Madison Chock and Evan Bates Wedding: What Most People Get Wrong

You’ve seen them on the ice—perfectly in sync, gliding through high-stakes routines with a chemistry that looks almost effortless. But away from the bright lights of the rink and the pressure of the 2026 Olympic cycle, Madison Chock and Evan Bates pulled off their most important performance yet. They finally got married.

Honestly, it wasn’t just some generic celebrity destination wedding. People tend to think these high-profile athlete unions are all about the glitz and the sponsorship deals, but for Madi and Evan, their June 20, 2024, wedding in Hawaii was a deeply personal tribute to heritage and a decade-plus of growing up together.

The couple didn’t just pick Hawaii because it’s pretty. Madison’s father was born and raised there, giving the location a weight that goes beyond a standard beach backdrop. It was a homecoming. They stood at the Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute on Oahu, a place that basically screams "heaven on earth" with its ocean views and sacred history.

Why the Madison Chock and Evan Bates wedding felt different

Most folks assume that because they're world-class athletes, everything had to be rigid or hyper-scheduled. Nope. It was "tropical garden elegance," but with a side of Leonard’s Bakery malasadas.

🔗 Read more: Did Bob Uecker Die? What Really Happened With Mr. Baseball

Think about it. These two have spent their entire adult lives under the thumb of a stopwatch. Every movement they make is judged by a panel of experts. For their wedding, they traded the judges for family and the stopwatch for a three-day party. They even kicked things off at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel in Waikiki with a performance by Honoka, a local Hawaiian artist. It was less "Olympic gala" and more "family reunion with better outfits."

The details that actually mattered

Madi is known for her fashion—she literally designs their skating costumes. So, the dress was always going to be the main event. She walked down the aisle in a custom Vera Wang gown. It had this incredible tulle detailing and a skirt that felt as airy as her skating style.

• The Entrance: She walked down the aisle to a live rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by Kailua Moon.
• The Vows: They were handwritten. Bates mentioned later how much those words meant, especially after surviving the "silver-turned-gold" drama of the Beijing team event.
• The Officiant: This was a cool touch—Steffany Hanlen, their longtime mentor and performance coach, did the honors. Having the person who helped shape your career also bless your marriage? That’s rare.

The guest list was a figure skating "Who's Who"

You couldn't throw a stone without hitting an Olympic medalist. Adam Rippon was there. Meryl Davis made the trip. Alexa Knierim and Jason Brown were spotted in the mix. It was basically the most talented guest list in the history of Oahu.

But despite the star power, the vibe remained low-key. They had a guava chiffon cake because it’s Madi’s favorite island flavor. They had a shaved ice stand at the cocktail hour. You’ve got to love the image of an Olympic gold medalist standing in a tailored suit eating blue raspberry shaved ice.

One of the most moving parts was when Madison’s mother, Barbara, sang the "Hawaiian Wedding Song." If you know the history of that song—popularized by Elvis in Blue Hawaii—you know it’s a staple of island weddings, but hearing it from your own mother hits different.

How they balanced the 2026 Winter Olympics with a wedding

How do you plan a destination wedding while training to defend a world title and prepping for the Milano Cortina 2026 games? You don't do it alone.

They hired Sandra Williams of Finishing Touch Events back in late 2022. It took them nearly two years of planning in "phases." Bates has been open about how essential it was to have someone take the logistical weight off their shoulders. They were literally flying back and forth between training camps and venue tours.

"It’s important to let people help you," Chock noted during the process.

That’s a big takeaway for anyone trying to balance a high-pressure career with a personal life. Even "Mr. and Mrs. Gold Medal" need a support team.

The "Second Honeymoon" in Paris

The wedding happened in June, but their summer didn't end there. Just a few weeks later, they were in Paris for the 2024 Summer Games to finally receive their gold medals from the 2022 Olympics. Because of the whole Kamila Valieva doping case, they had waited years for that moment. They called that trip their "second honeymoon."

What’s next for the Bates-Chock partnership?

Now that they are officially husband and wife, the dynamic on the ice has shifted—but maybe not how you’d expect. They’ve talked about feeling an even deeper connection now. There’s a security in the partnership that wasn't there when they were "just" dating.

They are currently full-steam ahead for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. They want to compete as a married couple, which is a storied tradition in figure skating (think Gordeeva and Grinkov), but it brings its own set of pressures.

Actionable Next Steps for Fans and To-Be-Weds:
If you're looking to channel some of that "Chock and Bates" energy for your own big day or just want to follow their journey:

1. Prioritize Meaning Over Trend: Like Madi incorporating her father's heritage, look for ways to make your venue or food tell a story rather than just looking good on Instagram.
2. The "Phase" Method: If you're busy, don't try to plan everything at once. Use the 18-month lead time they used to prevent burnout.
3. Watch the 2026 Qualifiers: Keep an eye on the upcoming U.S. Championships; their new "married" chemistry is expected to influence their choreography and storytelling in their free dance routines.