Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has made national history by becoming the first sitting leader to marry while in office.
The 62-year-old Prime Minister wedded his longtime partner, Jodie Haydon, in a private ceremony at The Lodge in Canberra on Saturday.
The garden ceremony was kept under tight secrecy until moments before the announcement due to security considerations.
Albanese revealed the news with a simple social media post reading “Married,” accompanied by photos and video of the pair celebrating under a shower of confetti.
The ceremony was deeply personal: Haydon walked down the aisle to Ben Folds’ “The Luckiest,” and the couple shared self-written vows.
Haydon’s five-year-old niece served as flower girl, while Albanese’s dog, Toto, delighted guests as the ring bearer. Their official witnesses were Haydon’s brother, Patrick, and Albanese’s cousin, Helen Golden.
The bride wore a flowing white gown by Sydney fashion house Romance Was Born, while Albanese opted for a tailored suit from MJ Bale.
The wedding bands were sourced from Sydney’s Cerrone Jewellers. The reception maintained an intimate feel, with Australian craft beers and a small guest list that included senior cabinet ministers and actor Rhys Muldoon. All costs were paid privately by the couple.
Albanese and Haydon first met at a Melbourne business dinner in 2020, and their relationship steadily deepened as she joined him at campaign events and international engagements.
The pair became engaged on Valentine’s Day in 2024 following a romantic dinner at The Lodge. Albanese’s adult son, Nathan, attended the ceremony.
The wedding was scheduled to follow Albanese’s re-election in May 2025, allowing a brief pause in the political calendar. The couple will take a short honeymoon within Australia before continuing plans to build a home on the Central Coast, where Haydon grew up.
The milestone marks not only a historic first for an Australian Prime Minister but a heartfelt moment celebrated by family, colleagues, and well-wishers across the country.
