Greg Mathis Jr., star of ‘Mathis Family Matters,’ and his fiancé, Elliott Cooper, are gearing up for their wedding. The couple plans to wed in a private ceremony in Cabo San Lucas on October 21, 2024. They will also host a larger celebration for friends and family in Los Angeles next year.

A Journey to Marriage: In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Greg Mathis Jr. shared, "For many years, we weren’t sure if we wanted to formally get married. We knew we loved each other and wanted to be together for life, but marriage seemed difficult to visualize."

Elliott Cooper added, "There just weren’t many married couples like us to look up to."

Now, the couple sees their wedding as a "must-have," highlighting the significance of representation in the LGBTQ+ community. "To us, it’s bigger than the institution of marriage. It’s about honoring the life we have built together," they said.

The couple acknowledges their marriage as a symbol for others in the LGBTQ+ community. "We realize that our relationship can provide a roadmap for queer people, showing that they have a place in this world."

Greg and Elliott describe their relationship as one based on love, sacrifice, and mutual understanding. They have faced judgment and stigma, especially as Black men in the LGBTQ+ community. Their journey has been about advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and moving towards a lifelong commitment to each other.

The couple is excited about spending time with their families in Cabo. "Our families have only met once before, so we’re eager to see how Elliott’s southern, outdoorsy family mixes with my loud, city-talking family," Greg shared.

The wedding weekend will be filled with activities, including a whale-watching excursion, special dinners, and wine tastings. "Family is very important to both of us, and we see our marriage as a union of our entire lives – family included," said Elliott.

Greg Mathis Jr. is the son of Judge Greg Mathis, a renowned television personality and retired judge. Growing up in a high-profile family, Greg Jr. was exposed to the public eye from a young age. He pursued a career in entertainment and is involved in various acting and production projects. Greg Jr. is also known for his advocacy work, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.

His decision to share his personal life on the reality show 'Mathis Family Matters' has allowed him to connect with a broader audience and promote acceptance and representation.

Elliott Cooper is an engineer and consultant who has successfully balanced his professional life with his personal passions. Originally from the South,

Elliott brings a different cultural background to the relationship, which has enriched their shared experiences. He enjoys outdoor activities and has a close-knit family that values traditional southern hospitality.

Elliott’s career in engineering has been marked by dedication and innovation, and he often speaks about the importance of mental health and self-care.

Greg and Elliott spent the first five years of their relationship in private due to fear of judgment. "We weren’t used to seeing two Black men date so publicly and unapologetically," Elliott recalled.

In 2022, after Greg’s father, Judge Mathis, and the family decided to do a reality TV show, the couple came out to the world. "When we shared our relationship on ‘Mathis Family Matters,’ we opened up to reality TV viewers.

We discussed what parts of ourselves and our relationship we wanted to keep sacred and leaned on each other for support," Greg explained.

Balancing Life and Love: Both Greg and Elliott are busy with their careers. Greg works in entertainment, while Elliott is an engineer and consultant. "When you’re focused on your purpose, the outside noise often takes care of itself," Elliott noted.

Greg advises on love, "Always give yourself and your relationship grace. We all deserve the ability to grow and evolve without judgment. Have a mental health regimen to bring the healthiest version of yourself to your relationship."

Elliott added, "Look within because that’s what matters most. There isn’t a perfect model of a relationship. It should be what works for you and your partner."