With the warm spring sun over the capital, the couple exchanged vows in an intimate setting surrounded by family and close friends.
Australia witnessed a rare and historic moment in political history as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese married his longtime partner Jodie Haydon in a private ceremony at The Lodge in Canberra, which is the garden in his official residence.
With the warm spring sun over the capital, the couple exchanged vows in an intimate setting surrounded by family and close friends. The wedding also marked a first—no sitting Australian prime minister had ever married while in office.
The ceremony took place in the lush garden area of The Lodge, the official residence of the prime minister. Albanese proposed on Valentine’s Day 2024, calling Haydon the partner “who I want to spend the rest of my life with.”
In a heartfelt statement after the ceremony, Albanese said, “We are absolutely delighted to share our love and commitment to spending our future lives together, in front of our family and closest friends.”
A single-word post from the prime minister—“Married”—accompanied a short video of the smiling couple walking together as confetti fell around them. Haydon wore an elegant white gown, while Albanese paired a classic suit with a bow tie.
The ceremony featured personal vows written by the couple. A celebrant officiated the marriage in a simple but emotional gathering.
Jodie Haydon, 46, works in financial services and has frequently accompanied Albanese at public and political events. She supported him through the 2022 federal election campaign and celebrated alongside him earlier this year when the Labor Party secured a strong majority.
The pair met at a business dinner in Melbourne more than five years ago, long before Albanese’s prime ministership. Their relationship grew steadily, and Haydon has become a well-recognised public figure due to her supportive presence.
As they walked back down the aisle, the couple chose Stevie Wonder’s iconic track “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours).” Their first dance was set to Frank Sinatra’s romantic classic “The Way You Look Tonight.”
Guests described the atmosphere as warm, joyful, and intentionally low-key, reflecting both Albanese’s and Haydon’s private nature.
The newlyweds will spend their honeymoon in Australia from Monday to Friday next week. According to the prime minister’s office, all costs will be covered privately by the couple. This ensures that no taxpayer funds will be used for their travel or stay.
Albanese’s marriage marks a new personal chapter. He divorced his former wife in 2019 and shares a son, Nathan. Friends say the prime minister has found stability and happiness with Haydon, and the wedding celebrates a partnership grounded in mutual support.
