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SYMBIS is the leading Christian premarital and marriage assessment from Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, used by more than two million couples. Its personalized 15-page report, unpacked with a trained facilitator, helps couples understand their strengths, differences, and blind spots before they say 'I do.'
Our verdict
SYMBIS, short for 'Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts', is Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott's flagship premarital and marriage assessment, taken online in about 30 minutes per person. Built on more than three decades of research and used by over two million couples and 200,000 pastors and counselors, it is the most widely adopted marriage-education tool in the Christian world.
The 15-page personalized report is the standout. It maps your personality dynamics, communication styles, love-life expectations, money attitudes, and spiritual rhythms, then flags the specific risk factors and strengths of your unique pairing. Because it is designed to be unpacked with a certified facilitator, the insights arrive as honest conversations rather than static charts, which is exactly where its value lives.
The trade-off is that SYMBIS is not a self-serve app you open every day. It is a one-time snapshot that requires a facilitator to interpret, and at $35 per couple plus a mentor's time, it is an investment aimed at engaged or newly married couples rather than a daily habit. Used for what it was designed to do, though, it is very hard to beat.
How we scored it
Standout features
Personality Dynamics
Reveals how your temperaments mesh or clash.
15-Page Report
A personalized road map for your specific relationship.
Risk Flags
Surfaces potential trouble spots before marriage.
Faith & Spirituality
Explores shared spiritual rhythms and expectations.
Facilitator Guided
A trained mentor walks you through your results.
Conversation Starters
Turns insights into honest couple dialogue.
Pros & cons
✓ Pros
- Backed by 35 years of research and used by more than two million couples
- Deeply personalized 15-page report tailored to your exact pairing
- Facilitator-led format turns results into meaningful conversation
- Covers the topics couples actually struggle with: money, intimacy, in-laws, and faith
- One flat $35 price with no subscription or hidden fees
– Cons
- Requires a certified facilitator, so you cannot simply complete it on your own
- A one-time assessment rather than an ongoing tool you return to
- No dedicated mobile app, the experience is web-only
Best for
Engaged couples and newlyweds who want a research-backed, faith-centered picture of their relationship's strengths and blind spots, ideally guided by a pastor or mentor.
Look elsewhere if
You want a low-cost app you can use on your own every day, or ongoing devotionals rather than a one-time assessment.
Pricing
How it compares
| SYMBIS Assessment | Prepare/Enrich | Lasting | Marriage365 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our score | 8.4 | 8.0 | 8.2 | 7.8 |
| Faith integration | 8.5 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 8.5 |
| Research basis | 9.0 | 9.0 | 8.0 | 6.5 |
| Ongoing use | 6.0 | 6.0 | 9.0 | 8.0 |
| Price value | 8.0 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 8.5 |
FAQ
Is SYMBIS a Christian assessment?
Yes. Created by Christian psychologists Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott, it weaves faith and spiritual rhythms into its psychological insights and is widely used by churches and pastors.
Do I need a facilitator?
Yes. A certified SYMBIS facilitator is required to interpret your report and guide the conversation; you can find one through the SYMBIS network or your church.
How much does it cost?
$35 per couple for the assessment and personalized report. Facilitators may include this within their counseling fees.
How long does it take?
About 30 minutes per person, taken separately online. Your progress is saved if you need to pause and come back.
Is it only for engaged couples?
No. While best known for premarital use, the SYMBIS+ version adds pages tailored specifically to already-married couples.
