How Old Is Dakota From Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives? The Complete Age & Story Breakdown
Introduction: The Age Question Surrounding a Reality TV Lightning Rod
If you’ve spent any time scrolling through TikTok or reality TV forums lately, you’ve likely encountered the whirlwind that is The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Among its cast of fascinating and often controversial figures, one name generates consistent buzz: Dakota Mortensen. But beyond the drama, the cheating allegations, and the emotional reunion specials, a simple question persists among fans: how old is Dakota from Secret Lives of Mormon Wives?
His age isn't just a trivial fact; it’s a piece of the puzzle that helps contextualize his relationship with Taylor Frankie Paul, his place within the younger cast dynamic, and his subsequent life choices post-show. This article dives deep into Dakota Mortensen’s age, biography, and the sprawling narrative that has made him a central figure in one of streaming’s most talked-about reality series. We’ll unpack his journey from Taylor’s partner to a man addressing his behavior on national television, and finally, to a personality seemingly charting his own course—all while the world watches.
Dakota Mortensen: Biography and Personal Details
Before we dissect the drama, let’s establish the foundational facts about the man at the center of it all.
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Who is Dakota Mortensen?
Dakota Mortensen is best known as the former partner of Taylor Frankie Paul, a primary cast member on Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. While he is not a Mormon himself, his relationship with Taylor, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), thrust him into the spotlight of this niche but explosive subculture. His appearances on the show, particularly his volatile relationship with Taylor, made him a breakout—and often polarizing—figure in Season 1.
Quick-Reference Bio Data Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dakota Mortensen |
| Date of Birth | January 27, 1993 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 32 years old |
| Primary Claim to Fame | Reality TV star; ex-partner of Taylor Frankie Paul on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives |
| Hulu Series | The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (Cast Member, Seasons 1-3) |
| Notable Relationship | Taylor Frankie Paul (on-again, off-again partner; relationship documented on show) |
| Key Storyline | Rocky relationship with Taylor, reconciliation attempts, contentious Season 3 reunion, post-split public commentary |
| Upcoming Appearance | Hinted at a Bachelorette-style dating venture (not the official ABC show) |
| Social Media Presence | Active on TikTok, where he often comments on his personal life and the show |
The Context of Age: Dakota and the "Mormon Wives" Cast Dynamic
A crucial, often overlooked element of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is the youthful demographic of its core cast. As several key sentences hint, most of the women featured are under the age of 30, navigating marriage, motherhood, and faith in their early twenties.
Dakota Mortensen, at 32, sits just a few years outside this core age bracket. This subtle age gap is more than a number; it represents a slight difference in life stage and perspective. While the cast members are often dealing with the immediate pressures of young marriage and infant children, Dakota, as a non-Mormon outsider, operated from a different frame of reference. This dynamic inevitably colored his relationship with Taylor, who was deeply embedded in this fast-paced, socially pressurized world. His age gave him a marginally different vantage point on the conflicts that unfolded, which fans frequently debated online.
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How Old Are the Other Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Cast Members?
The show’s energy is heavily driven by its young cast. Here’s a snapshot of the main stars' ages (as of 2025), putting Dakota’s 32 years into perspective:
- Taylor Frankie Paul: Born in 1997 (Age 28)
- Layla Taylor: Born in 1997 (Age 28)
- Jen Affleck: Born in 1996 (Age 29)
- Mikayla Matthews: Born in 1998 (Age 27)
- Maci Page: Born in 1997 (Age 28)
- Britni Baird: Born in 1996 (Age 29)
- Whitney Leavitt: Born in 1992 (Age 33) – One of the older cast members.
This concentration of women in their mid-to-late twenties means the show’s drama is intensely focused on a specific, high-stakes period of life. Dakota’s presence as a 32-year-old man in this ecosystem was a constant point of interest and, for some viewers, scrutiny.
From Spotlight to Split: The Rocky Relationship with Taylor Frankie Paul
Season 1: The Highlight of the Show
Dakota Mortensen’s introduction to audiences in Season 1 was almost exclusively through the lens of his relationship with Taylor Frankie Paul. Their connection was anything but smooth. The show meticulously documented their “rocky relationship,” which quickly became a central narrative thread. Viewers witnessed explosive arguments, deep-seated trust issues, and Dakota’s often dismissive or frustrated demeanor. Their volatile dynamic provided some of the most unforgettable television of the season, making them a duo viewers loved to watch and debate.
Seasons 2 & 3: The Reconciliation Attempt
Despite the Season 1 turmoil, the couple’s story wasn’t over. Their “attempts to reconcile” became a primary arc for Seasons 2 and 3. The show followed them as they tried to rebuild trust, navigate long-distance challenges (as Taylor moved for a period), and work on their communication. However, the reconciliation was fraught with setbacks, lingering resentment, and external pressures, including the immense fan attention and online speculation about their relationship’s authenticity.
The Catalyst: The Alleged "Soft Swinging" Scandal
To understand the immense pressure on their relationship, one must understand the show’s origin story. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives was born from the 2022 “MormonTok soft swinging scandal.” This viral internet drama involved allegations of secret parties and relationship experimentation within a tight-knit group of young, married Mormon influencers in Utah. Taylor Frankie Paul and her friends were at the epicenter of this controversy. The Hulu series was essentially a deep-dive exploration of the lives and relationships that existed in the wake of that scandal. Dakota, as Taylor’s partner, was immediately thrust into this complex, gossip-heavy world, which set a turbulent foundation for their documented relationship.
The Chaotic Split and Its Aftermath
"A Very Chaotic Split"
By the end of the documented seasons, the relationship between Dakota Mortensen and Taylor Frankie Paul had “come to a very chaotic split.” The breakup was not quiet or amicable. It was filled with public allegations, social media posts, and a palpable tension that lingered long after cameras stopped rolling. The fallout was messy and played out in front of their combined audience.
The Child Custody Battle
Adding a layer of profound seriousness to the celebrity gossip was the child custody battle. Taylor and Dakota share a young son. Their post-breakup disagreements over custody and co-parenting were a somber, real-world counterpoint to the reality TV drama. This legal and emotional struggle was a key factor in their continued public disputes and was frequently referenced by both parties on social media, reminding fans that behind the entertainment were two parents trying to navigate a difficult separation.
The Alleged Fake Affair
Another complicating factor was “an alleged fake affair.” During the peak of their conflicts, there were claims and insinuations—often from Dakota—that Taylor’s connections with other men, or specific storylines on the show, were fabricated or exaggerated for drama. These accusations, whether true or not, became a permanent stain on their history and a favorite talking point for fans analyzing every episode.
The Season 3 Reunion: Clearing the Air
Addressing Fan Criticism
Season 3 of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives may be over, but Dakota Mortensen is still clearing the air after fans questioned his behavior during the emotional reunion special. The reunion is a classic reality TV crucible where all unresolved tensions explode. Dakota faced intense scrutiny from the other cast members and the audience for his past actions, his attitude during the season, and his treatment of Taylor.
"The Reunion Thing Was a S* Show"**
In characteristic blunt fashion, Dakota later addressed the reunion directly. He was quoted as saying, “Obviously, the reunion thing was a s* show.”** This candid, unfiltered response was typical of his post-show commentary. He didn’t shy away from labeling the chaotic, confrontational nature of the event, suggesting he felt the format or the participants (including himself) contributed to a spectacle rather than a productive conversation. This quote became a fan-favorite summary of the entire reunion’s tone.
Life After the Show: Dakota's Next Move
Teasing His Own "Bachelorette" Venture
In a move that surprised many, Dakota Mortensen began teasing a new chapter. On TikTok, he posted about his own strategy for 'finding love,' writing, 'when you realized you can date 30 girls without being on a tv show.' This cryptic, boastful post was widely interpreted as him poking fun at Taylor Frankie Paul’s upcoming role as the next Bachelorette on ABC. It was a clear, public response to her new high-profile dating journey.
"Taking the Reins of the Dating Show"
The narrative solidified when news broke that Taylor Frankie Paul was cast as the lead for The Bachelorette Season 22 in March 2026. This announcement came “on the heels of a very chaotic split with her ex Dakota Mortenson.” For Dakota, this development was undoubtedly a major cultural moment his ex was experiencing without him. His social media activity suggests he’s processing it in his own way—with a mix of humor, apparent nonchalance, and perhaps a touch of competitiveness.
Why Taylor Frankie Paul Was Cast as The Bachelorette
According to exclusive reports, Taylor Frankie Paul detailed why she believes she was cast as the lead. Her unique story—a young Mormon woman from a viral scandal, now navigating fame, single motherhood, and a very public, messy breakup—provided exactly the kind of complex, compelling narrative that The Bachelorette producers seek. Her ability to draw a massive, engaged audience from Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and social media made her a ratings guarantee.
Fan Reactions and the SLOMW Fandom
The Divided Opinion on Taylor Frankie Paul
The show has a fiercely divided fanbase. A common query on forums and social media is: “Watching Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, I need to know why people love Taylor so much? Like what am I missing because she seems so fake to me?” This highlights the central schism in the fandom. Supporters see Taylor as a resilient, authentic young mother navigating an impossible situation with humor and heart. Detractors view her as manipulative and overly performative for the cameras. Dakota’s portrayal is a huge part of this debate; his critics see him as a toxic influence, while some viewers sympathize with his frustration and feel he was unfairly edited.
Top Favorite Cast Members
Despite the drama, fans have their favorites. In polls and discussions, the question “Who are your top 3 favorite girls on SLOMW!” often yields consistent results. One popular fan response was: “My 3 are Jen, Mikayla & Maci!” These cast members are frequently cited for their perceived relatability, humor, or steady demeanor amidst the chaos. Jen Affleck’s dry wit, Mikayla Matthews’ journey, and Maci Page’s moments of clarity often resonate more with viewers seeking less contentious storylines.
Going Into Season 4: Relationship Updates
As the show prepares for Season 4, fans are eager for updates. A key resource is the article “Here’s an update on the relationships of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives cast, including who's single, who's married, and who's expecting.” This type of content is crucial for the audience, as the show’s core appeal is tracking the real-life evolution of its stars. Dakota’s status will be a major point of interest—he is currently single and navigating co-parenting, a storyline that will likely be touched upon even if he’s not a primary focus.
The True Story: How MormonTok Became a Hulu Show
For any fan wanting the full picture, understanding “the true story that led to The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives becoming a reality show” is essential. It all traces back to the 2022 “MormonTok soft swinging scandal.” A group of young, married, devout LDS influencers in Utah were accused of hosting secret parties where “soft swinging” (non-penetrative sexual activity with others) occurred. The scandal exploded on TikTok and Twitter, exposing a hidden world of infidelity and hypocrisy within a community that publicly champions strict chastity. Hulu’s series is the official, in-depth exploration of the lives and friendships at the heart of that viral moment, with Taylor Frankie Paul and her circle as the central figures. Dakota entered this pre-existing storm, making his story inseparable from the show’s controversial origins.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Number
So, how old is Dakota from Secret Lives of Mormon Wives? He is 32 years old, a fact that places him in a specific context within the show’s young, Mormon-centric universe. But his age is merely the entry point to a much larger story. Dakota Mortensen’s journey—from being the tumultuous partner of a breakout star, to a focal point of fan ire at the reunion, to a man publicly teasing his own dating life while his ex prepares to hand out roses on national television—is a masterclass in modern reality TV aftermath.
His narrative is intertwined with the core themes of the show: the clash between public persona and private pain, the consequences of living your life on camera, and the messy, non-linear path of relationships under a spotlight. Whether you see him as a villain, a victim of editing, or simply a flawed person in an impossible situation, Dakota remains a compelling case study. As The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives heads into Season 4 and Taylor Frankie Paul embarks on her Bachelorette journey, the shadow of their chaotic split—and the man who is now 32 and seemingly unbothered—will continue to loom large over the franchise. The question for fans is no longer just about his age, but about what chapter comes next for the man who once declared the reunion a “s*** show.”
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Dakota Mortensen | Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Wiki | Fandom
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Hulu's ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Cast Photos, Trailer
