Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger Reveal Premarital “Directives” That Helped Build Their Marriage

By [Your Name], Entertainment Correspondent

Chris Pratt and his wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger, have offered a rare glimpse into the thoughtful preparation that helped shape their marriage — and it comes with a surprising mix of earnest planning and personal quirks.

In a recent appearance on the “Literally! With Rob Lowe” podcast, Pratt, 46, explained that he and Schwarzenegger — who married in 2019 — took premarital counseling seriously, completing about six sessions through the Catholic Church’s process before their wedding. During those sessions, the couple compiled what Pratt termed a “list of directives” designed to help them navigate future disagreements and align their expectations early on.

Planning for Love — and Potential Landmines

Pratt said the counseling — part of the requirement for couples marrying at St. Monica Catholic Church — pushed them to discuss topics couples might not otherwise address until years into a relationship. He credited the therapist with guiding conversations that helped them preemptively resolve issues that could otherwise become “landmines” in the future.

“One example was agreeing on when to start holiday traditions,” Pratt explained, referring to one of their agreements that Christmas music would begin on November 1 and that the Christmas tree would come down December 26. By agreeing on these details ahead of time, Pratt said, “we don’t have to run into” arguments about seemingly small but emotionally meaningful habits.

The actor encouraged others considering marriage to explore similar preparation, describing the premarital counseling experience as both practical and enlightening. “If you’re somebody who’s thinking of getting married, you should definitely follow this,” Pratt told host Rob Lowe.

A Strategy for Communication and Respect

Pratt emphasized that the purpose of their directives wasn’t to strictly regulate every aspect of married life but rather to foster open communication and mutual respect. By talking through difficult topics in a guided environment, the couple was able to better understand each other’s expectations and build a foundation for resolving conflict when disagreements arise.

“That way, if you have an issue, you talk about it and hash it out,” he said, noting that unresolved issues in marriage often stem from assumptions or misunderstandings that could have been discussed earlier.

Family Life and Shared Priorities

Pratt and Schwarzenegger’s marriage has grown into a full family life. The couple now share three children — daughters Lyla (5) and Eloise (3), and son Ford (15 months) — and Pratt is also a father to son Jack, 13, from his previous marriage.

Their premarital counseling approach reflects a broader trend among couples seeking not just romance but also intentional planning and emotional preparedness before marriage — a strategy that researchers and therapists often commend for fostering long-term relationship health.

Why It Matters

While holiday music and tree-taking rituals might seem lighthearted, Pratt’s reflections underscore a deeper point: the success of a long-term partnership often comes down to clear communication, mutual compromise and proactive problem-solving.

By addressing potential friction points before they become true points of conflict, the couple says they found a roadmap to common ground — one that, for them, continues to guide their family life today.

As Pratt put it on the podcast, discussing expectations and “hashing out” disagreements early is not just practical but also a form of relationship care that can strengthen trust and understanding over time.