Is Derek Hough Married? The Truth About His Marriage to Hayley Erbert

So, you’re scrolling through Instagram, you see a picture of a guy who clearly hasn't missed a gym day in a decade, and he's twirling a beautiful woman in a redwood forest. Naturally, the question pops up: is Derek Hough married? The short answer is a resounding yes. But if you’ve been following the Dancing with the Stars universe for more than five minutes, you know their story is way more than just a "we got hitched" headline. It’s been a literal rollercoaster of life-and-death stakes, career highs, and, as of very recently, a brand-new baby.

Honestly, the guy has been a household name for years, but his personal life really took center stage when he finally tied the knot with his long-time partner, Hayley Erbert.

The Big Day: When Derek and Hayley Said "I Do"

Derek Hough officially exited the bachelor market on August 26, 2023.

They didn't just go to a courthouse. They went full "regal woodland" in Monterey County, California. Think massive redwood trees, 106 of their closest friends and family, and a vibe that looked like it was plucked straight out of a Folklore-era music video.

The ceremony happened at the Santa Lucia Preserve. They actually got married right in front of what they called a "mother tree." It's this ancient redwood surrounded by smaller trees, which Hayley said felt like a family protecting one another. Kinda deep for a wedding, right?

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Who showed up?

Because it's Derek Hough, the guest list was basically a DWTS reunion:

• Julianne Hough (his sister, obviously)
• Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy
• Nina Dobrev and Shaun White
• Alfonso Ribeiro
• Freida Pinto

Hayley wore a custom Marchesa gown that was basically the definition of "timeless." They danced their first dance to "Unconditional" by Richard Walters, but here’s a cool detail: Derek actually reached out to the artist to have the lyrics re-recorded specifically for them because the original version had some lines that didn't quite fit a wedding. That's some high-level husband effort right there.

The Health Scare That Changed Everything

You can't talk about their marriage without talking about what happened just months after the wedding. In December 2023, while they were on their Symphony of Dance tour, things took a terrifying turn.

After a show in Washington, D.C., Hayley became disoriented. It wasn't just exhaustion. She was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with a cranial hematoma from a burst blood vessel. She had to have an emergency craniectomy.

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Derek spent weeks posting updates, calling her recovery a "miracle." And it really was. By April 2024, she was back on the red carpet, and eventually, she even returned to the stage to dance with him again. It’s the kind of thing that either breaks a new marriage or cements it forever. For them, it clearly did the latter.

Life in 2026: The "New Chapter" and Baby Everley

Fast forward to right now. If you're asking is Derek Hough married in 2026, the answer is still yes, but with a major "Dad" upgrade.

On December 29, 2025, Derek and Hayley welcomed their first child. It’s a girl! They named her Everley Capri Hough.

The couple shared the news in early January 2026 with a black-and-white photo of their hands cradling the baby's tiny feet. Derek has been leaning into the "Girl Dad" life hard. Just last week, he made his "daddy debut" at the 2026 Golden Globes, joking on Instagram about finally being out of the house.

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What’s next for the Houghs?

1. The Encore Tour: Derek isn't slowing down. He recently announced a 40-city tour called Derek Hough Symphony of Dance: Encore, set to run from June to August 2026.
2. Parenting in the Spotlight: They’ve been pretty protective of Everley’s face on social media so far, which has sparked some debate among fans, but honestly, can you blame them?
3. DWTS Judging: He’s still a staple at the judges' table, balancing the critiques with his new life as a father.

Common Misconceptions About Derek's Marriage

People often get confused because Derek was "single" in the public eye for so long. He and Hayley actually dated for about seven years before they got engaged in 2022. They met back in 2014 when she was hired for a tour he was doing with Julianne.

Another common mix-up? People think they got married in 2024 because of all the news surrounding Hayley's recovery. Nope—the wedding was the summer before the health crisis.

Why Their Relationship Still Matters

In a world of "PR relationships" and quick celebrity divorces, Derek and Hayley feel... real. They went through a near-death experience before they even hit their first anniversary.

If you're looking for the latest on them, keep an eye on Derek’s Instagram for those "dad" updates and rehearsal clips. They seem to be in a really good place, transitioning from a duo to a trio while keeping the dance floor hot.

Actionable Insights for Fans:

• Check Tour Dates: If you want to see the couple (potentially) perform together, the Symphony of Dance: Encore tickets for the Summer 2026 run are already on sale via his official site.
• Follow for Updates: Hayley has been more active lately sharing her recovery journey and "mom life" snippets, which is great for anyone following her health progress.
• Watch for DWTS Season News: Expect Derek to be back in the judge's chair for the upcoming fall season, likely with plenty of "Everley" mentions.