1. Prioritize Premarital Counseling

Many couples focus heavily on wedding planning but forget to prepare for marriage itself. Premarital counseling is a game-changer because it helps you navigate essential topics such as communication, conflict resolution, finances, and spiritual growth.

💡 Hack: Choose a Christian counselor or pastor who aligns with your faith and values. Jason and I are going through faith-based counseling, and it has already deepened our understanding of marriage from a biblical perspective.

🔹 Bible Verse: “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” – Proverbs 11:14

2. Keep God at the Center of Your Relationship

Engagement is a time of excitement, but also spiritual attacks. The enemy would love to create division before you even say “I do.” That’s why it’s crucial to keep God at the center of your relationship through prayer, Bible study, and church involvement.

💡 Hack: Set a regular time each week to pray together. Whether it’s over the phone or in person, make it a habit to lift up your relationship to God. Jason and I do “Scripture Sundays,” where we study a Bible passage and pray for our future together.

🔹 Bible Verse: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” – Ecclesiastes 4:12

3. Establish Healthy Communication Early

One of the biggest struggles in marriage is communication, so why not master it before you walk down the aisle? Learning how to express your needs, listen actively, and resolve conflicts biblically will strengthen your future marriage.

💡 Hack: Use the “Pause & Pray” rule. When emotions run high, take a step back, pray together, and then revisit the conversation with a calm heart.

🔹 Bible Verse: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19

4. Discuss Finances Before Marriage

Money is one of the top causes of marital stress, so having honest financial conversations before marriage is crucial. Discuss budgeting, tithing, saving, and spending habits.

💡 Hack: Create a “Financial Vision Board” together to visually map out your short-term and long-term financial goals.

🔹 Bible Verse: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21

5. Set Boundaries to Protect Purity

The engagement period can bring heightened temptation, but honoring God in your relationship means upholding purity until marriage. Setting clear boundaries will help you both stay accountable.

💡 Hack: Create an accountability plan. Whether it’s not being alone in certain settings or having a mentor check in, boundaries protect your relationship.

🔹 Bible Verse: “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” – 1 Corinthians 6:18

6. Surround Yourselves with Godly Mentors

Who you seek advice from matters. Surround yourselves with married Christian couples who model a God-honoring relationship and can offer wisdom.

💡 Hack: Ask an older couple to mentor you through your engagement. Jason and I are blessed to have a few couples throughout the body of Christ who guide us spiritually and practically.

🔹 Bible Verse: “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” – Proverbs 12:15

7. Plan a Christ-Centered Wedding, Not Just an Event

It’s easy to get caught up in the wedding industry, but remember that your wedding day is about honoring God and celebrating your union in Christ.

💡 Hack: Choose a Scripture theme for your wedding and incorporate it into your vows, invitations, and ceremony. Ours is Ephesians 5:31-32, which reflects the sacred mystery of marriage.

🔹 Bible Verse: “For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” – Ephesians 5:31

8. Keep Your Engagement Season Fun!

While engagement is serious, don’t forget to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime season. Plan date nights, celebrate small milestones, and embrace the journey.

💡 Hack: Make a “Pre-Marriage Bucket List” filled with fun activities to do before the wedding. Jason and I are working through ours, which includes a couples’ cooking class and a scenic road trip.

🔹 Bible Verse: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22

9. Pray for Your Future Together

The best thing you can do for your future marriage is to start praying over it now. Pray for wisdom, unity, and God’s guidance in your journey together.

💡 Hack: Keep a “Marriage Prayer Journal” where you write down specific prayers for your relationship and future family. Here’s one I recommend: The Marriage Journal [affiliate link]

🔹 Bible Verse: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6

10. Remember That Marriage Is a Ministry

Marriage isn’t just about love—it’s about glorifying God and serving others as a couple. Approach engagement with the mindset that your marriage is a ministry.

💡 Hack: Find ways to serve together, whether through your church, community outreach, or mentoring other couples.

🔹 Bible Verse: “Serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13

Final Thoughts

Being newly engaged as a Christian is a beautiful and sacred time. As Jason and I continue preparing for marriage, we’re holding on to these biblical marriage hacks to ensure we build a strong foundation.

If you’re in this season too, remember that marriage is a covenant, not just a contract. Keep God at the center, seek wisdom, and enjoy the journey to becoming one.

💍 Are you engaged? Drop a comment below with your favorite marriage hack!

Did you like this article? Check out our The Ultimate Newlywed Starter Kit: Essentials for a Happy and Organized Home