Portia and Ellen wed in 2008.
In May 2008, the California Supreme Court invalidated the state’s ban on gay marriage. This meant that Ellen and Portia’s relationship was now legal. Ellen had intended to surprise Portia with a commitment ceremony at their joint birthday party in 2008. After the court’s historic decision, she decided to back out of her plan.

Ellen was able to ask Portia to marry her, and she accepted. The two were married the following year. The wedding was small, with just a few friends and relatives in attendance. It took place at their Los Angeles home, where they exchanged vows while seated on floor pillows in their living room.