Have the Right Conversations — Questions to Ask Before Marriage
Most people spend more time planning a wedding than they do having the conversations that actually determine whether a marriage will work. These questions are the ones worth asking — of a potential spouse, and of yourself. There are no right answers here. The value is in the honesty of the conversation, not the outcome. Work through them in your own time, across multiple sittings if needed. The ones that feel uncomfortable are usually the most important. Scroll through below, or enter your email at the bottom and we'll send the full guide to your inbox to save and refer back to.
Faith & Values
These shape everything. Misalignment here creates friction that doesn't go away.
1. How do you practice your faith day-to-day — and what does that look like in a shared home?
2. How important is it to you that your spouse shares your level of practice?
3. How do you want faith to feature in how you raise children?
4. Are there areas where your beliefs or values have shifted, or are still evolving?
5. How do you handle disagreement on religious matters — with family or a partner?
Family & Expectations
You're not just marrying a person — you're entering a family dynamic. Know what you're walking into.
1. What role do you expect your family to play in your married life?
2. How involved do you expect your in-laws to be — practically and emotionally?
3. What are your expectations around living arrangements — independent household, close to family, or with family?
4. How do you handle conflict with your parents or siblings — and how would that affect your marriage?
5. Are there any family obligations (financial, caring responsibilities) that would affect your marriage?
Finances & Practicalities
Money is one of the most common sources of marital conflict. Talk about it before, not after.
1. How do you think finances should be managed in a marriage — joint, separate, or both?
2. Are you currently in debt, and if so, what's the plan?
3. What are your expectations around who earns, who manages the home, and how decisions get made?
4. What does financial security mean to you — and what are you working toward?
5. Do you have savings, and what are they for?
Lifestyle & Day-to-Day
Marriage is mostly ordinary life. Compatibility on the small stuff matters more than people think.
1. What does a typical weekend look like for you — and what would you want it to look like?
2. How do you recharge — alone, with people, or a mix?
3. What are your expectations around socialising, friendships, and time with the opposite gender?
4. How important is travel to you, and what does that look like practically?
5. How do you feel about having guests, hosting family, and having people in your space regularly?
Children & Parenting
If you want children, this is non-negotiable to align on. If you're unsure, that's also worth discussing.
1. Do you want children — and if so, how many and when?
2. What happens if having children isn't straightforward — have you thought about that?
3. How do you think about raising children in terms of education, values, and faith?
4. What does the division of parenting responsibilities look like to you?
5. How were you raised, and what would you replicate or do differently?
Relationship Style & Communication
How you communicate under pressure will define your marriage. It's worth being honest about.
1. How do you handle conflict — do you need space first, or do you prefer to resolve things immediately?
2. How do you express affection, and what do you need to feel loved?
3. Have you been in a serious relationship before, and what did you learn from it?
4. How do you feel about counselling or seeking outside help if things get difficult?
5. What does a good marriage look like to you — what are you actually hoping for?
For Her to Ask / Consider
Questions worth raising or reflecting on specifically.
1. What are his expectations of a wife — practically, emotionally, and in terms of your career or ambitions?
2. How does he make decisions — alone, collaboratively, or defers to family?
3. What is his relationship with his mother like, and how does he talk about the women in his life?
4. Does he have a clear direction in life — and does his vision include you as an equal partner?
5. How does he handle stress, and have you seen him under pressure?
For Him to Ask / Consider
Questions worth raising or reflecting on specifically.
1. What are her expectations of a husband — and do they align with who you are, not just who you want to be?
2. What does she need to feel secure — emotionally, practically, and in terms of your commitment?
3. How does she handle conflict with the people she loves?
4. What are her ambitions, and how do they fit with the life you're imagining?
5. Have you had an honest conversation about what she needs from you — not what you assume she needs?
Want to save this and read it later? Get the guide sent to your email.
Get the full guide sent to your inbox
Done - check your inbox ✉️
