Albanese and Haydon’s Historic Wedding at The Lodge

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has married Jodie Haydon in an intimate garden ceremony at The Lodge in Canberra, making history as the first Australian leader to wed while serving in office.

Suzan Seherin November 29, 2025 3 minutes read

Australia’s political life paused for celebration this weekend as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese married his partner Jodie Haydon in Canberra.

The couple exchanged vows at The Lodge, the official prime ministerial residence, becoming the first Australian leader to wed while in office.

Historic wedding: Prime Minister marries at The Lodge

The ceremony took place on Saturday afternoon in the garden of The Lodge, under clearing Canberra skies.

It marked the culmination of months of closely guarded planning, with the date and details kept secret until the day.

The event adds a new personal chapter to Albanese’s second term, while also setting a precedent in the country’s political history.

Ceremony details: small guest list and personal vows

Albanese and Haydon chose a small, intimate gathering of around 60 close family members, friends and senior Labor figures.

A celebrant from New South Wales’ Central Coast officiated, reflecting Haydon’s roots in the region.

The pair wrote their own vows, later saying they were “delighted” to share their commitment in front of those closest to them.

Wedding style: music, fashion and dog Toto as ring bearer

The bride wore a long-sleeved white gown by Sydney label Romance Was Born, paired with a simple veil.

Albanese chose a classic dark suit and bow tie from menswear brand MJ Bale, keeping the look traditional.

Haydon’s niece Ella served as flower girl, while the couple’s cavoodle Toto trotted down the aisle as ring bearer, to the delight of guests.

Music was central to the celebration.

Haydon walked in to Ben Folds’ song The Luckiest, and after the ceremony the couple exited to Stevie Wonder’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours).

Their first dance is set to Frank Sinatra’s The Way You Look Tonight, reinforcing the classic, romantic tone of the day.

Guest list and reception: Labor heavyweights in attendance

Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and other senior Labor figures were among the invited guests.

They joined members of both families for a relaxed reception in the Lodge gardens.

Beer from Sydney craft brewery Willie the Boatman was served in personalised cans, and the couple are privately covering all wedding costs.

Love story: from chance meeting to engagement in office

Albanese and Haydon first met at a 2019 business event in Melbourne, bonding over their support for the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Their relationship grew during the pandemic and through two election campaigns, with Haydon gradually taking on a higher public profile alongside the Labor leader.

Albanese proposed at The Lodge on Valentine’s Day 2024, making him the first Australian prime minister to become engaged while in office.