Hollywood sweetheart Reese Witherspoon may be smitten with financier Oliver Haarmann, but insiders reveal she’s not jumping into wedding bells just yet. Instead, the 49-year-old Legally Blonde star is taking a more thoughtful approach by planning to move in with her boyfriend before deciding whether to say “I do.”
According to GLOBE Magazine, Witherspoon is describing the upcoming cohabitation as a “trial marriage,” giving her time to assess whether the relationship can go the distance. The couple, who have been romantically linked since July 2024, were recently spotted touring a high-end New York apartment in a Robert A.M. Stern-designed building.
“She’s telling friends that Oliver is everything she wants in a partner, and she’s seriously thinking about the future,” said one source close to the actress. “But after two breakups, she’s listening to advice and slowing things down.”
Past heartaches lead to caution
Witherspoon has experienced her share of romantic ups and downs. Her first marriage to actor Ryan Phillippe ended in 2006 after seven years and two children, Ava and Deacon. The pair met when she was just 21. Their union, though initially strong, crumbled amid speculation of infidelity.
She tied the knot again in 2011 with talent agent Jim Toth, with whom she shares a son, Tennessee. That marriage lasted 12 years before ending in divorce in 2023. Sources claim that growing differences, especially as Witherspoon’s producing and acting career soared while Toth’s post-CAA ventures faltered, contributed to the separation.
After the back-to-back heartbreaks, sources say Reese wants to take every possible step to ensure this relationship doesn’t follow the same path.
A modern approach to lasting love
Friends say the Oscar-winning actress believes living together will give her a realistic picture of life with Haarmann—without the pressure of another formal commitment.
“She’s not jaded, but she’s wiser now,” a close friend shared. “Reese wants to be sure they mesh in daily life, not just on romantic weekends.”
The 57-year-old Haarmann, a successful German-born businessman based in New York, is reportedly just as enthusiastic about the idea. Those close to the couple describe him as low-key, thoughtful, and deeply supportive of Witherspoon’s work.
“She thinks sharing a space with Oliver will help both of them figure out if they’re truly meant to be,” said another insider. “If it works, great. If not, it’s a clean break—no lawyers, no court dates.”
So while wedding bells may not be ringing yet, sources close to Witherspoon say she’s hopeful this new love story could finally be the one that sticks.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.