In a beautiful ceremony held under the sweeping mountain vistas of their home state of Utah, Kentucky Wildcats guard Collin Chandler and his longtime girlfriend officially tied the knot today, beginning a new chapter in their journey together as husband and wife. The wedding, both intimate and picturesque, blended heartfelt emotion with understated elegance, reflecting the couple’s shared values, family roots, and strong faith.
A Union Years in the Making
Collin Chandler has long been recognized not just for his skill on the basketball court but for his character, humility, and deep commitment to his loved ones. That commitment came full circle today as he exchanged vows with the woman who has stood by him throughout his athletic journey—his high school sweetheart, now officially Mrs. Chandler.
The couple has kept their relationship largely private throughout Chandler’s rise in the college basketball world. Those close to the pair describe them as best friends and spiritual partners who have leaned on each other through life’s milestones, from high school games to mission trips to national college recruiting attention. For Chandler, today’s wedding was more than a personal celebration—it was a testament to loyalty and shared purpose.
A Wedding with Utah Soul
The ceremony took place just outside Salt Lake City, nestled within the Wasatch Mountains, where natural beauty provided a breathtaking backdrop. With spring in full bloom, the outdoor venue was adorned with soft wildflowers and greenery, harmonizing perfectly with the couple’s modest but graceful aesthetic.
A string quartet played as the bride walked down the aisle in a stunning ivory gown, her hair softly curled and adorned with a delicate veil. Chandler, wearing a classic tailored black suit and Kentucky blue tie, stood tall with visible emotion in his eyes as he watched her approach.
The ceremony included heartfelt personal vows and was presided over by a family friend, who spoke about the importance of faith, unity, and building a future rooted in trust and resilience. A handful of teammates from Kentucky, along with former high school coaches and family members, were in attendance, offering a mix of cheers and tears.
A Wildcat with Deep Roots
For Chandler, who took the long road to Kentucky after serving a two-year LDS mission in Africa, this moment symbolized stability and balance as he prepares for a pivotal junior season with the Wildcats.
Before suiting up for Kentucky, Chandler starred at Farmington High School in Utah, where he was one of the most electric players in the state. A dynamic combo guard with a smooth jumper, explosive athleticism, and fierce competitiveness, Chandler was rated a four-star recruit and committed to BYU before flipping to Kentucky—a decision driven by a desire to challenge himself at the highest level.
However, in keeping with his personal beliefs, Chandler delayed his enrollment to serve a full-time mission through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That decision shaped him not only as a person but deepened his perspective on relationships, service, and humility.
“Collin is mature beyond his years,” said Kentucky head coach Mark Pope, who also shares deep ties with Utah and LDS values. “He’s a guy who leads with integrity, and his relationship has always been a quiet foundation for him. This marriage doesn’t distract from his basketball career—it enhances it.”
Coach Pope, Teammates Celebrate the Day
Coach Pope, who has been a father figure to many of his players, attended the ceremony with his wife and children. He shared a few words at the reception, joking that Chandler “had to lock down his commitment before the NBA could,” drawing laughs and cheers from the room.
Other Wildcats players who made the trip to Utah for the occasion included Otega Oweh, Andrew Carr, and Kerr Kriisa, among others. The team has formed a strong bond over the offseason, and several teammates remarked that Chandler’s wedding gave them a reason to gather and connect beyond the hardwood.
“It’s awesome to see a teammate do something so real,” said Oweh. “It’s easy to get caught up in NIL deals and rankings. But today reminded all of us that life’s about deeper stuff—family, faith, love.”
Chandler’s parents also gave emotional speeches, both praising the couple’s resilience and shared values, especially through long-distance stretches and the pressures of college athletics.
Faith at the Center
The ceremony made clear that faith remains at the core of Chandler’s identity—and now, his marriage. The couple’s officiant referenced verses from the Bible and the Book of Mormon, emphasizing unity, spiritual companionship, and enduring love.
During their vows, both Chandler and his wife spoke about their time apart during Chandler’s mission and how it ultimately strengthened their commitment to one another. “We wrote letters, prayed together even when we were oceans apart, and never lost sight of what we wanted,” his bride said.
That foundation of faith is something that has endeared Chandler to fans both in Utah and in Kentucky, where his mission and spiritual journey have been well-documented. His humility, work ethic, and devotion to both basketball and belief have made him a fan favorite even before his breakout moment on the court.
What This Means for Chandler On—and Off—the Court
With the wedding now behind him, Chandler is expected to return to Lexington by the end of May to join the rest of the team for summer workouts and team bonding activities. He will be among several players competing for starting minutes on a retooled Kentucky roster that’s big on versatility and backcourt talent.
Coach Pope has described Chandler as a “critical piece” in his system—a high-IQ guard who can play on or off the ball, defend multiple positions, and run the offense when needed. In a recent interview, Pope emphasized Chandler’s unique maturity and focus, citing his mission experience and “family-first” mindset.
“Getting married won’t distract him from basketball—it’ll fuel him,” Pope said. “He’s more centered than most 21-year-olds, and that kind of stability will be a competitive edge.”
Former Kentucky players have echoed similar sentiments. “Marriage gives some guys perspective,” said former Wildcat great Tony Delk. “When you know who you are and what matters to you, the noise fades away. Collin’s about to have a big year.”
A Reception Full of Love—and Some Wildcat Blue
The reception that followed the ceremony was joyful and relaxed. There was no shortage of laughter, and the dance floor was alive with energy. Several teammates shared stories about Chandler’s sense of humor and leadership, and a slideshow played showing moments from the couple’s childhood, their courtship, and Chandler’s basketball career.
The groom’s cake, not surprisingly, was shaped like a basketball, with “Mr. and Mrs. Chandler” written in fondant across a mock-up of a Kentucky jersey. Guests wore a mix of formal attire and Kentucky-themed accessories, from UK cufflinks to blue heels.
The couple shared their first dance to a live rendition of “You Are the Reason,” and as they twirled beneath a canopy of string lights, there wasn’t a dry eye in sight.
Honeymoon Plans and What’s Next
While the newlyweds have not publicly disclosed their honeymoon destination, close friends say the couple is planning a short retreat to the Pacific Northwest before Chandler returns to training. They’ve also expressed an interest in traveling overseas next offseason, possibly back to parts of Africa where Chandler served his mission.
For now, though, their focus is on building a home in Lexington and preparing for what could be a landmark season for Kentucky basketball under new leadership.
As the Wildcats look to reestablish themselves among the sport’s elite, they’ll do so with a guard who now plays with a wedding ring—and a whole new kind of motivation.
A Love Story Beyond the Headlines
In an era when college athletics often feels transactional and driven by spectacle, Chandler’s wedding stands as a refreshing reminder that real life continues off the court. The ceremony wasn’t about celebrity or brand—it was about legacy, love, and the quiet strength of two people who found their way to one another through faith and persistence.
The Kentucky community has embraced the news with warm congratulations and excitement, and fans can expect to see Chandler step into a larger leadership role both on and off the court next season.
So here’s to Mr. and Mrs. Collin Chandler: may their journey be filled with joy, strength, and purpose. Whether in Utah, Kentucky, or wherever life takes them next, this newlywed duo begins their next chapter with hearts full—and a future bright with promise.