The Romance Between Erin Krakow and Ben Rosenbaum in When Calls the Heart
Hallmark stars Erin Krakow and Ben Rosenbaum have a real-life love story reminiscent of the network’s classic romance films, much to the delight of fans.
While Krakow’s Elizabeth Thornton has captured the hearts of many on Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart, off-screen, she is devoted to Rosenbaum, who portrays Mike Hickam on the show.
The two have been friends for over a decade, having worked together on WCTH since its inception in 2014. However, it wasn’t until 2022 that astute fans began to suspect there might be a romantic connection between them.
In spring 2022, they were seen on a romantic getaway alongside fellow WCTH couple Kevin McGarry and Kayla Wallace, though they remained tight-lipped about the dating rumors. By 2025, Krakow and Rosenbaum tied the knot and excitedly revealed they are expecting their first child.
Scroll down to trace the journey of Krakow and Rosenbaum’s relationship:
2014
Krakow started her role as Elizabeth Thornton on When Calls the Heart in 2014, leading the show for 12 seasons as of March 2025. Rosenbaum has also been a cast member since the beginning, playing Mike Hickam.
March 2022
The romance speculation began when they shared increasing numbers of “date night” photos on social media featuring friends McGarry and Wallace.
May 2022
Rosenbaum posted pictures from their couples’ trip with McGarry and Wallace on Instagram in March 2023, one year after they returned from the Amalfi Coast. Fans were curious about their relationship status since McGarry and Wallace were already a couple.
“One year ago, @kevin_mcgarry_w @imkaylawallace @erinkrakow and I learned to make Limoncello together in Amalfi,” Rosenbaum captioned the photos. “I’m reliving/missing that trip with a fresh batch I just made with homegrown lemons (last pic)! La dolce vita! 🍋.”
June 2022
Rosenbaum and Krakow celebrated the renewal of WCTH for season 10 in Venice, Italy with McGarry and Wallace. However, they chose not to publicly address their relationship at that time.
December 2022
Krakow and Rosenbaum were present when McGarry proposed to Wallace in New York City.
“Wishing our friends @imkaylawallace & @kevin_mcgarry_w a massive CONGRATULATIONS on their engagement!!!” the actress shared on social media. “So happy for you both and thrilled we were all able to celebrate together in the Big Apple!”
January 2023
The couple welcomed their first dog together.
“Meet Willoughby. We adopted him a week ago and I already can’t imagine life without him. 😍,” Krakow shared on Instagram, tagging Rosenbaum.
March 2023
“Happy Birthday Willoughby’s Dad! Life woof be ruffer without you in it. RRR. 🐾,” Krakow expressed on Instagram, marking the first public acknowledgment of her relationship with Rosenbaum.
July 2023
Krakow and Rosenbaum spent a delightful day on the Warner Bros. lot and visited the Friends set with McGarry and Wallace.
December 2023
Exactly one year after witnessing McGarry and Wallace’s proposal in NYC, the four friends returned to the Big Apple. (McGarry and Wallace got married in September 2024.)
February 2024
Rosenbaum confirmed their romance after years of speculation by posting a photo of her on Valentine’s Day. “First thing I see when I wake up. Last thing I see before sleep. Happy Valentines Day ❤️❤️,” Rosenbaum wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of Krakow with their dog.
Krakow also celebrated the day by sharing her first kissing photo with Rosenbaum.
March 2024
“Happy Birthday @ben_rosenbaum! You mean the 🌎 to me!,” the Wedding Cottage actress wrote on Instagram.
January 2025
The Blind Date Book Club actress was all smiles celebrating the New Year with Rosenbaum and their dog.
March 2025
“Happy Birthday @ben_rosenbaum. You take such good care of us. And you make the world laugh. What more could we ask for? 🥹❤️,” Krakow dedicated a few sweet snaps of her partner.
June 2025
The couple announced their marriage via Instagram on June 23, sharing celebratory photos with an infinity symbol caption.
November 2025
Krakow announced on November 26 via Instagram that she is expecting her and Rosenbaum’s first child. “So much to be grateful for!!! 🥰,” she shared along with a series of photobooth pictures of the couple holding a sonogram ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
