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Sunday 22/02/2026

Historic Wedding: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Marries Jodie Haydon

Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon wedding with dog ring bearer

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese married Jodie Haydon, becoming the first leader to wed while in office.
  • The private ceremony took place at The Lodge in Canberra, attended by close family and friends, including Albanese's son and Haydon's parents.
  • The couple first met in 2020 and became engaged on Valentine's Day 2024, with Albanese proposing at his official residence.
  • The wedding featured personal touches, such as their dog Toto as ring bearer and custom-made beer cans for the reception.
  • The couple plans a short honeymoon in Australia, following Albanese's re-election earlier this year.

In a historic first for Australian politics, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has married his partner, Jodie Haydon, while in office. The intimate ceremony took place on Saturday afternoon at The Lodge, the prime minister's official residence in Canberra, marking a significant personal milestone for the couple.

A Private Ceremony with Personal Touches

The wedding was attended by a select group of family and friends, including Albanese's son, Nathan, and Haydon's parents, Bill and Pauline. The couple exchanged vows they had written themselves, with Haydon walking down the aisle to Ben Folds' "The Luckiest," escorted by her parents. The ceremony was officiated by a celebrant from the NSW Central Coast.

Adding a personal touch to the event, Albanese's dog, Toto, served as the ring bearer, while Haydon's niece, Ella, was the flower girl. The couple walked back down the aisle to Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)," and their first dance was to Frank Sinatra's "The Way You Look Tonight."

A Love Story in the Public Eye

Albanese and Haydon's relationship began at a business dinner in Melbourne in 2020. The couple became engaged on Valentine's Day 2024, with Albanese proposing at The Lodge after a romantic dinner. Haydon, who works for the NSW Public Service Association, has been a supportive presence during Albanese's political journey, appearing alongside him at major events and during election campaigns.

Celebrations and Future Plans

The wedding reception featured custom-made beer cans with the couple's engagement announcement image, adding a unique flair to the celebrations. Several cabinet ministers, including Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, were among the guests.

Following the wedding, the couple plans a brief honeymoon in Australia, a decision influenced by Albanese's busy schedule after his re-election earlier this year. The prime minister expressed his joy in a statement, saying, "We are absolutely delighted to share our love and commitment to spending our future lives together, in front of our family and closest friends."

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The marriage of Anthony Albanese while serving as Prime Minister sets a precedent in Australian political history, potentially influencing public perceptions of political leaders' personal lives. This event may encourage a more open discussion about the balance between personal commitments and public duties among political figures.

As Albanese continues his tenure, his marriage to Jodie Haydon could enhance his public image, portraying him as a relatable and grounded leader. The couple's decision to keep their honeymoon local reflects a commitment to national priorities, which may resonate positively with the electorate.

Looking ahead, the personal dynamics of political leaders, such as Albanese's marriage, could become a more prominent aspect of political discourse, influencing both media coverage and public engagement with political figures.