Course Description

ACPWC courses provide essential and applicable knowledge for operating a successful wedding consulting business and being an excellent consultant. We are the only international organization that addresses the needs of wedding consultants in a variety of capacities, whether its consultants who run their own business or if consultants who operate as facility and church coordinators. Our courses cover a wide range of topics including: how to establish a wedding consulting business, how to determine your pricing structure, how to create a wedding budget and timeline, what to consider when working with clients, selecting vendors, developing professional relationships, plus much more.

Whether you are considering becoming a wedding consultant, have already started your business, or looking to enhance your professional credibility, we invite you to become a student and member of the ACPWC.

ACPWC is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. Students can be assured that the ACPWC will provide you with professional training, certification, hands-on experience, support and most importantly industry credibility. These attributes are vital to run your business successfully, plan weddings like a pro and succeed in the wedding and event industry.

The ACPWC’s distinguished association provides several program options to meet your individual needs and to support your business:

1. Training and Certification Program
2. Home Study Program
3. Post-Graduate Continuing Education Program

Training and Certification Program

This personalized course is a live and interactive class instructed by a top wedding consultant and industry leader. Students come from all over the U.S. and internationally to learn business of the American wedding industry and how to run a successful business as a wedding consultant. Each class will be 4 or 5 days depending on location. Each student will receive the signature ACPWC Instruction Reference binder containing everything you need to know to plan a wedding and run your business like a pro. Upon satisfactory completion of the class, graduating students will receive their first level of achievement: Certificate of Completion.

New graduating students will also receive invaluable assistance and support through the Continuing Education program that is included for the first year. Please see the Post-Graduate Continuing Education Program section below for a list of benefits.

Important Note: In preparation of starting your own business, there will be pre-class assignments that you will need to complete before your first day of class.  Your tasks will be assigned to you upon receipt of the deposit. The assignments will take approximately 35-40 hours to complete, so planning ahead and setting aside sufficient time is essential.

Investment: The investment for the Training and Certification Program including the Continuing Education Program is $1,295. To secure your spot, a $300 non-refundable deposit is required along with a completed enrollment form. After the initial deposit, 2 installments may be made of $497.50. Total payments in the amount of $1,295 must be received 2 weeks before your class begins. Please see Payment Methods for specific requirements.

Home Study Program

The Home Study Program is currently accepting new student applications. This program offers you the opportunity to study at your own pace in the comfort of your home. You have three (3) months to complete the course which includes a video series of 10 instructional DVDs and the signature ACPWC Instruction Reference binder. Upon satisfactory completion of the Home Study Course, graduating students will receive their first level of achievement: Certificate of Completion. Continuing support and assistance is just a phone call or e-mail away.


Investment: Investment for the Home Study Course is $1,295. Total payments in the amount of $1,295 must be received before course materials are shipped. Please see Payment Methods for specific requirements.

Post-graduate Continuing Education Program

The ACPWC provides a robust Continuing Education Program to new graduates, continuing members and affiliate members with access to the valuable tools and resources.

• Mentorship: Graduating students will have the opportunity to be mentored by a professionally trained and Certified Wedding Consultant.
• Hands-On Experience:  Gain the hands-on experience needed by shadowing and assisting a professionally trained wedding consultant.
• Continual Education:  You’ll have online access the webinars on the latest training in sales, marketing, internet marketing, wedding planning tips and trends from industry professionals.
• Legal Support:  Access to a team of attorneys to help legally protect your business and family.  Available in most states of U.S. only.
• Client Referrals: Client referrals from other ACPWC members and at the Professional status, you’ll be included in the rotating office referral system.
• Directory Listing:  At the Professional and Certified status, you’ll be listed in our membership directory and the official ACPWC website.
• Networking: Meet and build relationships with ACPWC’s huge network of business and event professionals to support your business, client events and weddings.
• Conference, Seminars and Workshops: The ACPWC attracts some of the biggest names in the wedding, event and hospitality industry.
• Tours: Professionally coordinated tours provide access to venues of all kinds, from unique to elite.  You’ll be exposed and educated to the possibilities of what each venue can offer your clients as well as vendor presentations, delicious food and wine tasting.
• Credibility and Advancement: The Continuing Education Program provides new graduates and members the opportunity to achieve industry credibility by working towards and advancing to the Professional and Certified status.
• Relationships:  Build priceless relationships with other students and members to last a lifetime!

For specific information on achieving Professional and Certified status, please see the Membership section.

Student Testimonials