Shay Mitchell: Partner, Children, and Why She Won’t Marry

When a celebrity builds a decade-long relationship and starts a family without ever walking down the aisle, people have questions. Shay Mitchell, best known to millions as Emily Fields on Pretty Little Liars, has been fielding those questions for years. Here’s a fact‑checked look at her partner, her two daughters, and why she’s clear that marriage isn’t part of the plan.

Full name: Shannon Ashley Mitchell · Partner: Matte Babel · Children: 2 (Atlas and Rome)

Eight key facts that define Shay Mitchell’s biography and family situation:

Who is Shay Mitchell’s current partner?

Shay Mitchell’s partner is Matte Babel, a Canadian television personality and former entertainment reporter. The two were first linked romantically in 2017, according to ELLE’s profile of the couple. Babel, who is of Malaysian and European descent, maintains a relatively low public profile despite Mitchell’s A-list career.

Who is the father of Shay Mitchell’s child?

Matte Babel is the father of both of Mitchell’s children. People magazine identifies Babel as her “longtime partner” and the father of daughters Atlas and Rome. The couple has never been married, but Babel is consistently described as Mitchell’s life partner.

Who is Shay’s baby daddy?

The same person: Matte Babel. Public records and entertainment coverage unanimously list Babel as the father of both children. There is no legal or paternity controversy — the family unit is stable and acknowledged.

Are Matt Babel and Shay Mitchell still together?

Yes, as of 2025, Shay Mitchell and Matte Babel are still together. ELLE noted in May 2024 that the relationship had lasted at least seven years. The couple shares two daughters and continues to appear in family‑focused social media posts and public outings.

The pattern: a private, committed partnership that has outlasted many Hollywood marriages. Mitchell has said marriage is not a marker of success for her, and the stability of the relationship speaks for itself.

Why doesn’t Shay Mitchell want to get married?

Shay Mitchell has been unequivocal: she does not see marriage as necessary. In a 2024 interview with Ryan Seacrest’s radio show, she said, “I don’t think you need a piece of paper to show your commitment.” She has repeated this message in multiple outlets, including The Everygirl, where she explained that a traditional family setup centered on marriage never felt right for her.

The implication: Mitchell’s stance is not about rejecting commitment; it’s about redefining what commitment looks like. For her, a long‑term partnership without a wedding is a conscious, values‑driven decision.

How old was Shay Mitchell when she had her first child?

Shay Mitchell was 32 years old when she gave birth to her first daughter, Atlas Noa, in October 2019 (People). Her second daughter, Rome, was born in May 2022, when Mitchell was 35 (E! Online).

Did Shay Mitchell lose a child?

There is no public record or credible report that Shay Mitchell has experienced a pregnancy loss. The two healthy births — Atlas in 2019 and Rome in 2022 — are the only publicly known pregnancies.

How many children does Shay Mitchell have?

Two: daughters Atlas Noa and Rome. People confirms that Atlas is the elder, born roughly two years before Rome. Mitchell often shares family moments on Instagram, showing her daughters alongside partner Matte Babel.

What ethnicity is Matte Babel?

Matte Babel is of mixed ethnicity: his mother is Malaysian and his father is Canadian of European descent. This makes Babel of partial Southeast Asian heritage. Shay Mitchell herself is of Filipino, Irish, and Scottish descent, as widely reported in her biographical coverage (ELLE).

What is Shay Mitchell’s ethnicity?

Shay Mitchell is of Filipino (maternal side) and Irish/Scottish (paternal side) descent. She was born in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, and has spoken about growing up in a multicultural household.

What this means: both Mitchell and Babel bring diverse cultural backgrounds to their family, which Mitchell occasionally highlights on social media as something she wants her daughters to embrace.

Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

• Shay Mitchell’s partner is Matte Babel (ELLE).
• She has two daughters, Atlas and Rome (People).
• She does not want to get married (iHeartRadio).
• Birthdate: April 10, 1987 (ELLE bio).

What’s unclear

• Exact net worth (estimated at $14 million but unconfirmed by Mitchell).
• Whether she will ever marry in the future.
• Detailed family background of Matte Babel beyond his ethnicity.

“I don’t think you need a piece of paper to show your commitment.”

Shay Mitchell, speaking to On Air with Ryan Seacrest (May 2024)

“Being a mom is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Shay Mitchell, via People’s coverage of her children

For fans and followers, the takeaway is clear: Mitchell’s choice to co‑parent and build a life with Babel without marriage is deliberate and values‑driven. She has turned a personal preference into a public statement about what family can look like.

For a deeper look into her career earnings and personal milestones, check out Shay Mitchells biography and net worth.

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