Let’s take a trip down memory lane and talk about how two incredible people, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, found each other and built one of the most inspiring relationships in Hollywood. It all started back in 2004 when they met at a photo shoot. But here’s the interesting part—Portia had actually been admiring Ellen from afar since 2000, when she first spotted her at an event. Sometimes, love starts with just a glance, right? It took over three years for them to exchange contact information, but once they did, things moved pretty quickly. By 2005, Ellen and Portia were officially a couple, and they haven’t looked back since.
When Ellen spoke to People magazine in November 2005, she opened up about the depth of her connection with Portia. She said, “It’s the first time that I’ve known in every cell of my being that I’m with somebody for the rest of my life.” Those are powerful words, and they set the tone for their relationship. Their love story reached a new milestone in May 2008 when they got engaged, and just over two months later, they exchanged vows. Their wedding day wasn’t just any ordinary day—it was a celebration of love, legal recognition, and a promise to each other that would last a lifetime.
Now, let’s talk about that special day. Portia shared some fascinating details during a TV appearance in 2012. She explained, “Ellen was going to surprise me with a commitment ceremony at a joint birthday party we were having. We set the date for August 16th, and during that time, gay marriage became legal in California. It was like a gift from the universe. Instead of just having a ceremony, we could legally marry. That moment was everything to us—it wasn’t just about love; it was about equality and acceptance.”
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Life in Hollywood can be chaotic, but Ellen and Portia have always made their relationship their top priority. They’ve been open about the secret to their enduring love: communication and trust. In a 2016 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Portia revealed, “We’re just really good friends, and we talk about everything. We never, ever lie to each other—not even the tiniest little fibs. Ellen is the only person I want to hang out with. She’s my best friend, and I just want to be with her all the time.” Isn’t that beautiful? It’s not just about romance—it’s about friendship, honesty, and mutual respect.
Before finding each other, both Ellen and Portia had their own journeys. Ellen was previously in a relationship with actress Anne Heche from 1997 to 2000. After that, she was with director and photographer Alexandra Hedison from 2000 until 2004. Portia, on the other hand, was married to filmmaker Mel Metcalfe from 1996 to 1999. These experiences shaped who they are today and prepared them for the love they now share.
Want to dive deeper into their incredible journey? Scroll through the gallery below to see a complete timeline of Ellen and Portia’s relationship. From their first meeting to their wedding day and everything in between, it’s a story that reminds us all what true love looks like. Love isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s about the small moments, the laughter, and the unwavering support that lasts a lifetime.