Couples Check-up 1.0 is where every couple starts; Check-up 2.0 comes next.
Watch: The Couples Check-up 1.0
Check-up Weekends 2026
November 13-15 Check-up 1.0 (Full)
Dec 4-6 Check-up 1.0
Check-up Weekends 2027
Jan 29-31 Check-up 1.0
Feb 26-28 Check-up 2.0*
March 12-14 Check-up 1.0
April 30-May 2 Check-up 1.0
May 21-23 Check-up 1.0
Aug 27-29 Check-up 1.0
Sept 24-26 Check-up 1.0
Oct 29-31 Check-up 2.0*
Nov 12-14 Check-up 1.0
Dec 10-12 Check-up 1.0
(*You must attend Couple Check-up 1.0 first prior to attending Check-up 2.0)
The Couples Check-up 1.0 weekend is conducted with a maximum of three couples in a fun and intimate setting at The Marriage Refuge Video
We start out coaching in group sessions and then breakaway for couples workbook activities. We provide individual couples coaching as part of the weekend experience.
The goal is to leave with a plan to take your marriage from “Surviving to Thriving!”
Agenda
Friday Night
7 pm – fun low key activities – get acquainted
Spend the night in your own private suite
Saturday
8am Breakfast
9 am-5 pm Couples Check-up 1.0 workshop and coaching
6pm Dinner
Evening Activities – Pool, Spa, Sauna, Game Room, Sitting by the Fire and Relaxing.
Sunday
8-9am Breakfast
10am Devotional and Communion Service
11am End
Cost
The Marriage Refuge is a non-profit 501c3 and operates on faith donations. Please be in prayer and let the Lord lead you in your support of this important ministry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Check-up weekend cost?
The Marriage Refuge is free. It is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that operates on donations, and we ask that you prayerfully consider supporting the ministry or paying it forward for a future couple.
How many couples attend a weekend?
Each Couples Check-up weekend has a maximum of three couples, in a fun and intimate setting.
Where is The Marriage Refuge?
The Refuge is in Vista, California, near San Diego. Each couple stays in their own private suite.
Do we have to be Christians?
No, you don’t have to be a Christian to attend. Everyone is welcome. The Marriage Refuge is Christian-based, and our teaching comes from a biblical foundation.
What happens on the weekend?
The weekend runs from Friday at 7 pm to Sunday at 11 am. Friday night is low-key and relaxed, Saturday is the Couples Check-up workshop with group sessions, couples workbook activities and individual coaching, and Sunday ends with a devotional and communion.
Is this coaching or counseling?
Mark and Karen are coaches, not counselors. If you need counseling, we refer couples to Restoration Therapy Centers, and we recommend therapist Lance.
Step 1: Book your free Zoom call with Mark and Karen
Thank you for inquiring about the Marriage Refuge weekend. We have a few questions we’d like to have you answer before we approve your application. We will respond as soon as possible once we receive your application.
Step 2: Apply for a weekend
