‘Halloween Baking Championship’ Star Gets Married in Surprise Ceremony Before Season 12

Before Halloween Baking Championship returns on Food Network, one of its stars dropped major news about their love life.

The holiday competition series returns for Season 12 on Monday, September 14. Hosted by John Henson, the new episodes will see a batch of 10 bakers compete in a series of spooky baking challenges in hopes of taking home a $25,000 prize.

Zac Young returns as a judge for Season 12 alongside Stephanie Boswell and Aarti Sequeira. Just a week ahead of the show’s premiere, Young and his partner, Michael Schade, surprised their friends and families with an at-home wedding ceremony on Sunday, September 6.

In an interview with People published on Thursday, September 10, Young explained that their loved ones believed they were invited to a dinner party at their New York home, as he and Schade had previously sent out fake save-the-dates for a 2027 wedding ceremony.

“First, we love surprises. Second, we both think weddings are stressful for guests. What to wear, what to get, how to make small talk,” Young shared. “We really wanted our loved ones to come as they are and be comfortable. Bonus points for making our moms (and dads) cry.”

The couple told their guests that the party was being featured in a magazine, and attendees were interviewed by one of their pals posing as a fake journalist. “We had our friend pose as the writer for the first part of the day and interview them about us and the house,” Young said. “He showed up with a microcassette recorder and 14 pages of questions.”

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Young and Schade eventually changed into suits and told their guests the dinner party was actually their wedding. The ceremony took place in the pair’s garden, where they got engaged last year after meeting on a dating app in 2024. However, food being cooked in the kitchen set off the fire alarm and prompted a visit from the local fire department.

“The thing I love most about Michael is that he has made me laugh from the first second of our first date,” Young gushed. “While most couples would be flustered by nearly having the surprise ruined, we laughed so hard and also got a quick photo shoot with the guys, who gave us their sincere congratulations.”

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Young revealed that the ceremony was supposed to be officiated by Halloween Baking Championship‘s Henson, but he had to step down at the last minute. The pair’s friend Ashley Higgins filled in.

As for the couple’s next relationship steps? “Kids, a petting zoo, finding more spaces for wallpaper, unhinged statues and Michael’s obsession with light fixtures,” Young told the outlet.

Fans congratulated Young and Schade on their nuptials via social media. “Yay!!! Congratulations Michael and Zac! So thrilled for you both,” one fan commented on People Food’s Instagram page. Another added, “OMG @zac_young congratulations doll I’m so happy for you!! May your union be blessed.”

Someone else shared, “Ok this is sick!!!! congratulations to my favorites.” A different person posted, “So happy for you!! Xoxo.” A separate user stated, “Congratulations @zac_young sending all the love and best wishes to you both.”

Halloween Baking Championship, Season 12 Premiere, Monday, September 14, 9/8c, Food Network