From Routine Gala to Forever: Madison Chock and Evan Bates Turned a Quiet Night on Ice Into an Unforgettable Moment 

Madison Chock and Evan Bates are officially husband and wife — and their love story has now moved from the ice rink to the altar.

The Olympic ice dance champions, known for their breathtaking performances and years of partnership, married in a romantic seaside ceremony in Hawaii on Thursday, June 20. The wedding marked a beautiful new chapter for the couple, who have shared both competitive success and a deep personal bond for more than a decade.

The pair chose Hawaii for a meaningful reason: Chock’s parents were born and raised on the islands, making it the perfect setting for a celebration rooted in family and tradition. With a tropical theme, the ceremony incorporated several Hawaiian customs, including a symbolic lei exchange.

“The leis represent unity,” Chock shared, explaining that marriage is about two individuals coming together to form something even greater.

Their wedding festivities lasted three days, beginning with a welcome celebration in Waikiki at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel. Guests included fellow Olympic skaters such as Adam Rippon, Meryl Davis, and Alexa Knierim, who enjoyed music, games, and island hospitality.

On the big day, Chock walked down the aisle as local group Kailua Moon performed a touching rendition of Israel Kamakawiwoʻole’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” The bride stunned in a customized Vera Wang gown featuring delicate tulle detailing, a full skirt, and a low back.

The ceremony was filled with heartfelt personal touches. Chock’s mother, Barbara, performed the classic “Hawaiian Wedding Song,” famously featured in Elvis Presley’s Blue Hawaii. The couple exchanged handwritten vows and received a blessing from the steward of the Lanikuhonua Cultural Institute, where the wedding took place.

The reception was equally unforgettable, featuring beloved local treats like shaved ice and malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery. Their cake — a guava chiffon flavor — was a special nod to Chock’s favorite island dessert.

For the afterparty, Chock swapped her gown for a sparkling custom outfit embroidered with metallic palm leaves, perfectly matching the tropical atmosphere. The newlyweds entered the reception to Beyoncé’s “XO,” then shared their first dance to a live romantic version of “Moon River.”

Chock and Bates’ love story began when they started skating together in 2011. Their partnership grew into romance, and after six years of dating, Bates proposed in Thailand in June 2022 — a moment Chock still calls unforgettable.

Now, with their dream wedding complete and a honeymoon planned in Kauai, the couple is looking ahead to an exciting future. They hope to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy and eventually start a family someday.

“Getting married means I get to spend the rest of my life with my best friend,” Chock said.

And as Bates added, “Now we start a brand new chapter as husband and wife.”