Upon registration on the Diocesan website, the primary registrant will be automatically enrolled in email reminders. If your finace(e) wants email reminders as well, click this link!

Note: emails will come from one of our retreat leader's email account; please add tim@leven.coach to your safe senders list to receive the email reminders. 

Please arrive by 8:45 AM for check-in. We'll have coffee, tea, and light refreshments available. The retreat officially begins at 9:00 AM.

We understand that traffic happens! If you're running late, please contact Carolyn Krings at ckringsdioknox.org. We'll get you settled in as quickly and quietly as possible. However, we strongly encourage arriving on time so you don't miss the opening session. 

Yes! Lunch is included in your registration. Please let us know about any dietary restrictions by contacting Carolyn at ckrings@dioknox.org.

The prework is an important part of the retreat experience, and we strongly encourage you to complete it. However, if circumstances prevented you from finishing, please still attend! Come with an open heart and do your best to engage with the material during the day. 

We understand that emergencies happen. Please contact Carolyn Krings at ckringsdioknox.org as soon as possible if you need to cancel. 

No! While some activities involve small group or couple discussions, you'll never be pressured to share personal details with the large group. All couple reflection time is private. 

The retreat is warm, welcoming, and joy-filled! While we take marriage seriously, we also laugh, enjoy each other's company, and celebrate this exciting time in your lives. Come as you are - all couples are at different places in their faith journeys, and everyone is welcome. 

After the retreat, you'll receive a follow-up email with additional resources and an opportunity to provide feedback. You'll also have the contact information for retreat leaders if you have questions as you continue your marriage preparation. Some parishes offer ongoing support groups for engaged and newly married couples - ask your priest or contact us for information.  

Our presenters include experienced married couples, clergy, and marriage preparation specialists who are trained in the Picture of Love curriculum. You'll hear from multiple voices throughout the day, each bringing their own wisdom and experience. 

Yes! We know it takes time, but this prework is foundational to your retreat experience and your marriage. These aren't busy work - they're essential conversations that many couples never have before marriage, which leads to conflict later. Think of it as a small investment that will save you years of misunderstandings!

That's actually a good thing! The purpose of marriage preparation is to identify areas where you'll need to grow, compromise, or seek help. Discovering differences now - when you can address them thoughtfully - is far better than being surprised after the wedding. Our retreat will help you process these differences and develop strategies for navigating them. If serious concerns arise, we invite you to speak with your parish priest. 

Absolutely not! The budget worksheet is for you and your partner only. During the retreat, we'll discuss financial principles, values, and communication strategies, but you will never be asked to share specific income, debt, or spending numbers with anyone else (other than your fiancé(e) of course!) . Your financial information remains completely private. 

The results are tools for understanding, not boxes to fit into. If something doesn't resonate, that's okay! The goal is to spark conversation about your differences and needs. Sometimes one partner will say, "That's not quite right, but this other aspect is really me." Use these assessments as starting points for deeper discussion, not as absolute truth. 

Absolutely! Please contact Carolyn Krings at ckringsdioknox.org if you have questions about any assignment. She will ensure a Retreat Leader will reach out quickly. We're here to help, and we'd rather clarify now than have you struggle with it alone. 

Absolutely! Picture of Love is designed for couples preparing for marriage in the Catholic Church, including interfaith and ecumenical couples. Assignment #4 includes a specific question about navigating two religious traditions, and we'll discuss this during the retreat. You're not alone - many couples are bridging different faith backgrounds, and we'll help you develop strategies for honoring both partners' spiritual lives. 

Cancelations/Refunds for the Picture of Love Retreat must be received 2 weeks prior to the retreat date. Cancellations received 2 weeks prior to the retreat date, will incur a $25.00 processing fee which will apply to all refund requests.

If you request a refund past the 2-week deadline, no refund will be given. However, your registration can be transferred to the next available Picture of Love Retreat.. 

The credit card used on the online registration for the Picture of Love Retreat will be charged soon after the retreat is held.

The charge to your credit card will show on your statement as, “DOK Giving and Events”.  DOK is an acronym for the "Diocese of Knoxville."

We are putting together a list of hotels near the church and will publish this information shortly. Please stay tuned!