Shay Mitchell has explained why she and her long-term partner Matte Babel are not married, telling their daughters that their relationship is based on being “partners” rather than having a wedding.
The actress, 39, and former television host Babel, 46, have been together since 2017, after years of friendship. They have two daughters, Atlas, eight, and Rome, four.
Speaking on Khloe in Wonder Land with Khloe Kardashian, Mitchell said her children regularly ask why their parents have not married.
“They ask me all the time why aren’t we married,” she said. “Mommy and Daddy are like partners, and I just didn’t want a wedding and just don’t need it. It’s not something that I want.”
Mitchell said the subject often arises when someone in their circle becomes engaged, or when her daughters encounter traditional romantic storylines in films and books.
“Every time it ends with a happily ever after,” she said, adding that she did not want the idea of finding a “prince” to become her daughters’ only narrative.
She said she tells them: “I just don’t want it and you don’t have to be.” According to Mitchell, her daughter responds: “Okay. Okay,” while continuing to consider the idea.
Shay Mitchell says marriage is not necessary for their relationship
Asked whether she had always felt that way about marriage, Mitchell said her parents had been together for 40 years and had provided her with “such an incredible relationship”.
“I just love the freedom of like, ‘Hey, I’m choosing to be in this position with you right now.’ And as he is with me, too. And it just kind of works, you know?” she said.
Mitchell previously described Babel as an “incredible father” and “great partner”, saying they were “awesome partners in life”. In 2021, she also said there was “no pressure” for them to marry.
“I love the fact that we come home and every day I’m like, ‘I choose you and you choose me,’” she said at the time.
