Anthony Albanese Weds Jodie Haydon, Becomes First Australian PM To Marry In Office
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese married his partner Jodie Haydon on Saturday at his official Canberra residence, creating history as the first sitting Australian leader to tie the knot while holding office.
The Guardian reported that the afternoon ceremony at the Lodge drew close family and friends, including Albanese’s son Nathan and Haydon’s parents Bill and Pauline. Following the ceremony, the Australian Prime Minister posted a video showing him walking down the aisle with his newly-wed wife.
A celebrant from the NSW Central Coast officiated as the couple exchanged self-written vows. Haydon walked down the aisle with her parents to Ben Folds’ “The Luckiest,” wearing a gown designed by Sydney’s Romance Was Born, while Albanese wore an MJ Bale suit.
Haydon’s five-year-old niece acted as flower girl, and the couple’s dog Toto carried the rings. Haydon’s brother Patrick and Albanese’s cousin Helen Golden served as witnesses.
The privately-held, self-funded wedding occurred after the final 2025 parliamentary sitting day and six months following Albanese’s re-election. Around 60 guests attended, including Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, ALP National Secretary Paul Erickson, and the Prime Minister’s chief of staff Tim Gartrell.
Following the ceremony, the newlyweds exited to Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” and shared their first dance to Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight,” The Guardian reported.
Albanese and Haydon first encountered each other over five years ago at a public function in Melbourne. Albanese proposed on Valentine’s Day 2024 on the Lodge balcony, presenting a custom engagement ring.
Haydon has joined him at public events, official travels, and election campaigns, and currently holds the position of chief patron at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra.
Albanese’s previous marriage to former NSW Deputy Premier Carmel Tebbutt ended in separation in 2019 after approximately two decades together.