💘 Behind the River: Real-Life Romances of the Virgin River Cast 💍🌟
The heartfelt drama of Virgin River has won over millions of fans worldwide with its mix of small-town charm, emotional storylines, and unforgettable romances. But beyond the screen, the actors who bring these beloved characters to life have real love stories of their own—some just as romantic as what we see on Netflix. Here’s a deep dive into who’s dating who, who’s married, and who keeps their hearts behind closed doors.
💖 Alexandra Breckenridge (Mel Monroe) & Casey Hooper
Alexandra, who plays nurse practitioner Mel Monroe, has a love life just as sweet off-screen. She’s been married to Casey Hooper, a guitarist best known for performing with Katy Perry, since 2015. The couple met at a Grammy Awards afterparty and quickly fell for each other. Together, they share two children—a son, Jack, and a daughter, Billie. Alexandra often shares adorable family moments on social media, showing that her real-life romance is thriving.
💘 Martin Henderson (Jack Sheridan) & Penny Hay
New Zealand-born Martin Henderson, who plays bar owner and war vet Jack Sheridan, is in a relationship with Penny Hay, an interior designer also from New Zealand. While Martin tends to keep his personal life low-key, he occasionally posts photos of their time together, often highlighting their mutual love of nature and their peaceful life away from the spotlight.
👨👩👧👦 Benjamin Hollingsworth (Dan Brady) & Nila Myers
Benjamin, who plays the troubled but lovable Brady, has been happily married to Nila Myers since 2012. Nila is a lingerie designer and fitness instructor. The couple has built a beautiful life with three children—two sons and a daughter. Benjamin frequently expresses his love for his wife and family on Instagram, crediting Nila as his rock and biggest supporter.
💑 Colin Lawrence (Preacher) & Lucia Walters
Colin Lawrence brings warmth and reliability to the role of Preacher, and it turns out he’s just as dependable in real life. He’s been married to fellow actress Lucia Walters since 1999. The two met in acting class and have worked together professionally as well. In a lovely twist of fate, Lucia even had a role in Virgin River as Julia, Preacher’s love interest—blurring the lines between fiction and reality in the most heartwarming way.
🎨 Zibby Allen (Brie Sheridan) & Adam Blair
Zibby Allen, who plays Brie—Jack’s sister and Brady’s love interest—is married to artist and visual designer Adam Blair. They got married in 2018 and live in the Pacific Northwest. The couple shares an artsy, outdoor-loving lifestyle, often posting their adventures hiking, paddleboarding, or relaxing with their dog. Their mutual admiration is evident in every photo and caption they share.
💍 Kandyse McClure (Kaia Bryant) & Claire Swales
Kandyse McClure recently joined the Virgin River family but already made waves both on-screen and off. In real life, Kandyse married her longtime partner Claire Swales in 2024. Their love story is almost movie-worthy: they first met as teenagers in South Africa and reunited years later in London before tying the knot. Their union was widely celebrated in the entertainment community and is a powerful symbol of reconnection and enduring love.
🏡 Jenny Cooper (Joey Barnes) & Daniel Cooper
Jenny, who plays Mel’s free-spirited sister Joey, leads a quieter life off-camera. She’s married to Daniel Cooper, and together they raise three children. The couple values privacy and family time, and Jenny has spoken about how grateful she is for her husband’s support throughout her acting career.
🧠 Tim Matheson (Doc Mullins) & Elizabeth Marighetto
Tim Matheson, the seasoned actor behind gruff yet lovable Doc Mullins, has been married to Elizabeth Marighetto since 2018. Before that, he had two prior marriages, including one with Jennifer Leak, and he shares three children with his second wife. Tim and Elizabeth prefer to stay out of the limelight, though he has occasionally mentioned how important her support has been in his later acting years.
❤️ Annette O’Toole (Hope McCrea) & Michael McKean
Annette O’Toole, the powerhouse behind the character of Hope, has been married to actor and musician Michael McKean since 1999. The couple shares a deep creative bond and have even collaborated on songwriting and performances over the years. Their enduring love has made them one of Hollywood’s most cherished and low-key couples.
💫 Sarah Dugdale (Lizzie) & Charlie Nesbitt
Sarah Dugdale, who plays the rebellious and strong-willed Lizzie, has been in a relationship with actor Charlie Nesbitt since around 2019. The two are often seen together at events and in cozy Instagram posts. While they’ve never officially confirmed how they met, fans speculate it could have been during early Virgin River filming when Charlie appeared briefly in the series.
🤫 Lauren Hammersley (Charmaine Roberts) – Private and Proud
Lauren Hammersley, who plays the sometimes-controversial Charmaine, keeps her private life tightly under wraps. Unlike some of her castmates, she doesn’t post personal details online and has never publicly confirmed a romantic partner. Her focus appears to be on her work, her fans, and living life on her terms.
While the love stories in Virgin River are filled with drama, heartbreak, and fairy tale endings, it’s refreshing to know that many of the stars behind the show are living their own versions of happily ever after. Whether married, dating, or flying solo, the cast of Virgin River proves that love—like life—is always evolving. 💕✨
