Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert: Unraveling Their Relationship Journey from Dance Partners to Unexpected Twists and More
Explore the enchanting love story of Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert as we take you through their journey from dance partners to unforgettable moments of romance and joy Relish their beautiful relationship through captivating photos
Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert's undeniable chemistry was evident long before they became a couple. Hough, a former pro on Dancing With the Stars, first met Erbert when she was cast as a dancer in his and his sister Julianne Hough's Move Live Tour in 2014. They officially became a couple in July 2015.
Derek kept his plans for proposing to the So You Think You Can Dance alum a secret for years, but his affection for his girlfriend was evident as he frequently expressed his adoration for her. As part of Derek's fall 2021 residency at the Venetian in Las Vegas, the couple even performed together. During one of their early shows, Derek playfully mentioned the idea of getting married at one of the city's renowned little white wedding chapels.
"Honestly, setting aside all jokes, we're simply having fun up here," he clarified after lowering to one knee in front of Erbert — to tie his shoe. "But it truly is extraordinary to be able to perform something you're passionate about on stage with someone you love so dearly."
Deal of the Day
These Bestselling Memory Foam Slippers Are a ‘Blanket for Your Feet' — 35% Off
View Deal
The twosome announced their real engagement in June 2022 and tied the knot one year later.
Scroll down to relive Derek and Erbert’s love story:
Credit: Stewart Cook/Shutterstock
Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert’s Relationship Timeline: From Dance Partners to Fake Proposals and Beyond
Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert impressed audiences with their chemistry long before they became a couple. Hough, a former Dancing With the Stars pro, initially bonded with Erbert when she was cast as one of the dancers in his and sister Julianne Hough’s Move Live Tour in 2014. Their romantic relationship began in July 2015.
Derek had been secretive about his intentions to propose to the So You Think You Can Dance alum for years, but his affection for his girlfriend was evident as he constantly praised her. The couple took the stage together as part of Derek’s fall 2021 residency at the Venetian in Las Vegas, where Derek playfully mentioned the idea of getting married at one of the city’s iconic little white wedding chapels during one of their initial performances.
"We're truly just having fun up here," he clarified after kneeling in front of Erbert – not to propose, but to tie his shoe. "But it means a lot to be able to share the stage with someone you love."
The couple publicly announced their engagement in June 2022 and got married a year later.
Scroll down to relive Derek and Erbert’s love story:
Credit: Shutterstock
2014
Erbert joined Derek and his sister Julianne on their Move Live Tour in both 2014 and 2015.
Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
July 2015
The couple began dating after working together for more than one year.
Credit: Invision/AP/Shutterstock
2016
The Kansas native joined Dancing With the Stars as a troupe dancer for several seasons, starting in 2016. She occasionally danced with Derek and made a comeback to the show in October 2020 for a passionate paso doble with her partner.
Credit: Courtesy Derek Hough/Instagram
September 2018
The couple came across a stray kitten, whom they later christened Palo, while heading back from an Emmys pre-show party. “It was definitely unexpected, but I genuinely think we were destined to rescue him,” Erbert shared in a social media post. “Even if it's in a glitzy dress and high heels.”
Credit: Courtesy of Derek Hough/Instagram
October 2018
"Happy Birthday to the love of my life. You bring an abundance of joy to my heart. Whether we're embarking on wild adventures or simply snuggled up on the couch, tangled together while watching a movie," the Utah native expressed on Instagram in celebration of his girlfriend’s special day. "I often catch myself grinning in the most unexpected moments, fully realizing the impact you've had on my life. This unexpected journey fills me with immense gratitude. Today, I honor and give thanks for the day you were born."
Credit: Courtesy of Derek Hough/Instagram
December 2018
The lovebirds celebrated Christmas together in Park City, Utah.
Credit: Courtesy of Hayley Erbert/Instagram
July 2019
The twosome packed on the PDA while on a trip to Paris.
Credit: Courtesy of Derek Hough/Instagram
November 2019
“Had an amazing time in South Korea. Great people, great food, amazing experience,” Derek captioned a series of photos from the pair’s trip to Asia.
Credit: Rob Latour/Shutterstock
March 2020
"Spending all this time with my girlfriend has been amazing. It's actually quite funny," shared the former World of Dance judge exclusively with Us after being stuck at home with Erbert for months during the COVID-19 crisis. "[It] has definitely strengthened our bond and it's truly beautiful."
Credit: ABC
April 2020
The two dancers teamed up for Disney’s Sing-a-Along special in April 2020 as Belle and the Beast. They also performed as Mary Poppins and Bert for the May 2020 TV event.
Credit: Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP/Shutterstock
May 2021
“On Derek’s 36th birthday, Erbert wrote a heartfelt message on Instagram: “Happy Birthday to my favorite person on this planet! No one can make me laugh harder, smile bigger, drive me crazier (in the best way), or love larger than you. I love celebrating you, today and everyday. I am so excited to see what unfolds for you this next rotation around the sun! I love you, always in all ways ️️.”
Credit: Matt Baron/Shutterstock
July 2021
"Haley has taught me a great deal about the art of relaxation. Simply sitting down, unwinding, and savoring the present moment," revealed the DWTS judge in an exclusive interview with Us. "Naturally, I am always inclined to keep going, pushing forward, trying new things. And I still approach life with that same drive. However, finding this balance has been truly beneficial for us."
Credit: Courtesy of Hayley Erbert/Instagram
July 2021
The duo jetted off to Kenya to explore the Samburu National Reserve.
Credit: Broadimage/Shutterstock
September 2021
Derek kicked off his No Limit Tour in Las Vegas with Erbert by his side on September 22. The show runs until late November.
Credit: Stewart Cook/Shutterstock
September 2021
During the September 26 performance of Derek Hough: No Limit, the choreographer made a playful on-stage proposal to his long-time girlfriend. Their banter began with Erbert teasing Derek about a "bad dad joke" and laughing about not having children together yet.
"Do you want to change that?" Derek asked, to which his girlfriend replied, "You've got to put a ring on it first!" Derek followed up with, "We're in Las Vegas. There are wedding chapels and you can get divorced in the same day. This is valuable information that we need to consider immediately!"
The Make Your Move actor then dropped down to one knee to tie his shoes as Erbert said, “Oh, babe!” to which he responded, “I’m just playing.”
Credit: Courtesy of Hayley Erbert/Instagram
December 2021
"Pure magic with my love ,” Erbert captioned a social media snap at the Happiest Place on Earth.
Credit: Courtesy of Hayley Erbert/Instagram
January 2022
“Emmys or wedding pics? ,” the brunette beauty teased via Instagram.
Credit: Alberto Rodriguez/Shutterstock
March 2022
The couple enjoyed a romantic evening at the Mercedes-Benz Oscar Viewing Party. "We both love dressing up, but I always seek his approval. I'll ask him, 'Which dress do you prefer?' and then I'll show him like a thousand outfits," Erbert told Us exclusively at the Hollywood event. "The best part is the fitting, though, because you get to try on all these stunning gowns and it's really difficult to choose your final look."
Credit: Courtesy Hayley Erbert/Instagram
May 2022
“Wishing the love of my life a fantastic Happy Birthday! I am beyond grateful for your presence in my life. Here's to 37! I love you endlessly, in every possible way @derekhough️.”
Credit: Courtesy Derek Hough/Instagram
June 2022
“First time experiencing the @f1 Monaco Grand Prix was absolutely amazing,” Derek wrote alongside a video montage of their time in the French Riviera with Erbert. “Even better, I got to share the experience with my love @hayley.erbert ️.”
Credit: Courtesy @aneeatelier/Instagram
June 2022
“It’s only the beginning … the beginning of forever ️,” the pair wrote in a joint Instagram post, confirming their engagement.
Credit: John Salangsang/Shutterstock
June 2022
The Make Your Move actor exclusively shared with Us that he adores calling her his fiancée. He expressed that the word now aligns with his feelings and commitment to her, their love story, and life together. Derek gushed over Erbert, praising her for being the one, how excited he is for their future, and his confidence in her ability to be an amazing mother and wife. He highlighted her caring and loving nature, especially towards their animals, and eagerly looks forward to seeing her as a mom.
Credit: John Salangsang/Shutterstock
October 2022
The engaged pair made a joint appearance at the Industry Dance Awards before teaming up to present the People’s Choice Award.
Credit: Arlene Richie/Shutterstock
October 2022
Although the duo originally wanted to forgo doing a formal first dance at their wedding, they've since changed their tune.
Hough exclusively told Us that there is a need to make the performance spectacular. He has already picked out the song and emphasized that it should be special with fireworks included.
Credit: Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney
August 2023
The pair got married in California. Their wedding was held in the Redwood Forest in California.
Credit: Courtesy of Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert/Instagram
September 2023
The newlyweds offered a sneak peek into their idyllic Italian honeymoon on Instagram, showcasing moments of indulging in pasta and gelato, leisurely boat and bike excursions, daring bridge jumps, and exploring the beautiful sights.
Credit: Jon Kopaloff/WireImage/Getty Images
December 2023
Hough provided an update on Erbert's condition, stating that she was in "stable condition" after being hospitalized following a performance of his A Symphony of Dance tour in Washington, D.C. He shared on Instagram, "She was diagnosed with a cranial hematoma from a burst blood vessel and required an emergency craniectomy. I want to express my gratitude to the first responders and medical personnel who have been taking care of her and continue to do so. I kindly ask for your prayers and positive thoughts during this time."
