"An Extraordinary Marriage" 2026 H.I.M. Newport Marriage Retreat
"An Extraordinary Marriage" 2026 H.I.M. Newport Marriage Retreat
We serve an extraordinary God. Everything He does and creates is extraordinary. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” The pinnacle of God’s creation is man and woman, made in His image, and it is God that created the marriage relationship. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).
Marriage is God’s foundational relationship—ordained to reflect the oneness of Christ and the Church, to bear witness to the redeeming power of the Gospel, and to raise Godly offspring for His glory.
This year we will be looking at the person of Daniel, an extraordinary man of God. Daniel was snatched away from his family and Godly community to live in a pagan land, and yet he lived an extraordinary life of faith. We will explore the parallels between the life of Daniel and our marriages, which are being lived out in a “pagan land.”
The four plenary sessions will be “Preparing for an Extraordinary Marriage,” “Protecting an Extraordinary Marriage,” “Practices of an Extraordinary Marriage,” and “Pleasures of an Extraordinary Marriage.”
Paul and Virginia Friesen will speak on Friday night, Saturday morning, and Sunday morning. Our Saturday evening session will be hosted by Paul and Virginia and will include a panel sharing practical insights and practices for building an extraordinary marriage.
In addition, there will be 10 workshops to choose from that will offer practical discussions on various aspects of marriage and family relationships.
Registration rates:
The cost covers two nights’ accommodations at the Newport Marriott Hotel in Newport, Rhode Island, including breakfast and dinner on Saturday, breakfast on Sunday, and all sessions, workshops, and materials. If you choose the deposit-only option, the rest of your balance won’t be due until January 6th. We’ll send you a reminder before then, and don’t worry—your spot is fully reserved by paying the deposit.
from $630 9/1/25–10/31/25 Early Bird Rate
from $680 11/1/25–12/31/25 Regular Rate
from $735 After 1/1/26 Late (as space allows)
Final details will be emailed out before the conference.
Cancellation policy:
Cancellation of a registration by January 6, 2026, will result in a full refund less an administrative fee of $150. No refunds will be given after January 6, 2026, but registrations are fully transferable to another couple without penalty by calling the H.I.M. office at 781-275-6473 or sending email to gabby@himweb.org with the name change.
Scholarship Fund:
Please consider a donation to the Scholarship Fund. The Fund provides scholarship assistance to the HIM Marriage Retreat for couples who are experiencing financial challenges. HIM has in place a process for couples to apply for scholarship funding. Please email Gabby at gabby@himweb.org to learn more.
All donations are tax-deductible.
Newport Marriott Hotel:
The Newport Marriott Hotel is one of the most vibrant luxury hotels on the water in Newport, Rhode Island. Their nautically inspired hotel offers luxurious rooms, enticing dining, a lobby perfect for mingling and relaxing, and is a haven right in the heart of downtown.
Newport Marriott Hotel • 25 America’s Cup Avenue • Newport, RI 02840
Worship Team:
Our worship will again be led by Justin and Falon Unger. The Ungers have a special ministry to worship leaders, encouraging them in the process of leading God’s people in worship. This gifted couple will encourage you to worship through music as few are able.
Weekend Schedule:
Friday
4-8 pm Registration and Check-in
8 pm Session 1: “Preparing for an Extraordinary Marriage” with Paul and Virginia Friesen
Saturday
7:30-9 am Breakfast
9:15 am Session 2: “Protecting an Extraordinary Marriage” with Paul and Virginia Friesen
10:45 am Break
11:15 am Workshops
12:30 pm Free time for lunch and afternoon on your own
6:00 pm Dinner at the hotel
7:30 pm Session 3: “Practices of an Extraordinary Marriage” with Friesens and panel
9:00 pm Worship/Concert
Sunday
8-9:30 am Breakfast
10:00 am Workshops
11:30 am Session 4: “Pleasures of an Extraordinary Marriage” with Paul and Virginia Friesen
1:00 pm Departure
Children:
To contribute to a relaxed couples’ getaway, this is an adult-only event. Please contact Gabby with any questions.