Honestly, when you think about the biggest movie stars of the 90s, Julia Roberts is the one. She was the "Pretty Woman," the "Runaway Bride," and basically the face of the romantic comedy. But in real life? Her actual love life was way more dramatic than any script she ever filmed. If you've ever asked who did Julia Roberts marry, the answer isn't just a single name. It's actually a story of two very different weddings, a few famous near-misses, and one of the longest-running marriages in Hollywood history.
Most people know her current husband, but things weren't always so stable.
The Whirlwind: Julia Roberts and Lyle Lovett
Back in 1993, Julia shocked everyone. Like, everyone. Out of nowhere, she eloped with country singer Lyle Lovett. They had only been dating for three weeks. Seriously. Three weeks!
They met on the set of the movie The Player in 1992, but they didn't really "start" until June 1993. Suddenly, on June 25, they were saying "I do" at St. James Lutheran Church in Marion, Indiana. It was a tiny town, and the whole thing was basically a secret until it wasn't. Julia walked down the aisle barefoot in a white Comme des Garçons dress.
People were... confused. He was this quirky country star with big hair, and she was the world’s most beautiful woman. The press was pretty brutal about it, too. They called them "The Beauty and the Beast," which is just mean, honestly. But the marriage didn't last. By March 1995, after less than two years, they called it quits. They said it was because of their careers keeping them apart. Julia was filming constantly, and Lyle was touring. They’ve stayed friends over the years, which is kinda rare for a celebrity divorce.
The Real Deal: Meeting Danny Moder
So, after the Lyle Lovett chapter and a few high-profile relationships—like her long-term thing with Benjamin Bratt—Julia finally met the one. And it wasn't another movie star.
In 2000, she was filming The Mexican with Brad Pitt. On that set, she met Danny Moder. He wasn't the leading man; he was a cinematographer (a cameraman).
There was a bit of drama, though. At the time, Danny was actually married to Vera Steimberg, and Julia was still with Benjamin Bratt. It wasn't exactly a clean start. But they felt a "seismic shift," as Julia later described it. Once Danny’s divorce was finalized in 2002, they didn’t wait long.
That Secret Independence Day Wedding
On July 4, 2002, Julia and Danny got married. But they didn't tell the guests it was a wedding!
They invited about 60 friends and family members to her 82-acre ranch in Taos, New Mexico. The invitation was just to "celebrate Independence Day." Around midnight, after some BBQ and fun, the couple stepped into a circle of rose petals. Under an arch of silk sheaths, Danny got down on one knee and asked her to marry him in front of everyone.
She wore a pale pink cotton dress with hand-painted flowers. It was super low-key. No celebrity bridesmaids, no massive media circus. Just them and their favorite people.
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Why Their Marriage Actually Works
In Hollywood, twenty-plus years is basically a century. Julia and Danny are still going strong in 2026. They have three kids now: twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, who are already 21, and their son Henry, who’s 18.
You rarely see them on red carpets together. They’re very private. Recently, at the 2026 Golden Globes, they actually had a rare date night, and Julia was still gushing about him. When she was asked about her sources of joy, she just said "Danny Moder." Simple as that.
They’ve figured out a balance. Early on, they supposedly had some tension about their schedules, but they eventually agreed to stagger their projects. When she’s working, he’s home, or vice versa. Or they work together, like they did on The Normal Heart or Secret in Their Eyes.
The Ones That Almost Happened
You can't talk about who Julia Roberts married without mentioning the "Runaway Bride" moment in real life. In 1991, she was supposed to marry Kiefer Sutherland.
The wedding was planned for June 14, 1991. It was going to be a huge 20th Century Fox studio lot event. But three days before the wedding, Julia called it off. Then, on the actual day of the wedding, she flew to Ireland with Kiefer's friend, Jason Patric. It was a massive scandal.
She also dated:
- Liam Neeson: She was only 19 and he was 35 when they lived together.
- Dylan McDermott: Her co-star in Steel Magnolias; they were briefly engaged.
- Matthew Perry: They dated for a bit after her guest spot on Friends.
- Benjamin Bratt: This was her longest relationship (nearly four years) before meeting Danny.
Moving Forward
If you're looking for the takeaway from Julia’s love story, it’s basically that the first "big" choice isn't always the final one. She went through the whirlwind of the Lyle Lovett era and the tabloid mess of the Kiefer Sutherland breakup to find something that actually stuck.
Actionable Insights from Julia’s Journey:
- Privacy is a Power Move: Notice how her longest marriage is her most private one. Keeping the cameras out of your living room seems to be the secret to Hollywood longevity.
- Timing vs. Connection: She met Danny when things were complicated, but they waited until they were both free to commit.
- Friendship After Failure: Staying friends with exes like Lyle Lovett or even Benjamin Bratt shows that a "failed" marriage doesn't have to mean a failed relationship.
If you’re tracking her career or her life in 2026, you’ll see her still posting those sweet, blurry Instagram photos every July 4th. It's been over 23 years, and for a "Runaway Bride," she certainly found a reason to stay.