Gretchen Rossi and Slade Smiley have been reality TV regulars for over a decade, and their relationship has sparked more debate than a Real Housewives reunion couch. While fans of the Real Housewives of Orange County have long wondered why the couple hasn’t tied the knot, it might actually be one of their smartest decisions. With Season 19 bringing Gretchen back into the Bravo spotlight, it’s clear that marriage isn’t the only marker of commitment. And in their case, staying unmarried might just be the secret to keeping things peaceful. Let’s get into why Gretchen might want to keep Slade as a life partner instead of walking down the aisle.
Real Housewives of Orange County stars Gretchen Rossi and Slade Smiley are not married
Despite being engaged since 2013, at the end of Season 8 in a backward proposal complete with a helicopter entrance. Gretchen and Slade have never officially said “I do.” And even after welcoming their daughter, the pair still just consider one another life partners. And while some fans have side-eyed the long engagement, others are starting to see the wisdom in it. After all, marriage isn’t a one-size-fits-all institution, especially not for couples who’ve already been through the public wringer. Gretchen and Slade have faced criticism over the years for everything from Slade’s sassy comments to their finances to their parenting choices.
But through it all, they’ve stayed together. That’s no small feat in the Bravo universe, where marriages crumble faster than friendships after a wine-fueled dinner party. By skipping the legal paperwork, Gretchen and Slade have built a foundation that works for them, without the added pressure of a marriage certificate. And in true RHOC fashion, Gretchen has made it clear that she doesn’t need a traditional label to prove her loyalty. She’s shown up for Slade through thick and thin, and their bond seems to be based more on emotional connection than on ceremony.
Slade comes with some heavy baggage
Let’s not sugarcoat it. Slade’s past is a lot. From financial troubles to legal issues involving child support, Slade’s history has been tabloid fodder for years. His relationship history on the Real Housewives of Orange County alone could fill a Bravo spin-off. Remember when he dated Jo De La Rosa? Or how about his infamous stint with Lauri Waring? Slade’s romantic résumé is as complicated as a Bravo reunion seating chart. And even now, questions about Slade’s career and finances still follow him.
While he’s taken steps to rebrand himself in recent years, some fans feel like Gretchen could do better. Or at least protect herself legally. By not marrying him, Gretchen avoids entangling her assets and reputation with someone who still raises eyebrows. That’s not to say Slade hasn’t been a supportive partner. He was right by Gretchen’s side during her fertility journey and continues to co-parent their daughter Skylar with love and dedication. But keeping things official-but-not-legal gives Gretchen some built-in protection if things ever go sideways. And in the unpredictable world of reality TV, that might be the most brilliant move she could make.
Gretchen and Slade seem happy without marriage on RHOC Season 19
With Gretchen making her RHOC comeback in Season 19, fans get a fresh look at her life with Slade. And so far, it looks pretty harmonious. The couple appears more grounded than ever, focusing on their daughter, their home, and their shared goals. There’s no drama about wedding planning, no family feuds over guest lists, and certainly no Bravo wedding special (yet). Instead, Gretchen and Slade seem to be doing what many couples struggle to achieve: coexisting peacefully without letting outside pressure dictate their relationship. And that’s saying something, especially in a franchise where lavish weddings often lead to fast-track divorces. Their dynamic this season is giving more grown and settled than bridezilla and groom-to-be.
A couple that’s functional, loving, and not constantly throwing champagne glasses at each other. Slade and Gretchen have never played by the rules, and their relationship is no exception. While marriage is often seen as the ultimate goal, not every couple needs a ring to feel secure. In fact, for Gretchen and Slade, skipping the wedding might be what’s helped them stay together all these years. Their connection has stood the test of time, reality TV scrutiny, and more than a few public controversies. That says a lot more than a marriage license ever could. So if Gretchen wants to keep Slade as her life partner—but not her husband—more power to her. Needless to say, I think both their love tanks are filled up.
The Real Housewives of Orange County is available to stream on Peacock and Hayu in the UK and Ireland.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK WE WILL SEE A SLADE AND GRETCHEN WEDDING?
