Harry Potter actress Scarlett Byrne marries Cooper Hefner in courthouse ceremony

The actress has since changed her Instagram handle to @scarletthefner
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Megan C. Hills5 November 2019

Pansy Parkinson found love after Hogwarts in an unexpected place, as Harry Potter actress Scarlett Byrne recently married Cooper Hefner, the son of the late Playboy founder Hugh Hefner.

Scarlett announced the news that they were “legally married” on Instagram yesterday, adding that she was “proud” to stand by Cooper’s side - changing her name on Instagram to Scarlett Hefner.

Both Scarlett and Cooper shared photos of themselves standing in a Ventura County courthouse in California on Instagram to reveal the news.

She wrote, “Cooper and I are excited to share that we legally married. We are looking forward to planning our wedding in the coming months where we will celebrate further with our friends and family.”

Scarlett Byrne and Cooper Hefner
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“I love you Cooper. I am proud to stand by your side, as your partner, your friend, and your wife. I cannot wait to continue building a life together. My heart is so full and I am so grateful for our love,” she continued

Her Harry Potter cast mates also chimed in down in the comments, with Evanna Lynch (who played Luna Lovegood) writing, “This post is so beautiful 😭 love you and your massive heart!!”

Afshan Azad-Kazi, who now works as a model and played Padma Patil for several years in the series, also commented, “Scarlett Hefner!!! ARGH!! I love you! I love you so much twinny.”

Cooper’s stepmother Crystal also congratulated the pair, writing, “Congrats you two.”

Scarlett played Pansy Parkinson, a Slytherin house witch, in the wizarding series from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Since then, she has transitioned into television on shows including Falling Skies and The Vampire Diaries.

Cooper’s post was accompanied by a gallery of pictures of the pair, which included travel shots, matching Christmas pyjamas and one of Scarlett flashing her engagement ring.

He wrote, “Scarlett and I have made it officially legal and the two of us could not be happier. Cheers to a life full of love, happiness, adventure, and great purpose, Mrs. Hefner.”

“I love you dearly and very much look forward to planning our wedding celebrations in the months ahead. I love you, Scarlett,” he finished.

Their engagement was announced in August 2015 by Cooper, who posted pictures of the couple laughing and showing off Scarlett’s yellow diamond engagement ring.

Cooper previously worked in the family business, initially as Chief Creative Officer and then later as Chief of Global Partnerships. Since then however, he left the company and set up his own business called StagDaily which is expected to launch in 2020.

We wonder what Professor Snape would make of it all...