David Burtka Recalls ‘Rough’ Transition to Sobriety In Marriage, Says Neil Patrick Harris ‘Lost His Drinking Buddy’ (Exclusive)

Harris and Burtka first went public with their relationship in 2007 and were officially married in a private ceremony in Italy in September 2014.

Burtka celebrated eight years sober on Instagram on September 13, 2024.

“Maybe in the beginning it was a little rough because, you know, [Neil] lost his drinking buddy, so it was a little difficult,” Burtka says. “But after time tells, it’s great.”

He joked with a laugh, “In fact, I love a lunchtime where I can push alcohol on [Neil] so we can go shopping afterwards. He’s more inclined to buy me things. So I’m like ‘You should have another glass, your second glass of wine!’”

There’s no shortage of joking between the pair, with Burtka crediting their knack for humor as one of his favorite parts of the couple’s marriage.

“At the end of the day, it’s all about laughter for me,” Burtka says. “We really do have fun.”

The couple, shares twins Harper Grace and Gideon Scott, 14, which they welcomed via surrogacy in 2010. 

“You hope as kids get older that they want to share more with you, and are willing to tell you when things are happening as opposed to just keeping you qout of the loop. Harris told PEOPLE of the being a dad in a February 2024 interview. “But I think it’s imperative that they learn things and come to you when they have questions, as opposed to you feeling like you need to shape them in ways that you see fit.”