Australia’s New Power Couple: Nathan Cleary and Mary Fowler Officially Married in Secret Ceremony
By Sports & Life Staff
October 24, 2025 – Sydney, Australia
Australia’s golden sporting duo, Nathan Cleary and Mary Fowler, have officially tied the knot in a private ceremony that has captured the nation’s attention. The NRL superstar and the Matildas midfielder, who have been linked romantically for several years, exchanged vows last weekend in a quiet ceremony surrounded by close family and friends — sealing what many are calling the union of Australian sport’s new power couple.
The wedding took place at a private estate in the New South Wales Southern Highlands, known for its lush scenery and tranquil atmosphere. According to those who attended, the couple chose an intimate setting over a lavish event, opting for simplicity, privacy, and authenticity. “It was elegant but understated,” one guest shared. “They didn’t want the media frenzy or spectacle. It was just about love, family, and the two of them finally saying ‘I do.’”
Both Cleary, 27, and Fowler, 22, have spent the past year balancing demanding professional schedules, with Cleary leading the Penrith Panthers through another standout NRL season and Fowler playing a key role for the Matildas in international competition. Despite their busy careers, the pair’s bond has grown steadily stronger since their relationship first went public in late 2023.
“They’re both grounded, humble, and private,” said a close friend. “They’ve always supported each other from the sidelines, whether it’s Mary watching Nathan play in the finals or Nathan cheering her on for the Matildas. Their connection feels real, not like a celebrity thing — just two people who really understand each other.”
The ceremony was held just before sunset under a canopy of fairy lights and native eucalyptus trees. Mary wore a simple ivory gown designed by an Australian label, featuring a flowing silk train and minimal jewelry, while Nathan looked sharp in a tailored charcoal suit with a white rose pinned to his lapel. The couple exchanged handwritten vows in front of about 100 guests, including teammates, family members, and a few familiar faces from the Australian sports world.
“It was emotional,” said one attendee. “Nathan’s voice cracked a little when he read his vows. Mary was smiling through tears the whole time. You could see how much they mean to each other.”
After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a relaxed outdoor reception featuring a locally inspired menu and live acoustic music. There were heartfelt speeches, plenty of laughter, and even a few playful moments — including Cleary lifting Fowler during their first dance to Elton John’s “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” a song reportedly chosen by Mary.
Photos from the evening show the couple sharing a quiet kiss beneath string lights, surrounded by friends applauding and holding sparklers. According to guests, mobile phones were mostly kept away at the couple’s request, allowing everyone to truly be present in the moment.
The pair’s relationship has long been a subject of fascination among fans, especially after both hinted at their romance through subtle social media posts. Over the past year, they’ve been spotted together at charity events, training camps, and even enjoying quiet holidays away from the spotlight.
News of the wedding first broke when Cleary posted a single black-and-white image to Instagram early Monday morning, showing him holding Mary’s hand as they walked along a garden path. The caption simply read, “Forever my best friend.” Within hours, the post had gone viral, with tens of thousands of likes and messages flooding in from fans and fellow athletes.
Penrith Panthers teammates quickly shared their congratulations online, while several Matildas stars posted celebratory emojis and heart messages. The official Matildas account reposted the photo with the caption, “Congratulations to our girl Mary and Nathan — wishing you both a lifetime of happiness.”
Fans across the country expressed joy and surprise at the news. “NRL meets Matildas — it doesn’t get more Aussie than that!” one user commented. Another wrote, “They’re both champions in their own right, but together, they’re unstoppable.”
The newlyweds are reportedly planning a short honeymoon in Queensland’s Whitsunday Islands before returning to their respective training commitments. Sources close to the couple say both are focused on continuing their sporting careers while supporting one another’s goals.
“Nathan’s got his eye on another title, and Mary’s focused on the next Matildas campaign,” said a family friend. “But they also know how to make time for each other. That’s what makes them work — they’re equals, teammates in life.”
While neither has released an official statement beyond their Instagram post, insiders describe the wedding as a reflection of who they are — humble, hardworking, and quietly devoted. “They didn’t need fireworks or headlines,” said one guest. “They just wanted to start their marriage surrounded by love, laughter, and the people who mean the most to them.”
For now, Cleary and Fowler’s story reads like the perfect modern sports fairytale: two of Australia’s brightest stars, from two different codes, finding love amid the chaos of fame — and choosing to celebrate it in their own authentic way.
As one guest put it, “It wasn’t a spectacle. It was real. And that’s what makes it so beautiful.”