Russell and Val McIntosh married on January 22, 1955, and Mr McIntosh shared some simple advice for those starting out in marriage.
''You have got to work through the rough spots and learn to tolerate one another. And also remember the fact that people are individuals and they are entitled to remain individuals.
''You don't own someone because you are married,'' Mr McIntosh said.
Some couples forgot this.
Mrs McIntosh said the pair, who lived in South Otago before moving to Mosgiel in 1990, met at a dance at Kaka Point and were instantly attracted to each other.
''He wanted to take me home that night and he couldn't, because I was going with another partner.
''But I said, 'He's going on holiday tomorrow', so he came down on Sunday and took me for a drive.
''I had to tell the boyfriend it was all off when he came back from holiday.''
A highlight of their marriage was a trip around the South Island on a motorcycle, which they did 13 years ago.
The pair have four children, 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren and all the family is gathering for a celebration on Saturday.
Before moving to Mosgiel, Mr McIntosh farmed just outside Balclutha.
