Pastor Leo Godzich was one of the key founders of the Covenant Marriage Movement. The Covenant Marriage Movement was a response to the growing divorce epidemic in society. In America, it is often easier to get a divorce than it is to get a lease on a car. The leaders of this movement knew that this ought not to be, so they created the Covenant Marriage License. This was alternative to the regular marriage license. By signing the covenant marriage license instead of the regular license, the couple strengthens their vows and recognizes that marriage is a covenant and not a contract.

In order to enter into a covenant marriage, the couple wanting to get married must first complete some type of premarital counseling (either from a member of the clergy or a marriage counselor).  They must fill out a notarized affidavit from the counselor that acknowledges the following: the parties were told about the nature and purpose of a covenant marriage, they were advised about the very few reasons for ending marriage by legal separation or divorce, and they were given a Covenant Marriages in Arizona booklet published by Arizona Office of the Courts. When purchasing the Covenant License, it is $72—the same cost as a regular marriage license.

It is also an option to switch a regular marriage license into a Covenant Marriage license for only $ 26.50. This does not require premarital counseling, but it is a great way to strengthen and renew the vows.

In the terms of this marriage license, there are very limited reasons that allow legal divorce or separation.  You must be able to prove adultery or abuse, and then at that point you must get counseling for two years before you legally separate.

The covenant marriage movement has helped people realize the severity of marriage and the fact that God views it as a binding covenant, not just an easily broken covenant. The covenant marriage movement has helped to prevent many divorces from happening and helped people rediscover true unconditional love for their spouse. Right now, the covenant marriage license is in three states (Arizona, Arkansas and Louisiana). Become an activist for this to be in your state!