In a landmark event for Australian political history, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese exchanged vows with partner Jodie Haydon in a discreet ceremony held Saturday at The Lodge, his official Canberra residence. The wedding marks the first instance of a sitting Australian prime minister marrying during their term in the nation’s 124-year federal history.
The intimate afternoon ceremony, conducted by a civil celebrant, was attended by approximately 60 guests including several cabinet ministers. Notably absent was media coverage, with details emerging only after the event concluded. The couple released a statement expressing their delight at sharing “our love and commitment to spending our future lives together, in front of our family and closest friends.”
The personalized ceremony featured custom-written vows and included their dog Toto as ring bearer and Haydon’s 5-year-old niece Ella as flower girl. The wedding followed careful political consideration, as initial plans for a larger 2024 celebration were postponed due to concerns that an elaborate ceremony during a cost-of-living crisis might impact the ruling Labor Party’s reelection prospects.
The Prime Minister, 62 and divorced with an adult son, proposed to Haydon, 46, on Valentine’s Day 2023 at The Lodge. The couple met at a Melbourne business dinner in 2020, where Haydon works in the finance sector. The wedding occurred just two days after Parliament concluded its annual session, providing a discreet window for the private celebration.