While Anne Burrell is widely recognized for her culinary talents, she has also cultivated a fulfilling home life with her husband, Stuart Claxton. The host of Worst Cooks in America began her relationship with Claxton, who specializes in marketing and communications, in 2018 after connecting through the dating app Bumble. He proposed in 2020, and the couple tied the knot the following year in 2021.
Reflecting on her wedding, Burrell described the experience as “magical” during an appearance on The Rachael Ray Show, where her friend Rachael Ray served as a bridesmaid. “I was determined to have the fairy tale! I only get to be a bride once!” she exclaimed.
Rachael Ray, a close friend of Burrell, served as a bridesmaid during the wedding ceremony
The couple exchanged personal vows, which Burrell found delightful. When it came time to declare her commitment, she recalled, “I just shouted, ‘YES I DO!'” Rather than taking a honeymoon, they returned to their Brooklyn apartment, which they were in the process of renovating and settling into.
Claxton shared his thoughts in 2023, stating, “It’s been wonderful, to say the least. Since Anne and I hadn’t lived together before marriage, it has been a complete adventure, yet incredibly lovely.” Curious about who Anne Burrell’s husband is? Here’s a closer look at Stuart Claxton and his relationship with the chef.
Their romance began on a dating app
In 2018, Burrell and Claxton met on Bumble, and she noted that they “both knew immediately” they were a perfect match upon their first encounter. “I can’t say we were thinking about marriage right away, but it was clear that this was something special,” she shared with PEOPLE. “We knew it was going to turn into something important.”
Burrell added, “By the time you reach 50, marriage doesn’t seem like a likely path anymore. I was always focused on my career, and marriage wasn’t something I actively sought. Meeting Stuart changed my perspective entirely.”
He has a son from a previous marriage
Details about Claxton’s teenage son, Javier, remain somewhat private, though he has made several appearances on Burrell’s Instagram over the years. In June, Javier joined Burrell and Claxton for the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup, and they snapped a selfie together.
“#theclaxtons hit the cricket today!!! My first cricket match and it was a blast!!” Burrell wrote alongside a series of photos on Instagram. “It was one of those gorgeous early summer days… just perfect. 🏏🏏🏏.”
His proposal was memorable
In April 2020, Claxton proposed to Burrell in her hometown of Cazenovia, N.Y., where they were isolating with her family during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Burrell recounted to PEOPLE, “My mom and Stuart collaborated on a plan for a date night.” She described how her mother set up a beautiful table for the two of them, and during the evening, Claxton mentioned creating a playlist for their wedding reception, prompting Burrell to wonder why they were discussing it at that moment.
As they talked about family and enjoyed each other’s company, she began to feel emotional. “Then Stuart pulled out a ring from his pants pocket, and I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t believe this is happening!'”
Claxton had already devised his proposal plans before the pandemic began. “I got the ring just before we went to Cazenovia, not knowing how long we would be there. But I’m really glad I did,” he noted.
“I believe some silver linings can emerge from difficult situations,” Burrell added. “Without the pandemic, we wouldn’t have been here with my family, and they wouldn’t have been involved in this special moment.”
His professional background
Claxton studied at Swansea University, graduating in 1993 with a degree in Spanish and philosophy. He earned a master’s degree in media management from the University of Stirling in 2008, as noted on his LinkedIn profile.
His career path has included nearly 13 years with Guinness World Records, followed by roles in corporate marketing and client solutions at TIME and ad sales marketing at Univision. In January 2023, he took on the position of vice president of marketing and communications at NextUp.
After a year and a half of marriage, Burrell expressed her satisfaction to PEOPLE, particularly enjoying the dynamic of having Claxton work remotely.
“I genuinely love being married. We’re together all the time since Stuart works from home. It’s not just the constant togetherness; it’s the adventures we share,” she remarked.
Their wedding took place in 2021
On October 16, 2021, the couple exchanged vows in a fall ceremony at Windridge Estates Redbarn 20 in Burrell’s hometown of Cazenovia. The Food Network star made a grand entrance in a horse-drawn carriage and joined her four bridesmaids at the altar. Claxton’s son Javier stood by his father as the best man.
“I don’t care about the cheese factor. Every time I mention the horse and carriage, Stuart chuckles,” Burrell told PEOPLE before the wedding. “But this is my moment, and I intend to enjoy it.”
For her wedding day, Burrell chose a Carolina Herrera gown, the very first dress she tried on. “I’ve adored Carolina Herrera for years because she designs for real women,” she explained. “You don’t have to be a stick figure, and her dresses still make you feel beautiful and dreamy.”
Claxton wore a black tuxedo by Ralph Lauren Purple Label paired with orange Nike high-tops, while the bridesmaids donned burnt orange dresses reminiscent of classic 1950s styles with tea-length skirts.
Guests enjoyed a seasonal menu featuring roasted cauliflower steak with cauliflower puree, goat cheese and pumpkin ravioli in sage butter sauce, and braised short ribs with celery root and parsnip puree.
Wedding planner Megan Hiltbrand of MLH Events helped realize Burrell’s vision, incorporating autumn-themed decorations featuring vegetables, herbs, and vibrant leaves. Attendees also savored a multi-tiered wedding cake crafted by Cake Boss star Buddy Valastro.
