Chris Pratt just revealed the surprising reason he and Katherine Schwarzenegger attended couples counseling before their wedding. The Guardians of the Galaxy star explained that six premarital sessions helped them avoid massive relationship conflicts before they even started married life. Here’s what the pastor asked them that changed everything.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Catholic requirement: St. Monica Church in Santa Monica required Pre-Cana marriage prep before tying the knot
- Six sessions: Pratt and Schwarzenegger completed counseling with a therapist he called the best experience ever
- Wedding date: The couple married in July 2019 after two ceremonies, one at the church
- Three children: Pratt and Katherine now share Lyla, 5, Eloise, 3, and Ford, 15 months
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Chris Pratt opened up about his marriage preparation during an appearance on Rob Lowe’s SiriusXM podcast this week. The Mercy actor explained that St. Monica’s Catholic Church required couples to complete premarital counseling before getting married there. Pratt described the experience as transformative for his relationship with Katherine.
He explained that the therapist guided them through potential problems couples face. Pratt said the sessions helped identify invisible conflicts before they became real fights in marriage. The couple worked through dozens of disagreements with professional guidance.
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Pratt gave a vivid description of how premarital counseling operates. He called it “diffusing 300 potential landmines beforehand” before they ever became actual relationship explosions. Topics included when to start and stop playing Christmas music, when to take down the tree, and deeper philosophical questions.
“If you agree on it, you move on,” Pratt explained. “But if there’s things you disagree on, you hash it out.” The therapist acted like a professional bomb defuser, helping them negotiate differences without triggering arguments. Pratt emphasized that without this preparation, couples discover these conflicts eight years later.
The Unexpected Christmas Tradition Agreement
Pratt and Katherine created a detailed list of marriage guidelines during their sessions. One example was their decision to play Christmas music starting November 1. They also agreed to take down their tree on December 26 every year. These specific decisions eliminated arguments during their first holiday season together.
| Agreement Topic | The Pratt-Schwarzenegger Decision |
| Christmas Music Start | November 1st annually |
| Tree Removal Date | December 26th each year |
| Therapy Sessions Completed | Six sessions total |
| Marriage Year | Since July 2019 |
The pair worked through many sensitive topics with their counselor. Katherine previously mentioned they discussed things that couples married for 10 or 15 years still struggle with. This early intervention gave them a massive advantage.
“It’s a great gift to give your potential spouse. This therapist is basically diffusing a bomb, but in a way that’s not gonna cause an argument or a fight.”
— Chris Pratt, Actor, on his experience with premarital counseling
How Pre-Cana Saved Them From Future Arguments
Pratt strongly recommended premarital counseling to anyone considering marriage. He emphasized that couples naturally discover conflicts after years together, but his sessions forced these conversations to happen proactively. The therapist created a safe space to debate and negotiate rather than fight.
He acknowledged that some topics triggered emotions like anger or frustration. But the professional guidance helped them understand why each person held their beliefs. This deeper understanding transformed potential arguments into meaningful conversations about values and expectations.
Does Katherine Schwarzenegger Agree with Chris Pratt’s Assessment of Couples Counseling?
Katherine, now 36, previously discussed their premarital experience in a 2021 podcast interview. She confirmed that the Catholic Church requires engaged couples to complete the Pre-Cana program before marriage. Katherine said the sessions prompted conversations they wouldn’t have had otherwise.
The BDA Baby podcast host noted that many couples married 10 to 15 years still avoid certain difficult topics. She appreciated how the counselor created a structured environment for vulnerable discussions. Both Pratt and Katherine credit this preparation for their stable marriage and growing blended family.
Sources
- People Magazine – Chris Pratt discusses premarital counseling with wife on Rob Lowe podcast
- HELLO! Magazine – Chris Pratt reveals why marriage prep was transformative for his relationship
- SiriusXM – Literally! With Rob Lowe podcast appearance from February 5, 2026
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.