Lake Hayes, New Zealand - Former participants of Married At First Sight Australia, Jacqui Burfoot, 30, and Clint Rice, 43, have formalized their relationship, exchanging vows at Burfoot's family property, the HawkRidge Honeymooners Chalet in Lake Hayes. The wedding, confirmed by Rice, a professional golfer, took place earlier this month, marking a significant step approximately one year after their public engagement.
The ceremony transpired at a family estate in New Zealand, a culmination of a relationship that bloomed after their respective stints on the reality television experiment. The couple, who found each other after their initial pairings on the show failed, had previously announced plans for marriage and starting a family, with a wedding window between January and March of this year.
Burfoot, a jewellery designer from New Zealand, had previously put her business on hold in anticipation of the nuptials. Rice, a former pro-golfer, confirmed the wedding’s location and timing to media outlets. Details from the event included features such as a stone hearth and custom lighting within the venue.
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A Journey Beyond the Experiment
Burfoot and Rice were not paired together during their season of Married At First Sight Australia. Burfoot was initially matched with Ryan Donnelly, a union marked by significant on-screen conflict and public scrutiny. Donnelly later alleged Burfoot was not genuinely seeking a relationship on the show. Rice, meanwhile, had an early departure from the experiment alongside his partner Lauren Hall.
Their connection reportedly solidified after the show's finale, evolving from a friendship to a romantic partnership. This development was announced via social media, including footage of Rice proposing with a diamond ring. Burfoot had previously expressed dissatisfaction with her portrayal on the show and alleged mistreatment by producers.
The couple's public journey included discussions about marriage and children as early as May 2025, with plans to relocate from Tasmania to Queensland. They celebrated their one-year anniversary in November 2025, documenting their relationship publicly. Despite past controversies and public attention, Burfoot and Rice have maintained a united front, with Rice having flown to New Zealand to meet Burfoot's family, and Burfoot having moved into Rice's former home in Tasmania before their subsequent move to Queensland.
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