“The Bachelorette ”Alum Rodney Mathews Marries Arielle Hermanson in Romantic Riverside Wedding (Exclusive)
- - “The Bachelorette ”Alum Rodney Mathews Marries Arielle Hermanson in Romantic Riverside Wedding (Exclusive)
Ashlyn RobinetteAugust 17, 2025 at 5:11 PM
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Rodney Mathews and Arielle Hermanson -
The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise alum Rodney Mathews married Arielle Hermanson in a “romantic” California wedding in Riverside on Saturday, Aug. 16
"Marriage has been a lifelong dream for both of us since we were children, so getting to have our dream wedding feels like we’ve made it!" the couple tells PEOPLE
The pair met in June 2023, got engaged in August 2024 and privately legally married in July 2025
Bachelor Nation's Rodney Mathews is married!
Mathews — who is most recognized for his time on season 18 of The Bachelorette and season 8 of Bachelor in Paradise — married Arielle Hermanson in a "romantic" wedding in Riverside, Calif., on Aug. 16.
"We loved that the venue felt like a Spanish-style getaway, with all the charm and warmth of a Mediterranean escape — yet it was right here in Southern California," the couple exclusively tells PEOPLE. "It truly felt like a destination wedding without ever leaving home."
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The black-tie nuptials were attended by 150 guests, including "a few Bachelor Nation OGs" plus NFL Hall of Famer Andre Reed and actor Tre Hale.
"All that mattered to us was having all of our favorite people there to witness our love story and our forever," Mathews and Hermanson say. "But, of course, we wanted to do it in a dramatic, elegant style."
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Entering through ornate Mexican mahogany wooden doors, Mathews and the wedding party walked down the chapel's red aisle as Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown's "No Air" was performed by violinist Jeremy Green. Mathews and Hermanson sang the ballad the first night they met.
The reality TV star wore a suit from Friar Tux.
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Rodney Mathews, Arielle Hermanson and their wedding party
Before Hermanson walked down the aisle, a compilation of her late father’s voicemails played. Light shone through jewel-toned stained-glass windows onto the bride as Musiq Soulchild's "So Beautiful" played on violin. Her hair was styled by Myiesha Denise, makeup applied by Candice Renae, and nails done by a North Hollywood-based nail tech named Halee.
At the gold altar, the couple exchanged handwritten vows and wedding bands from jeweler Jane Abaci-Nehme. Their phone-free ceremony was officiated by their mutual friend Shawn Wilson.
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Arielle Hermanson and Rodney Mathews kiss
For Mathews and Hermanson, marriage means "spending forever with our favorite person in the whole entire world."
"A lifetime of laughing, adventure, family, and unconditional love," they add.
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The wedding reception
Guests headed to the venue's opulent ballroom for reception, which was decorated in deep shades of black, ivory and reds. Irises Designs was behind the elegant florals, candles and draping.
"We so closely and personally designed our absolute perfect day and we’ve left no stone unturned," the couple says, adding, "Marriage has been a lifelong dream for both of us since we were children, so getting to have our dream wedding feels like we’ve made it!"
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Arielle Hermanson and Rodney Mathews
DJ Sean G led entertainment, playing "Butterflyz" by Alicia Keys for the couple's first dance. Family and friends of the bride and groom danced to "top-tier" music throughout the night.
For the reception, Mathews changed into a shawl lapel men's blazer with shiny accents while Hermanson slipped into a mini dress draped in pearls.
Seated underneath crystal chandeliers hanging from exposed wood beam ceilings, partygoers dined on their choice of steak, chicken or pasta before savoring slices of the three-tiered cookie butter wedding cake from Crazy Sweet By Jay Bakery.
The wedding was planned by Julian-Anthony Wagner.
The newlyweds met "on a random night out" at The Venice Whaler on June 3, 2023. About a year later on Aug. 12, 2024, Mathews proposed with a Sofia Kaman diamond ring at his mother's hillside home in Riverside. A few days later, Mathews and Hermanson announced their engagement in a joint post on Instagram.
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Rodney Mathews and Arielle Hermanson
In July, the couple legally tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at Beverly Hills Courthouse. They now look forward to "enjoying being married, traveling, buying a home, and starting a family."
"We are best friends first and foremost, which makes for the smoothest ride," the pair shares. "We are both committed to achieving our wildest dreams and we cannot wait to enjoy the fruits of our labor!"
They plan to spend 10 days in Spain, specifically in Barcelona and Costa Brava, for their honeymoon.
Additional Credits:Videographer: Mad Love MediaContent Creator: The Social Club (Dee Hernandez)Invitations: Victoria GotwolsPhoto Booth: Salt & Light Photo BoothSignage: Jacqueline B. LettersBridesmaid Hair: Karina Espinoza
on People
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