The pair wed on April 10, 1950, in San Donato, Italy, and will soon embark on a three-month trip to reaffirm their love for each other.

Before departing, they will celebrate the milestone with family and friends at their Kyneton property this Sunday.

They met when Peter, now 83, worked as a builder for Gemma's father.

Gemma, now 81, did not like having to travel one kilometre to deliver her father his basket lunch of polenta each day.

But she said after she first met Peter, she "didn't really mind" having to make the trip.

Peter wrote Gemma a letter asking her to go out with him and she soon "dropped all the other pretenders" and accepted.

A month after they were married, Peter arrived in Australia and Gemma followed 10 months later.

They lived in Wonthaggi, where Peter worked in coal mines. Later, they lived in Brunswick, Pascoe Vale and Bacchus Marsh before settling in Kyneton about 20 years ago.

Peter said there were no secrets behind a long and happy marriage.

"We've been very lucky."

The couple have seven children, 17 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.