ends.
Final Thought: It’s Not About the Price. It’s About the Value.
Every couple hits a breaking point. What matters is what you do when you get there. Will you shut down? Drift further apart? Or will you press pause, invest in yourselves, and fight for your relationship—with expert guidance every step of the way?
A marriage retreat isn’t cheap. But neither is regret. If you’re ready to reconnect, we’re ready to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marriage Counseling Retreat Costs
Q: Why are marriage counseling retreats so expensive?
Retreats are led by licensed, highly trained therapists who dedicate two full days exclusively to you. Unlike weekly therapy, you’re not sharing attention with other clients—the focus is entirely on your marriage. Add in preparation, structured tools, and post-retreat support, and the cost reflects the intensity and depth of the work.
Q: Is a retreat really better than weekly marriage counseling?
For many couples in crisis, yes. Weekly counseling can drag on for months and may not address deeper patterns quickly enough. A 2-day retreat compresses months of therapy into one immersive weekend, which is why couples often describe it as “six months of counseling in two days.”
Q: Do all retreats include follow-up sessions?
No. Most retreats end after the weekend, leaving couples to figure things out on their own. Our program includes eight 90-minute follow-up sessions with the same therapist, ensuring you don’t lose momentum once real life sets back in. This unique model is one of the biggest factors that sets us apart.
Q: What if my spouse doesn’t want to attend?
This is a common concern. We encourage partners to frame the retreat not as “fixing problems” but as an investment in connection, teamwork, and family stability. Many hesitant spouses are willing once they see the retreat is private, supportive, and non-blaming.
Q: Can insurance cover the cost of a marriage retreat?
Typically, no. Because retreats are intensive and often out-of-network, insurance companies don’t cover them. However, many couples see the cost as an investment in avoiding far greater financial and emotional costs of divorce. Some choose to use HSA/FSA accounts for eligible therapy expenses—check with your provider.
Q: What makes this retreat worth the investment?
The combination of private, personalized therapy + a full follow-up package ensures you don’t just experience breakthroughs—you sustain them. Compared to the cost of divorce or years of unresolved conflict, the retreat is a high-value, preventative investment in your relationship and family.
Part of the Blog Series: The Truth About Marriage Counseling Retreats
This post is part of our 6-part series:
