NBC’s seasoned journalist and current Meet the Press host, Kristen Welker, keeps much of her personal life private—except when it comes to one man who truly matters: her husband, John Hughes. Here’s everything you need to know about John, their relationship, and their growing family.
👨💼 Who Is John Hughes?
John Hughes is a marketing executive at pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co., based in Pennsylvania. He joined the company in the mid-2000s and, by the time he met Kristen, had advanced to the role of marketing director.
💘 From Setup to Forever: How They Met
Introduced by mutual friends in October 2014, the couple hit it off instantly. John later recalled thinking Kristen “was out of his league,” but managed to charm her by cracking jokes and even crafting a crossword puzzle of presidential trivia—the moment he “got” her.
Despite the challenges of her travel schedule as a White House correspondent, John consistently made efforts to visit Kristen wherever she was reporting .
💍 A Proposal with Monumental Meaning
In June 2016, John proposed on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during a brief visit to Washington D.C. He chose the iconic location so that one day, their children could look back and say, “This is where Dad asked us to be part of this journey”.
👰 Their Wedding Day
Kristen and John exchanged vows on March 4, 2017, at The Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia—just a block from their first date location. Kristen wore a Vera Wang gown, while John donned a Michael Kors tuxedo. The ceremony featured friends from across both public and political spheres, including fellow journalists and dignitaries.
👶 Growing the Family: Surrogacy Journey
After years of trying to conceive and multiple failed IVF cycles, the couple chose surrogacy:
- June 12, 2021: Welcomed their daughter, Margot Lane, via surrogate—a moment Kristen described as “worth it in the end” after enduring the toll of IVF.
- May 30, 2024: Their son, John Zachary Welker Hughes, was born, also via surrogate.
- In June 2025, Kristen publicly discussed their fertility journey on Meet the Press, emphasizing transparency and support for others facing similar challenges.
🏡 A Supportive Partnership
John is widely credited as rock-solid support behind the scenes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he even helped film Kristen’s segments—running teleprompters and operating equipment—so she could continue her work at home .
📋 Quick Facts
- Name: John Hughes
- Occupation: Marketing executive at Merck & Co.
- Met: October 2014 (setup by friends)
- Engagement: June 2016, at Lincoln Memorial
- Married: March 4, 2017, Philadelphia
- Children: Margot Lane (b. June 2021), John Zachary (b. May 2024), both via surrogacy
❤️ Final Thoughts
John Hughes may prefer the background, but his support for Kristen Welker—professionally and personally—is clear. From that memorable crossword date to helping raise their two children, he’s shown up every step of the way. Together, they form a partnership grounded in love, resilience, and shared purpose.