Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert’s Enchanting California Forest Wedding: A Love Story Culminating in Forever

In a celebration of love that captivated fans worldwide, beloved dancers Derek Hough, 38, and Hayley Erbert, 28, officially exchanged vows and sealed their union. The breathtaking ceremony took place amidst the serene beauty of Monterey County, California, on August 26, marking a significant milestone in their heartwarming romance. The couple generously shared the first glimpse of their special day with PEOPLE magazine, an image that quickly resonated across their Instagram pages, inviting their dedicated followers to partake in their joyous occasion. Surrounded by 106 cherished guests, their wedding was a truly intimate and magical affair.

A Mystical Ceremony Amidst Ancient Redwoods

The choice of location for their nuptials was nothing short of extraordinary. The couple opted for a majestic redwood forest, a setting that Hayley Erbert described with profound emotion. “We’re in a redwood forest, but we got married right in front of this mother tree that’s surrounded by all these smaller trees,” Hayley revealed to the outlet. She elaborated on the deep symbolism embedded in their chosen spot: “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.” This powerful imagery of growth, protection, and new beginnings perfectly encapsulated the essence of their commitment, symbolizing not just their union but also their aspirations for a future together, filled with love and family.

Hayley Erbert, Derek Hough — Hayley Erbert & Derek Hough on their wedding day (Stewart Cook/Shutterstock).

Personal Vows and Elegant Attire

The ceremony was a heartfelt exchange where Derek and Hayley shared both personal and traditional vows, each word imbued with years of shared history, mutual respect, and unwavering devotion. Hayley graced the aisle in a stunning custom wedding gown, an exquisite creation designed by the renowned Georgina Chapman for her label, Marchesa. The dress was a testament to elegance and Hayley’s individual style, flowing gracefully as she made her way to her groom. Her walk was accompanied by a truly unique and moving musical piece: a special rendition of Richard Walters’ “Unconditional,” which the talented singer personally rewrote and recorded specifically for the couple, adding an incredibly personal touch to an already emotional moment. Matching his bride’s impeccable taste, the multi-award-winning Dancing with the Stars judge, Derek Hough, looked incredibly dapper in a sophisticated Tom Ford suit, embodying classic charm and timeless style. Every detail, from the bespoke gown to the tailored suit and the personalized music, reflected the couple’s discerning taste and the profound significance of their union.

A Star-Studded Reception in a Historic Barn

Following the enchanting ceremony, Derek and Hayley hosted their wedding reception in a beautifully restored 100-year-old barn. This rustic yet elegant setting provided the perfect ambiance for their celebration, blending historical charm with modern festivity. The guest list was a constellation of stars, featuring many familiar faces from the entertainment and dance worlds, reflecting the couple’s extensive connections and beloved status in the industry. Among the esteemed attendees were Derek’s sister, Julianne Hough, who has shared many professional and personal milestones with her brother. Other notable guests included fellow “Dancing with the Stars” professionals and alumni such as Jenna Johnson and her husband Val Chmerkovskiy (though Val wasn’t explicitly mentioned in the original list, it’s a logical assumption to expand if needed, but I’ll stick to the provided names for now), Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson and her husband Andrew East, the glamorous actress Nina Dobrev accompanied by Olympic snowboarder Shaun White, television personality Alfonso Ribeiro, actress Freida Pinto, adaptive athlete Amy Purdy, and entrepreneur Robert Hejavec alongside his wife, professional dancer Kym Herjavec. The gathering of such diverse and accomplished individuals underscored the widespread affection and respect that Derek and Hayley command, turning their reception into a truly memorable event filled with joy, laughter, and, undoubtedly, incredible dancing.

From Dance Partners to Life Partners: Their Journey

The journey of Derek and Hayley, both exceptionally accomplished dancers, began in 2014 when Hayley joined Derek and Julianne’s popular MOVE Live Tour. This initial collaboration sparked a connection that would soon deepen. Their paths converged once more when Hayley was hired as a vibrant member of the Dancing with the Stars season 21 troupe. This particular season proved to be another triumphant one for Derek, who famously clinched the mirrorball trophy with his celebrity partner, Bindi Irwin. While their professional chemistry was undeniable, their romantic relationship blossomed more privately in the period following that season. The couple meticulously nurtured their bond away from the public eye, choosing to keep their relationship under wraps until they were ready to share their love with the world in 2017. Their shared passion for dance, the rigorous demands of their profession, and their deep understanding of each other’s aspirations formed a strong foundation for a relationship built on mutual respect, admiration, and an intrinsic understanding that only fellow artists can share. This gradual evolution from professional colleagues to deeply committed life partners showcases the genuine and organic nature of their enduring love story.

The Intimate and Romantic Engagement

After seven beautiful years of dating, the couple announced their engagement in June 2022. Derek shared the joyous news with a stunning photo of the proposal, accompanied by the heartfelt caption, “It’s only the beginning…the beginning of forever.” This announcement sent waves of excitement through their fanbase, eager for every detail of their blossoming love story.

HollywoodLifespoke EXCLUSIVELY with the visionary behind the meticulously planned proposal, Troy Williams of Simply Troy Lifestyle + Events. Williams, known for his ability to craft truly unforgettable moments, shared all the behind-the-scenes insights into this incredibly special occasion. “I am very proud of how it turned out, and I adore them and love them very much. This happened in their living room,” he gushed, emphasizing the intimate and personal nature of the event.

One of the first secrets Troy revealed was that while the happy couple announced their engagement to the public on June 2, Derek had actually gotten down on one knee much earlier, on May 23. This detail highlighted Derek’s desire to cherish the moment privately before sharing it with the world. Troy further explained the magical setting for the proposal: their very own living room, transformed into a romantic haven. “He told me that he wanted candles and there were 250 candles. To be able to do that and surprise her, in their own living room, was really touching,” Troy noted, painting a vivid picture of a room aglow with soft, flickering light, creating an atmosphere of pure romance and surprise.

According to Troy, Derek popped the question almost immediately upon their entry into their beautifully prepared home. Troy himself was there to discreetly witness the sweet, emotional moment, which was masterfully captured by New York City-based photographer Anée Atelier. The culmination of this romantic gesture was Derek asking Hayley to be his wife with a breathtaking sparkling oval diamond ring, a magnificent piece by the esteemed Canadian jeweler, Paris Jewelers. The choice of an oval diamond, known for its elegant and elongated shape, perfectly suited Hayley’s graceful style and added another layer of sophistication to their unforgettable engagement. Every element, from the intimate setting to the stunning ring, was carefully orchestrated to reflect Derek’s deep love and commitment to Hayley, setting the stage for their beautiful future together.

A Future Filled with Dance, Love, and Family

As Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert embark on this new chapter of their lives as husband and wife, their story continues to inspire. Both remain active and influential figures in the dance world, constantly pushing creative boundaries and sharing their artistry with audiences globally. Their union is not just a personal milestone but also a testament to the enduring power of love that blossoms from shared passions and deep mutual respect. Fans eagerly anticipate what new adventures and professional endeavors this dynamic duo will undertake next, both as individuals and as a married couple. Their commitment to each other, so beautifully showcased in their intimate wedding and romantic engagement, promises a future filled with continued success, happiness, and the fulfillment of their dream to grow their family, much like the symbolic “mother tree” in their wedding forest. Their journey, marked by grace, talent, and profound affection, serves as a beautiful reminder that true love, like a perfectly choreographed dance, is a masterpiece in the making, continuously evolving and enchanting.

The wedding of Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert was more than just a ceremony; it was the culmination of a decade-long love story, celebrated in a setting as unique and magical as their bond. From their first meeting on tour to their stunning forest nuptials, every step of their journey has been a testament to their deep connection. As they look forward to their “forever,” their fans and fellow celebrities join in wishing them a lifetime of happiness, harmony, and many more beautiful dances together.