HGTV fans know Scott McGillivray as the charismatic host of popular shows like “Vacation House Rules” and “Renovation Resort Showdown.” The Canadian contractor and real estate expert has built a successful television career helping homeowners transform their properties into dream spaces.
With his expertise in home renovation and investment strategies, McGillivray has become one of HGTV’s most recognizable faces. But beyond his professional success, many viewers are curious about his personal life and family situation.
Scott and Sabrina McGillivray are still together, celebrating 17 years of marriage in June 2025. The couple continues to thrive both personally and professionally, splitting their time between Toronto, Ontario, and Fort Myers, Florida, while raising their two daughters.
“This is what year 17 looks like! I am so fortunate to have someone who is both strong and compassionate, smart and funny, a great mom and an excellent wife all in one package,” Scott wrote on Instagram for their anniversary.
The pair originally tied the knot in June 2008 in Vaughn, Ontario, during what Scott once described as an “incredible” day filled with “so many amazing memories.” Their wedding first dance to Edwin McCain’s “I Could Not Ask for More” even went viral on YouTube, garnering hundreds of thousands of views.
Scott frequently celebrates Sabrina on social media, demonstrating their continued affection after all these years. For her birthday in October 2024, he posted a sweet tribute: “Happiest of birthdays to my amazing wife Sabrina. She’s a real one. Loving our journey together and excited to be celebrating this special day,” according to social media posts.
Family Life Takes Center Stage
The McGillivrays have built a family together with daughters Myah, born January 24, 2012, and Layla, born October 29, 2013. Scott often shares glimpses of their family life on Instagram, showcasing everything from gardening adventures to special holiday celebrations.
Scott considers his role as a father and husband more important than any of his professional achievements. “To the perfect role model,” he wrote in a Mother’s Day tribute to Sabrina in May 2024. “The one who never misses a beat, the one who holds it all together, the one who manages to do it all and make it look easy.”
Sabrina works as a teacher at a Catholic school in Ontario, maintaining her own successful career while supporting Scott’s television endeavors. Scott has been vocal about admiring her dedication to both her profession and their family.
“Sabrina is an incredibly hard-working woman,” Scott wrote on HGTV Canada’s website. “She’s a full-time teacher, a full-time mom, an amazing caretaker, and the best partner I could hope for.”
The couple appeared together on their own HGTV series, “Moving the McGillivrays,” in 2016, which followed them as they built their dream home while juggling parenthood. Initially reluctant to appear on camera, Sabrina agreed to participate because she understood its importance to Scott’s career.
“She has always supported everything I’ve done with my career, but one thing she was never interested in was joining me on camera,” Scott explained on HGTV’s website in 2019. “But when the idea for Moving the McGillivrays came along, I knew it could never happen without her. Despite her hesitations, she agreed, because she knew how important it was to me.”
Maintaining Romance Through the Years
Despite their busy schedules with work and raising two daughters, Scott and Sabrina prioritize their relationship. Scott has shared that his favorite moments involve simple evening conversations after their children go to sleep.
Scott values quality time over quantity when it comes to family life. He’s adapted his approach to romance since becoming a father, now including their daughters in Valentine’s Day celebrations by taking all three of his “girls” on special dinner dates.
“As my daughters grow up I hope they’ll remember that this is how they deserve to be treated,” Scott explained about these family traditions on HGTV’s website in 2019.
The couple also gives back to their community together, having partnered with Habitat for Humanity to help build homes for local families. Their shared commitment to helping others is an example of their care for and concern about their community.
Sabrina brings her own talents to their relationship, including creativity and dance skills. Scott has praised her costume-making abilities for Halloween celebrations and her sewing projects around their home. Her Instagram bio describes her as a “dance mom,” suggesting at least one of their daughters has inherited her mother’s love of movement.
As Scott continues hosting popular HGTV shows, Sabrina remains supportive of his career while managing their family life. The second season of “Renovation Resort Showdown,” featuring Scott and Bryan Baeumler, premieres on HGTV on Tuesday, July 22, at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
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Inside Scott McGillivray’s 17-Year Relationship