Erin Napier Husband: Who Is Ben Napier and How Did Their College Romance Become an HGTV Success Story?

HGTV star Erin Napier and her husband, Ben Napier, are celebrating another major professional achievement as their series Home Town Takeover receives an Emmy Award. The couple recently confirmed that they are filming the eleventh season of Home Town in Laurel, Mississippi, explaining why they could not attend the awards ceremony. Their continued success has renewed interest in their marriage, family life and the relationship that began when they were college students.

Erin Napier’s husband is Ben Napier, an American television personality, woodworker and entrepreneur best known for co-hosting HGTV’s Home Town. The couple married on November 22, 2008, and have two daughters, Helen and Mae. Their relationship has lasted more than two decades, with both building careers around historic home renovation, small-town preservation and family-owned businesses.

Who Is Erin Napier’s Husband Ben Napier?

Ben Napier was born on September 24, 1983, in Collins, Mississippi. He grew up in a religious household, as his parents worked as United Methodist ministers.

His family moved during his childhood, and he eventually graduated from high school in North Carolina before returning to Mississippi for college.

Ben attended Jones County Junior College, where he met Erin in 2004. He later transferred to the University of Mississippi and graduated with a history degree in 2007.

Before becoming a television personality, Ben worked in youth ministry at Laurel First United Methodist Church.

He also developed an interest in woodworking, initially creating handmade furniture and household items.

His craftsmanship eventually became a defining part of his professional career.

Today, Ben is recognized for his woodworking skills, historic renovations and commitment to supporting businesses in Laurel.

How Did Erin Napier and Ben Napier Meet?

Erin and Ben Napier first met while attending Jones County Junior College in Ellisville, Mississippi.

Their relationship began in December 2004 when Erin, who worked on the college yearbook, was assigned to photograph Ben for a student feature.

Erin had already noticed him around campus and admired his friendly personality.

Ben had also noticed Erin, particularly her distinctive short hairstyle and personal style.

After their yearbook photoshoot on December 8, the two quickly developed a romantic connection.

They went on their first date the following day.

Within a week, they had already discussed the possibility of getting married someday.

Ben later recalled telling Erin that he loved her just six days after their first date.

The couple continues celebrating the anniversary of their relationship each December through a tradition they call Love Week.

When Did Erin Napier Marry Ben Napier?

Erin and Ben Napier married on November 22, 2008, after dating for nearly four years.

Their wedding took place before either became a nationally recognized television personality.

At the time, Erin was developing her career in graphic design, while Ben was pursuing work connected to ministry and woodworking.

Following their marriage, they settled in Laurel, Mississippi, Erin’s hometown.

The couple became interested in restoring older houses and supporting the community’s historic downtown district.

Their shared passion eventually attracted the attention of television producers.

In 2014, their social media posts about Laurel and their renovation projects helped introduce them to HGTV.

Their television series Home Town premiered in 2016 and gradually became one of the network’s most recognizable renovation programs.

Erin Napier and Ben Napier’s Children

Erin and Ben Napier have two daughters, Helen and Mae.

Their eldest daughter, Helen Napier, was born on January 3, 2018.

The couple welcomed their second daughter, Mae Napier, on May 28, 2021.

Both children have become important parts of their parents’ lives, although Erin and Ben deliberately limit their exposure to social media.

Erin has explained that she wants her daughters to experience childhood without the pressure of constant online attention.

The couple also avoids regularly showing their children’s faces publicly.

In November 2026, Erin revealed that her beloved aunt Marilyn, affectionately known as Mae Mae, had passed away.

She explained that her younger daughter was named after her aunt, who had encouraged Erin’s artistic interests during childhood.

The family tribute offered a personal glimpse into the importance of family traditions and relationships in the Napier household.

Ben Napier’s Career and Business Ventures

Ben Napier’s professional success extends beyond his television appearances.

He is a skilled woodworker who specializes in handcrafted furniture, historic restoration and traditional building techniques.

Alongside Erin, he operates Laurel Mercantile Co., a retail business selling home goods and products associated with American craftsmanship.

He also established Scotsman General Store & Woodshop, which showcases woodworking and locally produced merchandise.

The couple expanded their business activities through Scotsman Manufacturing Co., supporting the production of household goods in Mississippi.

Their HGTV series Home Town follows them as they renovate historic properties and help families establish homes in Laurel.

The show’s success led to additional programs, including Home Town Takeover and Home Town: Ben’s Workshop.

Ben’s practical building expertise complements Erin’s background in graphic design and interior styling.

Together, they have developed a recognizable approach to renovation that emphasizes preserving a property’s original character.

Erin and Ben Napier Discuss Their Marriage

Erin and Ben Napier recently shared an unusual detail about their relationship during an October 2026 podcast interview.

The couple explained that spending extended periods apart is one of the few situations that creates tension in their marriage.

Ben said disagreements sometimes occur when they spend more than two nights away from each other.

Because they have worked together for most of their adult lives, separation can feel unfamiliar.

Erin also explained that their daughters prefer having both parents at home.

The couple emphasized that their strong relationship developed naturally because they grew into adulthood together.

Their partnership began long before television fame and has continued through marriage, parenthood and several business ventures.

Although their public careers involve demanding schedules, they have consistently described spending time together as an important priority.

Are Erin Napier and Ben Napier Still Married?

Erin and Ben Napier remain married and continue working together on their television projects.

Their relationship has occasionally been the subject of online speculation, including unfounded divorce rumors.

However, Erin has publicly dismissed suggestions that their marriage was ending.

Their continued appearances together, family activities and professional collaborations demonstrate that they remain partners in both their personal and professional lives.

In November 2026, the couple celebrated an Emmy win for Home Town Takeover: Sebring.

Erin explained that they could not attend the ceremony because they were filming the eleventh season of Home Town in Laurel.

The achievement marked another milestone in a television career built around their shared commitment to community renovation.

Erin Napier’s husband, Ben Napier, has been her partner since their college years. From their wedding in 2008 to raising two daughters and building successful businesses, the couple has developed a life centered on family, creativity and their Mississippi hometown. Their continued television success reflects a professional partnership that began with a college yearbook photoshoot more than twenty years ago.