Reality television often offers a lens into unconventional relationships, none more so than Married at First Sight, where strangers agree to marry based on compatibility analysis conducted by relationship experts. Season 12 of the show, which aired in 2021, featured several memorable couples, including Hailey Harris and Jacob Harder. Their relationship was one of the most discussed of the season, leaving viewers curious long after the season ended: Are Hailey and Jake still married?
The Premise of Married at First Sight
Married at First Sight is a reality series where individuals agree to legally marry someone selected for them by a panel of experts. The show follows these couples from their wedding day through several weeks of married life, ultimately culminating in “Decision Day,” when each pair decides whether to stay married or file for divorce.
Season 12 was set in Atlanta, Georgia, and featured five couples. Among them were Hailey Harris, a sales representative, and Jacob Harder, a tech professional and self-described 1980s enthusiast. From the start, their differences were apparent, and fans were divided over whether the couple could overcome their mismatched personalities.
Who Are Hailey Harris and Jacob Harder?
Hailey entered the experiment as a confident, outgoing woman ready to take a leap into marriage. Jacob, on the other hand, was known for his quirky sense of humor, love for retro aesthetics, and preference for a more structured lifestyle. While opposites can sometimes attract, their dynamic proved to be a challenge from the early days of their honeymoon.
Despite best efforts from both sides, including coaching from the show’s experts, Hailey and Jake struggled to find emotional and physical connection. Their personalities clashed, and communication often broke down, leaving both individuals frustrated and emotionally distant.
Are Hailey and Jake Still Married?
No, Hailey Harris and Jacob Harder are not still married. The couple decided to divorce on Decision Day and officially ended their marriage shortly thereafter. Their relationship never developed into a romantic or emotionally fulfilling bond, and by the end of the season, both agreed that parting ways was the best course of action.
Their decision came as little surprise to longtime viewers, who noted the ongoing disagreements and lack of chemistry throughout the show. Both Hailey and Jake expressed mutual disappointment but also a sense of relief in ending a relationship that did not serve either of them.
Post-Show Reflections
Following their appearance on the show, both Hailey and Jacob have spoken publicly about their experience. In post-season interviews and reunions, they each acknowledged the difficulty of being matched with someone they felt little connection to. However, they also shared that the experience taught them valuable lessons about communication, boundaries, and emotional readiness.
Jake, in particular, took a humorous and reflective tone in discussing his time on the show. He remained active on social media, often poking fun at his own eccentricities while reaffirming his readiness to find the right partner in the future. Hailey maintained a more private post-show profile but also emphasized personal growth and gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the experiment.
Why Their Marriage Didn’t Work
Several factors contributed to the failure of Hailey and Jake’s marriage. Key among them was the lack of compatibility. While initial attraction plays a role in any relationship, their differences in values, lifestyle, and communication styles made it difficult to establish any meaningful connection.
The lack of physical chemistry was also a recurring theme. Both partners expressed frustration at the slow progression of intimacy, and neither felt comfortable or desired in the relationship. These emotional and physical gaps widened over time, ultimately leading to a mutual decision to part ways.
Life After the Show
Since their split, both Hailey and Jake have moved on from their Married at First Sight experience. They are not known to have re-entered any relationships publicly linked to their time on the show. Instead, they’ve focused on personal development and new career opportunities.
Jake has continued engaging with fans through interviews and media appearances, often with a humorous edge. He remains a memorable cast member for his unique personality and earnest effort, even in the face of rejection. Hailey, while less publicly visible, has occasionally appeared in fan circles and discussions, reflecting positively on the lessons learned from the experience.
FAQs
When did Hailey and Jake get married?
They were married during the filming of Married at First Sight Season 12, which aired in early 2021.
Are Hailey and Jake still together?
No, they decided to divorce on Decision Day and are no longer together as of 2025.
Why did Hailey and Jake divorce?
They struggled to build emotional and physical connection and found themselves fundamentally incompatible.
Did either of them remarry after the show?
As of 2025, there is no public record indicating that either Hailey or Jake has remarried.
Are they still in contact?
There is no indication that they maintain a close relationship post-divorce. They have each moved on independently.
Conclusion
Hailey Harris and Jacob Harder’s relationship on Married at First Sight Season 12 was marked by differences that ultimately proved insurmountable. Though both entered the experiment with hope and commitment, their journey served as a testament to the unpredictable nature of arranged partnerships.
As of 2025, they are no longer married and have gone their separate ways. While their marriage may not have worked out, the experience offered each of them personal insight and a renewed understanding of what they seek in future relationships. Their story remains a notable chapter in the broader narrative of reality TV’s most daring marriage experiment.