16 Years, One Baby, And No Ring: The Real Reason Are Gretchen And Slade Still Not Married In 2025

The enduring, over-a-decade-long love story of Gretchen Rossi and Slade Smiley is one of reality television's most fascinating sagas, constantly begging the question: Are they finally married? As of late 2024 and early 2025, the definitive answer remains "no," but the couple insists they are more committed than most legally wed pairs. After a dramatic proposal, a challenging journey to parenthood, and over 16 years together, the former stars of The Real Housewives of Orange County have intentionally bypassed the traditional walk down the aisle, and the reason is far more complicated than a simple lack of commitment.

Their relationship, which began in 2009 during the height of their reality TV fame, has weathered public scrutiny, financial drama, and an intense feud with former castmates. Today, the couple is focused on their life as a family of three, prioritizing their partnership and their daughter, Skylar Gray, over a marriage license. This deep dive explores their current status, the financial and legal hurdles keeping them from the altar, and what their life looks like today.

Gretchen Rossi and Slade Smiley: A Complete Biographical Profile

Gretchen Rossi and Slade Smiley are two of the most recognizable faces to emerge from the Bravo universe. Their on-again, off-again status (with respect to a wedding) has kept them in the headlines long after their main tenure on RHOC concluded.

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• Gretchen Christine Rossi (née Forward):
• Born: October 30, 1978 (47 years old as of late 2025)
• Hometown: Michigan, USA
• Career: Television personality, entrepreneur, businesswoman.
• RHOC Tenure: Seasons 3 through 8 (2008–2013).
• Previous Marriage: Christopher Rossi (m. 2004; div. 2007).
• Current Business: Founder of the Gretchen Christine Collection (handbags, cosmetics, accessories, home decor).
• Slade Smiley:
• Born: October 29, 1973 (52 years old as of late 2025)
• Hometown: Oakland, California, USA
• Career: Reality television personality, former marketing executive.
• RHOC Tenure: Seasons 1–3 with ex Jo De La Rosa, and Seasons 5–8 with Gretchen Rossi.
• Education: Degree in international business from California State University.
• Notable Past: Significant financial and child support issues that became a major storyline on the show.
• Relationship Timeline Highlights:
• 2009: Began dating.
• 2013: Gretchen proposed to Slade in a highly publicized event on RHOC Season 8.
• July 2019: Welcomed their daughter, Skylar Gray Smiley, after a challenging IVF journey.
• 2025: Still engaged and together, celebrating over 16 years as a couple.

The Legal and Financial Hurdles Preventing a Marriage License

The biggest roadblock to Gretchen and Slade officially tying the knot is not a lack of love or commitment, but rather a complex web of financial and legal liabilities stemming from Slade's past. This issue has been a persistent theme in their relationship and is the key reason for their long-term engagement status.

The California Debt Concern. The primary deterrent is the financial baggage Slade carried from previous relationships and business ventures, most notably outstanding child support payments and significant debt. In the state of California, where the couple resides, marriage can create a legal situation where one spouse becomes financially responsible for the other's debts.

Gretchen, a successful businesswoman with her Gretchen Christine Collection brand, has worked hard to build her own financial portfolio. By remaining legally unmarried, she is able to protect her assets and business from being seized to satisfy Slade's pre-existing debts. This strategic decision is a pragmatic move to safeguard her financial independence and the future of their family, including their daughter, Skylar.

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A "Spiritual" vs. Legal Commitment. Gretchen has frequently addressed the marriage question, arguing that a piece of paper does not define their relationship. She has drawn parallels to the LGBTQ+ community’s decades-long fight for marriage equality, stating that a lack of a legal license does not mean their love is any less valid or their commitment any less real.

“I feel like there’s something to be said about two people choosing every day to wake up and stay together rather than people that want to put so much emphasis on a piece of paper,” she once explained. This perspective highlights their belief in a "spiritual marriage" or long-term partnership over the legal entanglements of a state-sanctioned union.

Life Today: Focusing on Family, Business, and Skylar Gray

As of 2025, Gretchen and Slade’s life revolves around their thriving partnership and the joy of raising their daughter, Skylar Gray Smiley. Born in July 2019, Skylar’s arrival was the culmination of a very public and emotional IVF journey, which Gretchen openly shared to help other couples struggling with infertility. The couple often posts updates about Skylar on social media, showcasing a happy, stable family life that contrasts sharply with the drama of their reality TV days.

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The Gretchen Christine Empire. Gretchen's entrepreneurial spirit has kept her relevant and financially secure. The Gretchen Christine Collection, which started with handbags and quickly expanded into a full range of cosmetics, accessories, and home décor, is her main focus. This brand is a testament to her business acumen and provides the financial stability that allows the couple to navigate their unique marital status.

Slade’s Current Ventures. While Slade’s financial history has been controversial, he continues to work, leveraging his international business background. Although his current specific ventures are less publicized than Gretchen's, he is actively involved in supporting their family and Gretchen’s brand, often appearing in her social media content and joint projects. His focus remains on being a supportive partner and father.

Their enduring relationship, spanning over a decade and a half, proves that a traditional marriage certificate is not the only measure of success for a couple. Despite the constant speculation and the occasional rumor of a secret wedding (which they have always denied), Gretchen and Slade remain engaged and deeply committed life partners. They have successfully prioritized their family's financial security and personal happiness over societal expectations, making their unconventional union one of the most successful long-term partnerships in the history of the Real Housewives franchise.