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Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert are married!
The couple said, "I do," in Monterey County, California, on August 26, 2023.
"We got married right in front of this mother tree that's surrounded by all these smaller trees," Erbert said of the spot they chose for their ceremony. "They drop all the seeds, and it plants kind of like an army of children to protect the mother. The symbolism of it was beautiful. We're here, planting our seeds to grow our family."
In June 2022, Hough announced on Instagram that he'd popped the question to Erbert.
"It's only the beginning…the beginning of forever ♥️," he wrote alongside a photo of the couple embracing.
The pair started dating in 2015 while they were both appearing on Dancing With the Stars. The couple kept their relationship quiet for the first few years until they made their Instagram debut in 2017, and they've been sharing sweet updates about their romance with fans ever since.
Over the course of their relationship, the pair has celebrated several milestones, from adopting four rescue animals (two dogs and two cats) to traveling the world together. Keep reading for a complete timeline of Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert's relationship.
2014: Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert meet
Hough and Erbert first met back in 2014 when Hough and his sister Julianne hired Erbert to go on tour with them. The pair didn't date at the time, but the tour did help Erbert catch the attention of a Dancing with the Stars producer.
"They got my contact information from Derek and Julianne, called me and set up an interview," she told CJOnline. "I interviewed right after I got off tour and found out a couple of weeks later that I was on Season 21."
September 2015: Hayley Erbert joins Derek Hough on Dancing with the Stars
In September 2015, Erbert joined season 21 of Dancing with the Stars as a troupe member. Hough had served as a pro on the show since 2007, and was crowned champion that year along with his partner Bindi Irwin. The pair started dating sometime during filming, though they kept the details of their relationship private in the beginning.
November 2016: Derek Hough confirms he's dating someone — and opens up about his marriage plans
During an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Hough revealed that he hoped to get married and start a family in the near future.
"You know, if you would have asked me like a year ago, or two years ago, I'd probably [have been] like: 'I'm not really looking [for that].' But I'm kind of in a place now in my life, kind of in a transition, and yeah — I see myself married with kids within the next five years, so, we'll see," he told DeGeneres.
When the host asked if he was currently dating anyone, however, Hough remained coy before eventually admitting he was seeing someone.
"Perhaps, I don't know …" he said, before adding, "Maybe I am, yes."
May 4, 2017: Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert go Instagram official
After a few years of dating, Hough and Erbert made their relationship Instagram official on May 4, 2017. Erbert shared a photo of the two dancing together alongside the caption, "I can't believe this was 3 years ago ❤ #TBT."
Two weeks later, Erbert shared another sweet snap of the couple in honor of Hough's birthday. "Happy Birthday to this handsome man of mine. I love you ❤️," she wrote.
July 26, 2017: Hayley Erbert makes her debut on Derek Hough's Instagram
Hough returned the favor a few months later when he posted Erbert on his Instagram for the first time. The dancing pro shared a photo of the couple sitting on a fence in front of a sunset backdrop. "#Wcw," he wrote in the caption with a red heart.
November 17, 2017: Derek Hough says he and Hayley Erbert work out together
Hough opened up about the couple's shared interests to Men's Health in November 2017, revealing that the pair is always up for a run or hike.
"Being around nature, it resets me," he said. "Being in the trees, under the sky, going to Yosemite, or in a park — for me those type of workouts are not just physical workouts, but also emotional workouts, too."
February 6, 2018: Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert experience a near tragedy
In February 2018, Hough received news that several members of the Dancing with the Stars team, possibly including Erbert, were involved in a bus crash. Erbert was unharmed, but the moment rattled her boyfriend.
Hough turned to Instagram to explain what happened, captioning a photo, "I'm so thankful my love is safe. To my DWTS family. I love you all and I am so glad you are all safe after such a terrible accident. Be strong, be safe and I will see you very soon."
October 11, 2018: Derek Hough celebrates Hayley Erbert's birthday on Instagram
On Oct. 11, 2018, Hough celebrated Erbert's 24th birthday with a sweet tribute. He wrote on Instagram, "You fill my heart with so much joy. I love our crazy adventures together or just sitting on the couch with our bodies entangled watching a movie. I find myself smiling at you in random moments."
February 2019: Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert go on a romantic helicopter date
Hough and Erbert went on a daring date on a helicopter in February 2019. Hough later detailed the experience on PEOPLE Now, explaining that Erbert quickly picked up on his love of adventurous excursions.
"That's one thing she learned, there's no real like chilling out or sitting down. It's like, 'Alright babe, let's go swim with sharks, we're going to go swim with whales, helicopter rides, scuba diving, find a waterfall and let's go jump off of it,' " he said.
When asked if he planned on proposing to Erbert with a similarly thrilling gesture, Hough responded, "I was thinking about that, we have some really amazing adventures so if that moment ever does come, I'm going to have to come up some serious stuff."
August 1, 2019: Hayley Erbert and Derek Hough go on a trip to Paris
Hough and Erbert took their adventures overseas in August 2019 during a trip to France. Hough shared several snaps of their vacation on Instagram, including one adorable photo of the couple kissing in front of the Eiffel Tower. "Americans in Paris 🇫🇷❤️," he captioned the snap.
"I can't stop taking pictures of this beautiful woman," he wrote next to another carousel of images of him and Erbert in Cannes.
April 16, 2020: Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert perform "Be Our Guest"
While stuck at home during the early days of quarantine, Hough and Erbert took part in Disney's "The Disney Family Singalong," dressing up as Belle and the Beast for a performance of "Be Our Guest." Hough's sister even joined the pair halfway through the song via video chat to finish out the elaborate number.
September 25, 2020: Derek Hough says quarantine helped him and Hayley Erbert grow closer
In September 2020, Hough stopped by The Ellen Degeneres Show and revealed that he and Erbert grew even closer while quarantining.
"We came together, we got closer," he said. "We grew as a couple tremendously. We even started a YouTube channel together, cooking."
October 15, 2020: Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert shut down rumors of a DWTS proposal
Ahead of their highly-anticipated Dancing with the Stars performance, Hough and Erbert answered a series of "juicy questions" on their YouTube channel. When one fan asked if Hough would propose on the show, the couple immediately burst out laughing.
"That's not us," Erbert said.
October 19, 2020: Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert return to Dancing with the Stars
Hough and Erbert thrilled fans when they returned to Dancing with the Stars together in October 2020. Hough had previously returned to the show as a judge, but this marked his first time dancing in three years.
November 20, 2020: Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert admit he's not the best at chores
In an interview for PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive Issue in 2020, Hough admitted that when it comes to doing laundry at home, he's not the guy to ask. Erbert readily agreed when she called during the interview, saying of his laundry skills, "I would rate that a zero."
November 26, 2020: Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert celebrate the holidays together
While speaking to PEOPLE about co-hosting the fifth annual "The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration" event with his sister, Hough revealed what he and Erbert were planning for their own holiday celebration. "I think I'll just stay home with the animals and enjoy some cooking with my [girlfriend Hayley Erbert]," he said. "We're going to keep it safe and responsible and just take a breath and enjoy."
May 18, 2021: Hayley Erbert celebrates Derek Hough's 36th birthday
For Hough's 36th birthday in May 2021, Erbert put together a fun field day celebration for him. As he shared on Instagram, the day included "fun games, good times, and more importantly great friends."
June 2021: Derek Hough shares updates about his and Hayley Erbert's pets
Hough opened up to PEOPLE about his and Erbert's full house in June 2021. The pair have adopted four pets together, including dogs Romi and Luna and cats Palo and Lily. The DWTS judge shared that the pets are an important part of their home, saying, "Taking care of them, loving them, and playing with them remind me to be present."
July 21, 2021: Hayley Erbert joins Derek Hough's No Limit tour
In September 2021, Hough kicked off his limited engagement experience Derek Hough: No Limit in Las Vegas after a year-and-a-half delay. Erbert joined Hough for the dance-centric show, which featured "styles ranging from ballroom and tap to salsa, hip-hop and everything in between," according to a press release.
January 25, 2022: Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert attend the Emmys
In January 2022, the couple attended the Emmy Awards together. Erbert stunned in a strapless white gown while Hough looked dapper in a black tuxedo. Erbert poked fun at the couple's wedding-worthy ensembles on Instagram, writing, "Emmys or wedding pics? 😉" alongside a snap of the pair.
March 27, 2022: Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert attend an Oscars afterparty
Hough and Erbert showed up at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's 30th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party together in March 2022. Hough shared a photo on Instagram of Erbert on the red carpet, writing, "The most beautiful girl in the room ❤️."
April 10, 2022: Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert match at Disneyland
In April 2022, Erbert and Hough returned to one of their favorite places: Disneyland. Erbert shared a photo on Instagram of the two from behind, writing, "Matchy matchy with my man ♥️."
June 2, 2022: Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert announce their engagement
After seven years of dating, Hough and Erbert announced their engagement on June 2, 2022.
"It's only the beginning…the beginning of forever ♥️," Hough wrote on Instagram along with a photo of him holding Erbert up in front of a stunning backdrop of flowers and candles. The pair's engagement came after they returned home from a week of high-profile events in Monaco, where they watched the Formula 1 Grand Prix and attended the Top Gun: Maverick premiere.
Troy Williams of Simply Troy Lifestyle + Events, who helped plan the big moment, spoke to PEOPLE about the magical proposal, saying, "Derek surprised her and got her out of the house for the afternoon. He wanted their home transformed. They're an adventurous couple and have seen such big moments, but their home is their sanctuary and it's where they fell even more in love."
June 12, 2022: Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert give an update on wedding plans
Hough revealed that he's got entertainment booked for his upcoming wedding to Erbert.
"I'm not going to name names right now, but I've already asked a few people to perform at the wedding and they've already committed," Hough told PEOPLE at the 4th Annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards in Los Angeles. "So it's going to be a full-on festival — I'm very excited about it."
The couple previously shared with PEOPLE that they want to get married relatively quickly. "I don't think either of us want a super-long engagement," Erbert said. "I just don't think it fully makes sense."
"We waited [seven years] to get engaged, it's like we're just ready for that next chapter of our lives," she added.
September 17, 2022: Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert dance in final show of No Limit tour
The Derek Hough: No Limit tour came to an end after a year of performances.
On Instagram, Erbert thanked the cast and crew for their hard work, as well as the fans for their support. She also gave a special shoutout to Hough.
"Last but not least, to my love @derekhough: Thank you for bringing me along on this journey," Erbert wrote. "I cannot wait for many many more. I love you with all my heart ♥️."
September 30, 2022: Derek Hough says he wants "something special" for his wedding dance with Hayley Erbert
On an episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show, Hough revealed that he and Erbert want to plan a unique dance for their wedding. "We need to do something special, spectacular, you know subtle," he told Jennifer Hudson. "Maybe come in from the roof, I don't know."
Hough is hoping others will bust a move at the wedding too, explaining that he and Erbert already dance a lot. "I think it might be time for other people to perform for us, right? I'm like, 'Hey, you dance for us. No, you dance.' We're gonna sit back," he said.
December 12, 2022: Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert survive a "scary" car accident
Erbert and Hough revealed that they were involved in a car accident in an Instagram video, which was posted by both of their accounts on Dec. 23, 2022. In the clip, the couple shared images of their damaged car, their visit to the emergency room and the two of them enjoying snacks later that night.
"Derek and I got into a pretty scary car accident in the mountains," Erbert captioned the video. "Our accident involved a steep hill, icy roads, a tree, and worst of all, the fear that we would slide off the mountain." She added that no one else was involved in the collision and that she "only walked away a little banged up, a swollen face, and four stitches above my eyebrow."
Hough commented on the post, giving more details on the unfortunate event. "The scariest part was that Hayley doesn't remember anything," he wrote. "She was dazed afterwards, being cheerful saying we should keep going to dinner as blood ran down her face."
January 24, 2023: Hayley Erbert shows off her engagement ring
Erbert shared a cheeky video where she slowly opened her laptop while showing off her sparkling engagement ring. "Enjoy this very informational tutorial 😉 Side note: good job, @derekhough! I'm a little obsessed 🤩."
Hough responded to the clip writing, "Have I mentioned it's Flawless ?"
He later added another comment: "I also was wondering ' why is she opening that laptop so slowly ' 😂😂."
February 17, 2023: Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert perform on The Kelly Clarkson Show
To promote his upcoming 50-city tour, Hough and Erbert, along with a slew of other dancers, performed on The Kelly Clarkson Show to a jazzy tune.
"I'm so excited to go on tour. I've never toured with Hayley since we've been together," he told the TV host.
Hough then went on to share a story about the couple's first kiss.
"We were on stage dancing. We're doing the rumba, the dance of love, and it was the last show and the dancers from the side were all [screaming] 'kiss.' So, our first kiss was on stage," he said.
May 17, 2023: Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert appear on the cover of Brides magazine
The couple, dressed as bride and groom, appeared on the cover of Brides magazine's "The Wedding Planning" issue.
"It's a very eye-opening experience, and when you start to add everything up, it's pretty wild," Hough told the outlet about the wedding-planning process. "Hayley is taking the helm, but I'm definitely involved."
Erbert says the hardest part about wedding planning isn't sticking to a budget—it's managing the emotions of others.
"That's where I've had to stand my ground and be stubborn. This is our day, this is our weekend, this is our wedding," she said. "It's managing the expectations of other people."
The bride-to-be added: "I just want everyone to feel our love. I want them to be able to say, 'Oh, these two are so in love. It's so obvious why they're doing this now.' "
May 25, 2023: Derek Hough gives an update on his and Hayley Erbert's wedding date
During an interview with Extra, Hough let it slip that his and Erbert's wedding is set to take place in August.
“The wedding is also this fall. August,” he said. “It’s the first time I’ve said that actually, so I’ll probably get in trouble from the wife.”
August 26, 2023: Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert get married
The couple exchanged vows during an outdoor ceremony in Monterey County, California. Approximately 106 guests were in attendance, including celebrities Nina Dobrev, Shaun White and Alfonso Ribeiro.
"We got married right in front of this mother tree that's surrounded by all these smaller trees," Erbert told PEOPLE. "They drop all the seeds, and it plants kind of like an army of children to protect the mother. The symbolism of it was beautiful. We're here, planting our seeds to grow our family."
The Dancing With the Stars pro walked down the aisle in an off-the-shoulder gown by Marchesa, while Hough wore a Tom Ford tuxedo.
The "regal but rustic," wedding concluded with a dance party in a 100-year-old barn.
"It's so interesting what a small sort of piece of metal can do to your whole persona and your whole outlook on everything, where all of a sudden it's sort of like, oh, I have this promise that I carry with me all the time," Hough said. "And to want to be a man to live up to that promise daily for that person and for yourself and for others, it's a powerful thing. It's a beautiful thing."
December 6, 2023: Hayley Erbert undergoes emergency brain surgery
Jesse Grant/Getty
Following a performance in Washington, D.C., Erbert was rushed to the hospital after becoming alarmingly disoriented.
"She was diagnosed with a cranial hematoma from a burst blood vessel and required an emergency craniectomy. She is in stable condition," Hough wrote in a statement on Instagram.
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