The 12th season of Married at First Sight (MAFS) Australia has recently begun airing in its home country, leaving UK fans eagerly awaiting its arrival on British screens. The reality show, which pairs single individuals looking for love with complete strangers in a ‘marriage’, has become a huge worldwide hit.
However, the majority of couples on the show don’t make it to the final vows at the end of the season, being eliminated through a series of commitment ceremonies where they must decide whether to stay or leave. Even among the MAFS couples who remain together until the end, only a handful manage to carry their relationship into the real world.
While the weddings on the show aren’t legally binding, allowing contestants to walk away at any time, there have been a few success stories where couples have gone on to get legally married or engaged after leaving the show. Here are the MAFS Australia couples who made the commitment for real.
1. Melissa Rawson and Bryce Ruthven from season 8
Melissa and Bryce were paired on the show during its 8th season in 2020. However, their journey on the show was far from smooth. Bryce faced criticism from fans for his ‘toxic’ behaviour, as it emerged that he had ended a relationship with a girlfriend just weeks before appearing on the show.
He went on to become somewhat of a villain during the series, frequently clashing with other cast members who confronted the couple about their turbulent relationship.
But the lives of Melissa and Bryce, known from their tumultuous time on a beloved TV show, are now much calmer. The couple delighted fans by tying the knot for real in 2023, with Bryce sharing an adorable picture to commemorate the occasion on Instagram. Now settled on the sunny Gold Coast in Australia, they’re proud parents to twin boys.
2. Jules Robinson and Cam Merchant from season 6
Jules and Cameron quickly became the darlings of season 6, which was first broadcast in 2015. Jules entered the show with the hope of finding a life partner and starting a family as soon as possible. Although sparks didn’t fly instantly, it wasn’t long before everyone could see they were a match made in heaven.
In a series first, Cameron dramatically went down on one knee during the final vows to propose to Jules for real, saying: “Jules to me you are nothing short of perfect, and one thing I do know is that fate brought us together and for this I’m forever grateful. Jules I’m happy that I’ve took this chance with you and I honestly can’t imagine a day in my life without you.”
In recent years, Jules has become a savvy entrepreneur, launching multiple businesses aimed at mothers and babies. Her Instagram is full of snapshots of family bliss, showing her still happily wed to Cameron, and with two adorable young sons.
3. Kerry Knight and Johnny Balbuziente from season 8
Kerry and Johnny, who joined Married at First Sight Australia in season 8 halfway through, are another success story from the show. Despite some early drama – Kerry was found messaging her ex-husband during their honeymoon, while Johnny faced criticism for lamenting their lack of intimacy – they made it to the final vows.
Two years after leaving the show, the couple announced their real-life engagement and tied the knot in 2023. In 2024, they welcomed a baby girl into their family. The pair frequently share updates on their life together, including their recent move to a stunning new home in Brisbane.
4. Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli from season 6
Martha Kalifatidis and Michael Brunelli, although not yet married, have been engaged since 2021 and remain a couple. They became parents to a son in 2023 and regularly post about their family life on Instagram and TikTok, where Martha boasts a following of over 250k.
Despite Martha’s occasional attempts to alter Michael’s long-haired appearance, the couple made it to the final vows. They are perhaps most remembered for their dramatic reunion episode, where Martha famously threw wine over another contestant during a heated argument.
Seasons 4 to 11 of Married at First Sight Australia are available to stream on All4.