So, you're ready to commit to spending the rest of your life with this person.
Sure, you love each other and of course you know everything there is to know about each other and your dreams for your future together, right? But are you and your partner ready for the work of learning, and then relearning, how to love one another throughout the stages of marriage?

Your clergy person will typically have several pre-marital sessions with you to go over your mutual goals in life, discuss your views on your family and future and make sure you have given all aspects of your relationship careful consideration. Take the time to explore this opportunity and each other honestly.

Dr. Kirk Lamb, Licensed Psychologist at Processus Counseling in Waite Park has worked with more than one thousand couples to enhance their marriage experience and has developed P.A.C.E, the Premarital Assessment and Communication Enhancement program - a scientifically-based method of improving your odds of achieving a jackpot marriage. The program is designed for engaged, newlyweds or remarried persons as an enhancement to their marriage preparation.

Diane Berscheit, one of the board members of the St Cloud National Marriage Encounter, says they hold private weekend sessions for married couples that want to rediscover themselves. Her advice for a healthy relationship before and during marriage includes open communication at the top of the list. "You have to be open with each other about all the issues in your life," she said. "Religion, children, finances are all crucial. Talk about each other's expectations and be willing to give."

The mission of an engaged or marriage encounter is to nurture and support the marriage of a man and woman and their family life. This is done by offering an opportunity to experience a deep and loving communication between a husband, wife, and God, and for couples to discover themselves more fully in an accepting and loving atmosphere. During the weekend they examine their relationship to each other, their family, God, and society. It is for all couples of all faiths that have a good relationship and want to better it.

For more information about the P.A.C.E. program, call Dr. Kirk Lamb, Licensed Psychologist at Processus Counseling and Consulting Services in Waite Park, call
(320) 252-2976.

For more information about St Cloud National Marriage Encounter call Diane & Bruce Berscheit at 320-252-3220 or http://home.att.net/~StCloudME.

For information about The Engaged Encounter in St. Paul, call (651) 454-3238 or www.marriages.org.

Minnesota Marriage Laws
Minnesota has a mandatory waiting period of five working days. The $110 license fee will be reduced to $40 if a couple can show written proof of having received an authorized premarital course that has a minimum of 12 hours instruction and includes the use of a premarital inventory and the teaching of communication and conflict management skills. This course must have been taught by a licensed or ordained minister or minister's designee, a person authorized to solemnize marriages, or a person authorized to practice marriage and family therapy. Only one person need apply for the license but both must have proper ID and Social Security numbers. The absent person must also get his/her signature notarized. Proof of death, divorce, or annulment from the most recent marriage must be provided if applicable. Blood tests are not required in Minnesota. Cousins and same-sex couples cannot legally marry. You need not be a resident of Minnesota to apply for a marriage license but a license purchased in Minnesota must be used in this state. The license is valid for 6 months. A copy of the marriage certificate will be kept on file in the county where you applied. Apply for your Marriage license or get more information at http://www.co.stearns.mn.us or call 320.656.3925

Changing Your Name
If you are planning to change your name, you will probably not do so until after the wedding because most places require a certified marriage certificate. However, when applying for your marriage license, you could start gathering the forms and information required to change your name and/or address for the following:
* Social Security
* IRS
* Passport
* Driver's License & Vehicle Title/
Registration
* U.S. Postal Service
* Credit cards and any other financial accounts.

St. Cloud Times
3000 N Seventh Street
St. Cloud, MN 56303
320-255-8753 Fax: 320-255-8773
FORMS: Stop by the St. Cloud Times, write or visit www.sctimes.com/celebrations for engagement and wedding announcements. Photos are also accepted by e-mail at Celebrations@stcloudtimes.com. Submit engagement forms 3 to 4 months prior to the wedding. Wedding announcements are accepted within 30 days from the date of the wedding. Allow 2-3 weeks for publication.
FEE: $50 - $120 depending on size.
PHOTOS: Will be returned if your name and address are printed on the back of the photograph. Wedding proofs are acceptable.

Morrison County Record
216 SE First Street
Little Falls, MN 56345
320-632-2345 Fax: 320-632-2348
FORMS: Available at the newspaper office, courthouse or online at www.mcrecord.com or compose your own announcement based on those published in previous newspapers.
FEE: No charge.
DEADLINE: Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. for announcements published the same week.

Princeton Union-Eagle
208 N. Rum River Drive
Princeton, MN 55371
763-389-1222 Fax: 763-389-1728
FORMS: Pick up at the newspaper office and mail or fax form or online at www.unioneagle.com. Announcements may be published up to the wedding day.
FEE: No charge for announcements, but published photos are $7.50.
DEADLINE: Monday at Noon for announcements published the same week.

Monticello Times
116 E. River
Monticello, MN 55362
763-295-3131 Fax: 763-295-3080
FORMS: Pick up at the newspaper office, fax or submit online at www.monticellotimes.com or email monticellonews@acnpapers.com
FEE: No charge. Photos are accepted.
DEADLINE: Monday at 5:00 p.m. for announcements published the same week.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Couples must have some local tie to the community. An engagement or a wedding announcement is accepted, but not both.

Echo Press Newspaper
225 7th Avenue East
Alexandria, MN 56308
320-763-3133 Fax: 320-763-3258
FORMS: Available at the newspaper office, online at www.echopress.com or compose your own based on those previously published
FEE: No charge for announcements, but with photo the fees are: engagement $8 and wedding $10.
DEADLINE: Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. Engagements will appear the first Friday after the announcement is received. Wedding announcement will run as space allows.

West Central Tribune
2208 Trott Avenue SW
P.O. Box 839
Willmar, MN 56202
320-235-1150 Fax: 320-235-6769
FORMS: Can be faxed, or submitted online to: weddings@wctrib.com
FEE: No fee if submission is from coverage area.
DEADLINE: Submit by noon on Monday for possible inclusion on the following Saturday.