Chaz Bono Marries Shara Blue Mathes in Hollywood Ceremony

Los Angeles, United States – March 13, 2026

Chaz Bono wedding celebrates decades-long relationship

Actor and activist Chaz Bono married Shara Blue Mathes during a ceremony in Los Angeles surrounded by family and longtime friends. The wedding took place at the historic The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on March 8, drawing close relatives including his mother, the legendary singer and actor Cher. The ceremony highlighted a relationship that began more than four decades ago when the couple first met as teenagers. The event blended Hollywood glamour with personal memories that shaped the couple’s long journey together.

The ceremony marked a rare full-circle moment for the couple, whose lives diverged for years before reconnecting. Friends say the pair first met at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute while studying acting during their teenage years. Their early friendship eventually evolved into romance decades later after they reconnected as adults. The marriage represents the continuation of a relationship that developed across several chapters of their lives.

A long journey leading to the Chaz Bono wedding

The relationship between Bono and Mathes traces back more than 40 years to their youth in Los Angeles. Both were young aspiring performers when they first encountered each other through acting classes. Their paths diverged over the decades as their careers and personal lives evolved. The couple eventually reconnected years later and officially began dating again in 2017.

Bono later described the relationship as unique because it returned to its earliest beginnings. He said very few people ultimately marry the first person they ever kissed in their teenage years. Friends close to the couple say the renewed relationship grew steadily after their reunion. Their bond deepened over time as they navigated life together in Los Angeles.

The actor said Mathes has remained a source of stability and companionship throughout their relationship. He described her as both a partner and his closest friend. According to Bono, the relationship provides a sense of security and shared purpose. The couple believes their long history helped strengthen the foundation of their marriage.

Hollywood setting for the Chaz Bono wedding

The ceremony followed a “Hollywood Glam Formal” theme that reflected the couple’s connection to the entertainment industry. Guests arrived dressed in classic evening attire that matched the elegant style of the venue. The aisle featured soft lighting and decorative floral arrangements designed to create a cinematic atmosphere. Candles and deep red tones gave the setting a dramatic yet intimate appearance.

Bono wore a traditional black tuxedo paired with a bow tie and a purple calla lily boutonnière. Mathes chose a long-sleeved lace wedding gown and styled her hair in loose curls. She carried a bouquet filled with purple orchids and darker floral tones. The coordinated styling reflected the wedding’s glamorous theme while maintaining a personal touch.

Guests watched as the couple concluded the ceremony with a celebratory moment at the end of the aisle. Family members and friends gathered nearby as the couple shared the milestone together. Photographs captured the pair surrounded by warm lighting and floral arrangements. The ceremony emphasized intimacy rather than a large public spectacle.

Cher attends and supports Chaz Bono

Among the guests seated near the front was Bono’s mother, the award-winning singer and actor Cher. The performer has long supported her son publicly and privately throughout his life. She watched the ceremony from the front row as the couple exchanged vows. Her presence reflected the close bond she shares with Bono and his partner.

Cher is also the mother of musician Elijah Allman, whose father was the late musician Gregg Allman. Bono’s father, the late entertainer Sonny Bono, was part of the famous musical duo Sonny & Cher. The wedding therefore brought together members of a family long associated with American entertainment history. Several guests noted the emotional significance of the moment for the family.

Over the years Cher has openly supported Bono through major milestones in his life. That support became widely known after the release of the documentary Becoming Chaz in 2011. The film documented Bono’s gender transition and personal journey. Cher later expressed admiration for her son’s willingness to share his story publicly.

Planning the ceremony and celebration

Wedding planner Natalie Sofer coordinated the ceremony and reception. She worked with the couple to create a celebration that balanced elegance with personal meaning. Organizers focused on creating a welcoming environment for family and longtime friends. The planning emphasized warm lighting, dramatic floral design, and classic Hollywood details.

Guests later gathered for a reception following the ceremony at the same venue. Music, food, and speeches filled the evening celebration. Attendees described the event as joyful and relaxed despite the glamorous theme. Several guests said the atmosphere reflected the couple’s long friendship and shared history.

The couple’s wedding website also highlighted their decades-long connection. It shared details about how the pair first met and later reunited. Friends say those stories became a central part of the celebration. Many guests had known the couple for years and appreciated the emotional significance of the reunion.

Public appearances before the wedding

Bono and Mathes have occasionally appeared together at entertainment events in recent years. In October 2024 they joined Cher on the red carpet at the premiere of the horror film Little Bites during Beyond Fest in Los Angeles. The film listed both Cher and Bono among its executive producers. Their appearance together drew attention from fans and media outlets.

The couple also supported Cher during promotional events for her memoir. In December they attended a public discussion at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. The event focused on the release of Cher: The Memoir, Part 1. Photographs from the evening showed the trio together speaking with attendees.

Friends say these appearances reflected the close relationship between Mathes and Bono’s family. The couple often attends events together in Los Angeles. Their presence at family gatherings and industry events gradually made their relationship more visible. Over time the pair became a familiar presence at entertainment gatherings.

A new chapter begins after the Chaz Bono wedding

Following the ceremony, the newly married couple plans to celebrate with a honeymoon in Hawaii. Travel details were shared through their wedding registry website. Friends say the destination reflects the couple’s preference for quiet coastal locations. The trip will allow them to mark the milestone away from public attention.

Mathes is also the mother of a 25-year-old son named Cooper from a previous relationship. Friends say Bono shares a warm relationship with Mathes’ family. The couple plans to continue living in Los Angeles after their honeymoon. Their life together remains closely connected to family and long-standing friendships in the city.

For Bono, the wedding represents a personal milestone shaped by decades of shared history. The couple’s relationship began in their teenage years and eventually returned to that original connection. Friends say the ceremony reflected both nostalgia and new beginnings. The marriage marks the start of another chapter in a relationship that has already spanned much of their lives.