The Gavels marked the extraordinary milestone on October 17 with their children and immediate family in Canberra, recalling their fond memories of the day they made it official five decades ago.

The pair were married at the St Joseph's Catholic Church in Leeton, followed by a reception at Anzac Hall at the Leeton Soldiers Club.

With about 80 guests in attendance, once the official ceremony was over, the newly-married Gavels noticed they seemed to be missing quite a few of their male guests.

They soon discovered many had quietly ducked out the back doors of the church to bolt to the Wade Club to watch the running of the 1970 Caulfied Cup.

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Mrs Gavel joked her new-husband would have joined them had he not been in the middle of his wedding vows.

It's evident the humour and love between the pair is as strong as ever 50 years down the track.

The pair went on to have two children - Melissa and Chris - and now they have six grandchildren that have been added to the clan.

The Gavels met at the Leeton Show in 1968 while with friends, with John gallantly offering to look after Sue while they went on a sideshow ride together, something Sue does not enjoy doing.

From there they started to get to know each other and, two years later they were married, and officially starting their lives together.

As many Leeton shire residents would know, this has not only included building a family and life together, but also participating in their endless service with community groups and charities to help improve the lives of others, as well as the town itself.

They agreed it has been a wonderful 50 years, while acknowledging all marriages have their good and bad days.

"I think it's important to support each other all of the time and have good communication," John said.

Sue agreed and said having different interests was also important.

"We've been so lucky with our lives together, I wouldn't want to change anything," she said.