Boston Couple Elopes During Blizzard After Snow Cancels Wedding Plans

Maddie McNamara and Drew Baker decided to get married in their hotel after their planned wedding venue closed due to the storm.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A Boston couple, Maddie McNamara and Drew Baker, had planned a small wedding at the Boston Public Library, but when both their venue and an alternate location were closed due to a major blizzard, they decided to elope in their hotel instead. Their photographer was able to capture the impromptu ceremony and the couple's playful frolicking in the snow afterward.

Why it matters

The unorthodox wedding showcases how couples can adapt and find creative ways to celebrate their special day, even in the face of unexpected challenges like severe weather. It also highlights the resilience and flexibility of wedding vendors like photographers who are able to pivot and capture memorable moments.

The details

After learning their wedding venues were closed due to the Blizzard of 2026, which dumped 17.1 inches of snow in Boston, Maddie McNamara and Drew Baker decided to elope in their hotel. Their photographer, Chris Graham, was able to walk over from his hotel and capture a five-minute ceremony, as well as the newlyweds playing in the snow afterward, describing them as 'not stressed' and 'letting loose' in a way he had never seen before from a couple on their wedding day.

  • The Blizzard of 2026 hit Boston on February 24, 2026.
  • Maddie McNamara and Drew Baker had their impromptu elopement ceremony in their hotel on February 24, 2026.

The players

Maddie McNamara

A Boston resident who eloped with her partner Drew Baker during a major blizzard after their planned wedding venue closed.

Drew Baker

Maddie McNamara's partner who eloped with her during a blizzard after their wedding plans were disrupted.

Chris Graham

The photographer who was able to capture Maddie and Drew's impromptu elopement ceremony and their playful frolicking in the snow afterward.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of brides, they're stressed on their wedding day, you know? And I've never seen anybody as not stressed as they were. It was amazing.”

— Chris Graham, Photographer (WBZ-TV)

What’s next

The couple plans to have a larger celebration with family and friends once the weather improves and power is fully restored in the area.

The takeaway

This story showcases the resilience and flexibility of couples who are able to adapt their wedding plans in the face of unexpected challenges, as well as the creativity of wedding vendors who can help capture memorable moments even in untraditional circumstances.