Ainsley Earhardt and Sean Hannity’s Secret Wedding: A Guest List of 40 with One Jaw-Dropping Surprise

On February 14, 2025, Fox News power couple Ainsley Earhardt and Sean Hannity tied the knot in a candlelit ceremony at a private estate near Hannity’s $23.5 million Manalapan mansion in Florida. After their Christmas 2024 engagement at their home church, the couple opted for an intimate wedding with only 40 guests, a stark contrast to the lavish affairs typical of media royalty. The guest list, kept under wraps until recently, has sparked a frenzy on social media, with one name shocking fans and pundits alike. This article delves into the details of their nuptials, the exclusive attendees, and the unexpected figure who stole the spotlight.

A Love Story Rooted in Faith and Secrecy

Earhardt, 48, and Hannity, 63, have been a couple since at least 2019, though they kept their relationship private for years. Their romance first gained public attention when they arrived together at a colleague’s wedding via Hannity’s private helicopter. Bonding over their shared Christian faith, the couple chose a church for Hannity’s proposal, a moment Earhardt described as “perfect” on Fox & Friends. The wedding, held on Valentine’s Day, was equally personal, with soft candlelight, a string quartet playing hymns, and a vow exchange that emphasized their commitment to God and family. Earhardt wore a custom lace gown, while Hannity donned a tailored navy suit, both reflecting their understated elegance.

The decision to limit the guest list to 40 was deliberate. “We wanted it to be about us, our kids, and the people who truly matter,” Earhardt shared in a rare Instagram post. The couple’s children—Hannity’s son Patrick and daughter Merri from his marriage to Jill Rhodes, and Earhardt’s daughter Hayden from her marriage to Will Proctor—played key roles. Hayden served as a flower girl, while Patrick and Merri gave readings. The intimate setting allowed for heartfelt moments, like a tearful toast from Hannity’s father, Lewie Wayne Earhardt, who celebrated his 90th birthday cousin’s milestone during the weekend.

The Guest List: A Mix of Expected and Astonishing

The 40-person guest list was a carefully curated blend of family, Fox News colleagues, and a few high-profile figures, reflecting the couple’s influence in conservative media and politics. Notable attendees included:

Fox News Stars: Fox & Friends co-hosts Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade served as ushers, their jovial presence lightening the mood. Lawrence Jones, who praised the couple on air, delivered a Bible reading, cementing his role as a close friend. Tucker Carlson, now a streaming media figure, attended solo, fueling speculation about his ties to Fox.

Political Heavyweights: President-elect Donald Trump, a longtime friend of Hannity, arrived with Melania Trump, their presence unsurprising given Hannity’s home in Palm Beach, just six minutes from Mar-a-Lago. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his wife, Casey, also attended, nodding to Hannity’s influence in GOP circles.

Family and Friends: Earhardt’s South Carolina roots were evident with relatives like her father and cousins, who joined in the celebration. Hannity’s children and their close friends from New York and Florida filled out the core group.

But one name sent shockwaves through social media and media circles: Joe Scarborough, co-host of MSNBC’s Morning Joe and a vocal critic of Hannity’s conservative stance. Scarborough, accompanied by his wife and co-host Mika Brzezinski, was an unexpected addition, given the ideological chasm between MSNBC and Fox News. Earhardt, known for her warmth and ability to maintain cross-aisle friendships, reportedly insisted on their inclusion, a move Hannity supported despite initial hesitation from their team. “Ainsley’s heart is bigger than politics,” a source close to the couple noted. “She wanted this day to reflect unity, not division.”

Scarborough’s presence sparked a Twitter storm, with #HannityEarhardtWedding trending globally and over 1 million posts by February 15. Fans and critics alike were stunned, with @MediaMaverick tweeting, “Joe Scarborough at Hannity’s wedding? Is this the multiverse?” Memes of Scarborough toasting with Trump flooded timelines, captioned, “When Fox meets MSNBC at the altar.” Some conservative fans expressed dismay, with @FoxFaithful posting, “Why invite the enemy? Ainsley’s too nice for her own good.” Others praised the gesture, seeing it as a rare moment of bipartisanship in a polarized media landscape.

The Ceremony and Reception: Intimate Yet Extravagant

The ceremony took place at a historic estate overlooking the Atlantic, its gardens adorned with white roses and candles. A local pastor officiated, weaving scripture into the vows, which emphasized love, faith, and resilience. Earhardt’s daughter Hayden stole hearts as she scattered petals down the aisle, while Hannity’s children read passages from Corinthians. The couple exchanged rings engraved with their initials and the date, a subtle nod to their private bond.

The reception was a gastronomic and musical delight. Guests enjoyed a menu of Southern-inspired dishes, including shrimp and grits, filet mignon, and key lime pie, paired with fine wines and a signature “Fox & Fiancés” cocktail. A surprise performance by country stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, longtime friends of Earhardt, elevated the evening. Their duet of “To Make You Feel My Love” had guests swaying, with Hannity and Earhardt sharing a tearful first dance. Brooks, whose occasional liberal leanings have sparked controversy among conservative fans, was another bold choice, but their performance was universally praised.

The absence of certain expected names also raised eyebrows. Pete Hegseth, a former Fox & Friends weekend host whose 2019 wedding Hannity and Earhardt attended, was notably missing, possibly due to recent controversies surrounding his personal life. The couple’s decision to keep the event small meant other Fox personalities, like Laura Ingraham and Jeanine Pirro, were not invited, though they sent public congratulations via X.

A Media Frenzy and Cultural Moment

The wedding’s secrecy was a feat in the age of instant news. The couple informed only their closest confidants, with Fox News announcing the event post-ceremony. Within hours, details leaked, and the guest list—particularly Scarborough’s inclusion—dominated headlines. Reddit threads called it “the plot twist of the century,” while X analytics showed #HannityEarhardtWedding rivaling major news events in engagement. The event underscored Earhardt’s unique ability to bridge divides, a trait she’s honed on Fox & Friends, where she balances hard-hitting news with personal warmth.

Hannity and Earhardt’s relationship has always been a balancing act. Living between New York, where Earhardt films Fox & Friends, and Florida, where Hannity hosts his top-rated show, they’ve navigated long-distance love with weekend visits. Their commitment to their careers—both have long-term Fox contracts—ensures they’ll maintain this dynamic, with Earhardt staying in Manhattan for her daughter’s school and Hannity rooted in Palm Beach. Their children’s support, emphasized in their statements, reflects a blended family united by love.

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter

As the couple embarks on married life, fans eagerly await updates. Earhardt’s recent Instagram posts, showcasing family moments like her daughter’s ear-piercing and horseback riding, hint at a focus on blending their families. Hannity, who marked 25 years as cable news’ longest-running host, continues to dominate primetime, while Earhardt’s Fox & Friends remains a morning staple. Their wedding, though small, has left a big mark, proving that even in a divided world, love and friendship can surprise and unite.

The inclusion of Joe Scarborough, a liberal voice in a conservative stronghold, speaks to the couple’s desire to transcend politics, if only for a day. It’s a reminder that personal connections can defy public personas, offering a glimmer of hope in a fractious media landscape. As Earhardt said on Fox & Friends, “We’re all human, and love brings us together.” For Hannity and Earhardt, their wedding was not just a celebration of their union but a bold statement about the power of unity.