Australia's first gay marriage lasted just 48 days and ended in heartbreak following the death of a terminally ill woman.

Queensland woman Jo Grant married her partner of eight years, Jill Kindt, on December 15, but died less than two months later on January 30.

They held a ceremony in the garden of their home on Australia's northeast Sunshine Coast, Queensland state parliament heard on Wednesday.

'Jo's mum Sandra believes the marriage renewed Jo's spirit, keeping her alive long enough to have one last Christmas with her family.'

Grant, who was in palliative care for a rare form of cancer, died on January 30.

The couple were one of 159 same-sex couples who have been married in Queensland since the marriage equality laws were passed, according to the state government in a statement