Frequently asked questions

FAQ

What is the Marriage Enrichment Experience?

The Marriage Enrichment Experience is based on the proven, Biblically based principles that come directly out of the Hope Restored marriage intensive program. These principles provide couples with practical tools to create a more vibrant, intimate and loving marriage.

What’s the difference between a conference, a retreat and an all-inclusive retreat?

Marriage Enrichment Conferences are held in churches across the country over the course of one to two days. In a seminar-style format, at least 100 couples will gather to learn the principles of Hope Restored taught by our marriage speakers Wayne Reed and Vicki Hooper. Learn more

Marriage Enrichment Retreats are held in hotels across the country and provide couples with the opportunity to make a weekend of it by booking themselves a hotel stay at the same time. With more time than a conference, approximately 25 couples will gather to learn the same principles as the Marriage Enrichment Conference, but with more time spent seeing what it looks like in practice. Learn more

All-Inclusive Marriage Enrichment Retreats provide couples with the most focused care and attention from our speakers. Held at our luxurious retreat centres in Alberta and Manitoba, the group is much smaller (5 to 7 couples) and allows for more time to workshop the tools with your spouse. Learn more

When and where are the programs held?

Conferences are held in local churches across the country. See upcoming dates and locations here.

Retreats are held at local hotels across the country. See upcoming dates and locations here.

All-Inclusive Retreats are held at our two retreat centres just outside of Calgary, AB, and Winnipeg, MB. See upcoming dates and locations here, and learn more about the locations here.

How is this different from other marriage conferences and retreats?

The principles of Hope Restored have been proven over the course of over 15 years in the U.S. to save marriages that are on the brink of divorce. In the Marriage Enrichment Experience, we’re bringing those same proven principles to couples before they reach a state of crisis in order to help them improve communication, conflict resolution and personal care practices. The tools they learn at our Marriage Enrichment Conferences and Retreats can easily be brought home into their everyday lives to deepen intimacy with their spouse.

How far ahead do I need to register?

Due to the small size of the group, All-Inclusive Retreats tend to fill up the fastest, so it’s best to register and reserve your spot as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Retreats at hotels are slightly larger groups, but it is still best to reserve the date you have in mind to ensure your spot.

Conferences are dependent on the size of the church, so there is less urgency to book far in advance, but it’s always good to make sure you have your tickets purchased.

What is the cost of a Marriage Enrichment Experience?

Marriage Enrichment Conferences cost $80 CAD per couple*.

Marriage Enrichment Retreats cost $495 CAD per couple*.

* Does not include hotel, meals or parking

All-Inclusive Marriage Enrichment Retreats cost $895 CAD per couple.

Early bird for conferences is $60 CAD/couple

Early bird for retreats is $450 CAD

Early bird for All-inclusive is $850 CAD

What is all included in the cost of a conference, a retreat and an all-inclusive?

The cost of a Marriage Enrichment Conference includes the Enrichment program as well as two workbooks to take home.

The cost of a Marriage Enrichment Retreat includes the Enrichment program as well as two workbooks to take home. Hotel, meals and parking not included.

The cost of an All-Inclusive Marriage Enrichment Retreat includes the weekend program, two workbooks to take home, as well as all accommodations, food and parking.

What if I have to cancel at the last minute due to an unforeseen event, can I be refunded?

Registration rates are non-refundable, but can be applied toward a different retreat date, if needed. Please inform us about your situation as soon as possible. The sooner we know about the change, the easier it is for those guests on the waiting list to rearrange their schedules.

What credentials do your speakers have?

Wayne Reed has been a pastor and counsellor for over 25 years and is a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Christian Psychotherapists. Learn more about Wayne here.

Vicki Hooper has an extensive background in teaching and ministry and is a Canadian certified counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Learn more about Vicki here.

What does the Marriage Enrichment Experience program include?

At your Marriage Enrichment Experience, two facilitators will walk you through discussions and exercises that reveal the hidden barriers that keep marriages from thriving. You’ll not only understand what a healthy marriage looks like, but you’ll also learn about the fear cycle, how to avoid it, the value of caring for yourself, and how to communicate with your spouse on a deeper level. Learn more about program details here.

What if my spouse and I are dealing with significant challenges in our marriage?

If you feel as though you and your spouse are a loss of how to deal with challenges in your marriage, whether it’s due to communication breakdown, infidelity, financial strain, or anything else that feels insurmountable right now, we have a program designed for couples in crisis. Hope Restored marriage intensives provide focused counselling over several days to help you get to the root of the issues in your marriage and find hope and healing once again. To learn more, visit HopeRestoredCanada.ca or call our intensive consultant at 1.833.999.HOPE (4673).

What airport should I use when travelling to an All-Inclusive Retreat?

Calgary, AB

For intensives in Calgary, AB, we recommend Calgary International Airport as it is approximately an hour’s drive from our Calgary centre.

Winnipeg, MB

For intensives in Winnipeg, MB, we recommend Winnipeg International Airport as it is approximately 1 1/2 hours’ drive from our Manitoba centre.

Can I get picked up at the airport for my All-Inclusive Retreat?

Unfortunately, we are over an hour drive from the airports and cannot pick up guests.

Is it recommended that I rent a car for my All-Inclusive Retreat?

Yes, we do recommend guests to have their own transportation.

Can I get a taxi to the retreat centre for my All-Inclusive Retreat?

Taxi service is available to both centre locations, but you may want to check with cab companies regarding the fee.

Do you have a Statement of Faith?

Yes, we do. Please find it here.

What if I have questions that are not listed in the FAQ section?

We want to assist you in getting all the information you need to make informed decisions about our programs. If you have additional questions, call Focus on the Family Canada’s team at 1.833.2.ENRICH (236.7424) or email your questions to [email protected] and we will respond as soon as we can.