We are looking to get married in the church, is Marriage Encounter the same as Marriage Prep?

No, the Marriage Encounter Experience is NOT the same as Marriage Preparation classes. Marriage Encounter experiences are for couples who are either currently married in the church or civilly married.

If you are currently in a civil marriage and are planning to marry in the Catholic Church (marriage convalidation) to receive the sacrament of Matrimony, YES!  This may be the experience for you! Just confirm with your pastor. A certificate can be provided for him as well.

If you are marrying for the first time and are not currently in a civil marriage, you should attend a Catholic Engaged Encounter weekend. The Catholic Engaged Encounter weekend provides the typical Pre-Cana Marriage Preparation subjects.

And congratulations! We are thrilled about your upcoming nuptials!