Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor have spent nearly 12 years proving that a lasting relationship doesn't necessarily need a marriage certificate. As they approach another anniversary, the actresses are making it clear that wedding bells aren't part of their plans. In fact, Paulson says the idea of marriage gives her the 'heebie-jeebies'.
The 51-year-old American Horror Story star opened up about her relationship with Taylor, 83, during the 12 November episode of Chelsea Handler's Dear Chelsea podcast. Although Paulson considers their bond as meaningful as a marriage, she has no desire to make it legally official.
For the couple, it comes down to something more personal than wedding rings or paperwork: independence. Neither actress particularly enjoys the title of 'wife', and their approach to commitment has always left room for individuality.
Sarah Paulson Doesn't Need a Marriage Certificate
Paulson told Handler that remaining unmarried has allowed her to preserve her sense of self. 'I'm happy that I haven't been married', she explained. 'Because I feel that I've maintained some sense of myself in a way'.
That doesn't mean she considers her relationship with Taylor any less serious. Paulson said she already feels married to her longtime partner, even without a piece of paper backing it up. 'The stoneness of it makes me want to, like, it gives me the heebie-jeebies. I want to feel this kind of freedom', she said.
The actress was quick to clarify that freedom doesn't mean wanting other romantic partners or spending less time with Taylor. Instead, she wants to maintain her independence within a relationship that already feels complete.
Paulson believes Taylor shares that perspective. Both women also dislike being described as someone's wife, particularly the implication of belonging to another person. Essentially, they've found their happily ever after. They're just not interested in the 'I do' part.
Their relationship began in 2015, although the actresses first met a decade earlier. They are now approaching their 12th anniversary in January 2027. Their commitment, it seems, isn't measured by a wedding date, a shared surname, or the number of rings involved.
Separate Homes, Shared Lives
The couple's unconventional approach to love rebels against tradition, even in terms of living circumstances. In May 2024, Paulson revealed on the SmartLess podcast that maintaining separate homes was part of what made their relationship work. They enjoyed spending time together without feeling obligated to share every moment.
It's worth noting that separate properties don't necessarily mean separate lives. During an October 2026 appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, Taylor explained that their demanding careers often keep them in different cities. When their schedules align, they spend as much time together as possible.
Taylor also revealed that Paulson had been staying at her Los Angeles home for almost a year while waiting to move into a newly purchased property. So, while the couple may prefer separate addresses on paper, their living arrangements are more flexible in practice.
For Paulson and Taylor, marriage isn't the missing piece of a nearly 12-year romance. They've already built a partnership that works for them, with plenty of love, a little breathing room, and absolutely no need to call anyone 'wife'.
