11 Years And Counting: The Full Timeline Of Kamala Harris And Doug Emhoff’s Enduring Marriage

Kamala Harris and her husband, Douglas Emhoff, have been married for over eleven years as of December 2025, solidifying their status as one of Washington’s most prominent power couples. Their unique, modern love story began with a blind date and quickly blossomed into a deep partnership, culminating in a low-key courthouse wedding in 2014. As of today, December 18, 2025, the Vice President of the United States and the former Second Gentleman have celebrated 11 years, 3 months, and 26 days of marriage, a remarkable journey that has played out on the national and global stage.

The longevity of their relationship is a testament to their mutual respect and shared values, navigating the complexities of high-stakes political life, blended family dynamics, and demanding legal careers. This comprehensive look explores the precise timeline of their marriage, the intimate details of their courtship, and the evolution of their roles in the public eye, offering a fresh perspective on the couple often referred to as "The Second Couple."

The Official Record: Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff’s Marriage Profile

The foundation of the Harris-Emhoff partnership is built on a shared commitment to public service and a supportive family structure. Here is a detailed look at the core facts of their union:

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• Full Names: Kamala Devi Harris and Douglas Craig Emhoff
• Wedding Date: August 22, 2014
• Location: Santa Barbara Courthouse, Santa Barbara, California
• Officiant: Maya Harris (Kamala's sister)
• Duration of Marriage (as of December 18, 2025): 11 Years, 3 Months, and 26 Days
• Doug Emhoff's Prior Marriage: Kerstin Mackin (m. 1992; div. 2008)
• Children: None together; Kamala is stepmother to Doug's two children, Cole and Ella Emhoff
• Family Nickname: Cole and Ella affectionately call Kamala "Momala"
• Current Roles: Kamala Harris (Vice President of the United States); Doug Emhoff (Former Second Gentleman, Distinguished Fellow at Georgetown University Law Center)

A Rom-Com Beginning: The Courtship and Blind Date That Started It All

The love story of Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff is often described as a modern-day romantic comedy, beginning in 2013 when both were established professionals in California. Harris was serving as the Attorney General of California, and Emhoff was a successful Los Angeles-based entertainment lawyer.

The pivotal moment was a blind date orchestrated by a mutual friend, Chrisette Hudlin. Hudlin, a close friend of Harris and a client of Emhoff's, believed the two busy professionals would be a perfect match. Emhoff, showing an immediate and enthusiastic interest, left Harris a now-famous "rambling voicemail" the morning after their first date, a message Harris reportedly still plays on their wedding anniversary.

Their connection was instant and intense, leading to a whirlwind romance. They managed to maintain a bicoastal relationship, with Harris based in Northern California and Emhoff in Southern California, demonstrating their commitment early on. Just a year after meeting, Emhoff proposed, and the couple was married five months later, staying true to Harris's word to her friend Hudlin.

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The Intimate Santa Barbara Courthouse Wedding

In contrast to the highly public nature of their current lives, Harris and Emhoff opted for a small, private ceremony. Their wedding on August 22, 2014, was held at the Santa Barbara Courthouse. The intimate event was attended only by close family and friends.

In a deeply personal touch, Harris's younger sister, Maya Harris, a lawyer and political analyst, officiated the ceremony. The wedding incorporated elements that honored both of their backgrounds: a flower garland was placed around Emhoff's neck in a nod to Harris's Indian heritage, and they broke a glass, a tradition in Jewish weddings, honoring Emhoff's faith.

The simplicity of the courthouse wedding underscored their focus on their partnership rather than political spectacle, a theme that has continued throughout their time in the White House.

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The Blended Family and the Rise of "Momala"

A crucial element of the Harris-Emhoff marriage is the loving and supportive blended family they created. When Harris married Emhoff, she instantly became a stepmother to his two children from his previous marriage to Kerstin Mackin: Cole Emhoff and Ella Emhoff.

The children, who were teenagers at the time of the wedding, quickly embraced Harris, giving her the affectionate nickname "Momala." This term, a play on the word "Mom," has become a widely recognized symbol of their close bond and the couple's successful navigation of modern family life. Harris has often written and spoken about the importance of her relationship with Cole and Ella, emphasizing that their acceptance was non-negotiable for the marriage to work.

Both Cole and Ella have since become public figures in their own right, particularly during the 2020 presidential campaign and their father's tenure as Second Gentleman:

• Cole Emhoff: Graduated from Colorado College and works in the entertainment industry.
• Ella Emhoff: Graduated from Parsons School of Design and has launched a career as a successful model and designer, even walking in New York Fashion Week.

The public display of unity and affection between Kamala, Doug, Cole, and Ella, as well as Doug's ex-wife Kerstin, is a powerful example of co-parenting and mutual respect in the political arena, providing a modern template for blended families.

From Entertainment Lawyer to Second Gentleman: Doug Emhoff’s Transition

Doug Emhoff's professional life underwent a dramatic transformation following his wife's election to the Vice Presidency. Prior to 2021, Emhoff was a highly respected entertainment lawyer. He spent decades in private practice, rising to partner at several leading law firms, where he specialized in media, sports, and intellectual property law.

When Kamala Harris was elected Vice President in November 2020, Emhoff made the decision to step away from his private law practice to avoid any potential conflicts of interest. This move was unprecedented, as he became the first-ever Second Gentleman of the United States. His commitment to supporting his wife's political career took precedence.

During his tenure as Second Gentleman (2021-2025), Emhoff carved out a unique role, focusing on key administration priorities, including:

• Promoting vaccination efforts and public health initiatives.
• Addressing issues of food insecurity and community college access.
• Leading the administration's efforts to combat antisemitism and religious intolerance.

Upon concluding his role as Second Gentleman, Emhoff continued his commitment to education and public policy by joining the faculty at Georgetown University Law Center as a distinguished fellow of its Institute for Technology Law and Policy, a position that allows him to share his extensive legal and public service experience with future generations.

The Enduring Partnership: Navigating the Political Spotlight

The marriage of Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff has been marked by a steadfast partnership that has endured the intense scrutiny of national politics. Their relationship is characterized by public displays of affection, mutual admiration, and a clear division of labor in their respective public roles.

Their story is not just about a high-profile political marriage; it is about two people who found love later in life, successfully merged two families, and supported each other through unprecedented career changes. As they continue their journey, their relationship serves as a powerful symbol of a modern, resilient, and enduring bond in the highest echelons of American public life, proving that a strong personal foundation is essential for navigating the challenges of the world stage.