Everything You Need to Know to Elope in Newfoundland
You’ve got dreams of rugged cliffs and coastal views, friendly folks, epic hiking trails without the crowds, and the island that is truly a roadtripper’s paradise. You’re thinking Newfoundland is the place for your destination elopement.
What now?
Hi, I’m Heather! An elopement photographer in Newfoundland. I’ve been photographing elopements all over Newfoundland and Atlantic Canada for over 10 years, and I’ve got you covered. In this post you will find a step-by-step guide to all the information you will need to plan your dream Newfoundland elopement.
Step 1: How to legally elope in Newfoundland
MARRIAGE LICENCE
The first thing you need is a marriage licence. Simply look up the licence issuer in your area (via this list here!) and get in touch. Both you and your partner will need to sign the documents!
MARRIAGE COMMISSIONER
The second thing you need to do is find your marriage commissioner! In Newfoundland, it’s important to note that only official marriage commissioners (outside of religious ceremonies) can perform the ceremony. Here is a list of marriage commissioners in Newfoundland!
Notes:
- you’re going to want to book the commissioner in advance, but the licence needs to be obtained within a month of the ceremony, so that’s one to save for later!
- the fee for the marriage licence is $100, and marriage commissioners will have different rates for their services.
- the licence is only valid for 30 days, and needs to be delivered to your commissioner no less than 4 days before your ceremony.
- I’ve got recommendations for commissioners who are up for a hike!
- more info and up to date forms can be found here.
- NOTE: if you are travelling to NL and don’t want to deal with the logistics on your trip, some couples do opt to get legally married in their home country or province first to keep things easier. It’s totally up to you.
Step Two: Find your Newfoundland Elopement Photographer
Photographers are one of the vendors that book up the quickest for elopements and weddings, especially for the summer season, so once you know you want to elope in Newfoundland, start your photographer search! Luckily, with the flexibility of an elopement or micro wedding, you aren’t so limited to busy Saturdays.
As a Newfoundland elopement photographer, I love helping my couples plan their dream elopements. I have photographed elopements in so many different places with so many different vibes – from adventurous hikes with epic views to quiet and calm ceremonies on the shore. One of the things I love most about elopements is how much space couples have to choose what feels right for them instead of feeling pressured to put on a big show.
It’s so important to choose a photographer you really vibe with, especially on an elopement day where they are the person who you will spend the most time with, the person whose mindset will capture your memories, and who will be there with you through the planning process. Take the time to really get to know your photographer, their personality and their approach as well their photos, and make sure it all fits with the experience you want to have on your elopement day!
Touch base to chat about your plans –
Best Newfoundland Elopement Locations
Newfoundland has so much stunning natural beauty that it can be hard to choose your location! I have a full blog post breaking down some of the best elopement locations on the island (check that out here!), and you will receive a full 50+ page location guidebook when you book with me, but here’s the short version:
GROS MORNE
this national park on the west coast has some huge views. There are a few incredible hiking trails with amazing landscapes – Green Gardens, Long Range Traverse – as well as plenty of more chill and secluded spots like The Tablelands, Trout River, and Broom Point Beach. This park is so unique, has plenty of mountain views, a fjord on a pond, sandy beaches, forests, and a rusty red mountain made of the earth’s MANTLE from a tectonic plate that flipped. I love shooting here!
BAY OF ISLANDS
Just around the corner from Gros Morne with a lot of similar landscapes, but it’s way more secluded and private than the more popular and touristy Gros Morne. If you’re craving a more intimate experience with nature and a little more solitude, this is a top notch area.
BONAVISTA PENINSULA
This gorgeous peninsula has big cliffs, wildflower meadows, pastures, rocky beaches, and whimsical coastal vibes. There are so many small communities to explore, amazing coastal hiking trails, and some great restaurants, coffee shops and a beloved craft brewery.
EAST COAST TRAIL
If you want to stick closer to the capital city St. John’s, there are still so many amazing locations close by on the East Coast Trail that runs along the Avalon Peninsula. This trail has varying difficulties, with plenty of epic views to earn as well as more accessible spots. The bonus here is the access to some incredible restaurants in St. John’s for a lil post-hike treat!
All that said – you don’t have to make the choice alone! You can always feel super welcome to reach out to me to chat about your location options. Having a good conversation about what you’re looking for in an elopement destination – what kind of vibe, mood, lighting, how much of a hike you want, whether there are any activities you want to be able to do, how much travel you might want from your Airbnb – these can have a big impact on what your ideal destination will be, and I can help you there!
All my eloping couples recieve a full 50+ page guide when you book. Reach out to book in a free consultation!
Step 3: Travelling to Newfoundland for your Elopement
Newfoundland is an island, so to get here for your Elopement you will need to either fly or take the ferry from Nova Scotia.
FLYING:
The main airport in St. John’s is the most accessible and affordable to fly in to. If you’re planning to be on the east coast, anywhere from St. John’s, the Avalon peninsula, or Bonavista, this is where you want to fly in to.
Gander airport is closest to Terra Nova, Eastport, Fogo Island, or the drive down to Harbour Breton for the ferry to the south coast and Francois.
Deer Lake airport is closest to Gros Morne, Corner Brook, the Bay of Islands, Codroy, Burgeo, and the whole West Coast.
If you’re flying to Newfoundland, it’s important to note that you should book your car rental as early as possible!! In the busy summer months, there is often a shortage of car rentals, so be prepared and secure your car early.
DRIVING:
If you’re road tripping to Newfoundland for your elopement, you can get a ferry from North Sydney in Nova Scotia. There are two options in the summer months (June to September): the 7 hour crossing from North Sydney to Port-aux-Basques on the west coast, or the 16 hour crossing from North Sydney to Argentia on the Avalon Peninsula.
Personally I always prefer coming in to Port-aux-Basques and driving across the island, because the west coast is so beautiful, and I love being able to stop and explore on the way across. The mountains just off the ferry are gorgeous and Codroy has incredible beaches.
If you are looking for a quicker trip to the East coast of the island or want to cut down on driving, though, the Argentia ferry is a big help!
The current ferry schedule is here.
And ferry rates are here.
Step 4: Where to stay for your Newfoundland Elopement
I have a whole blog post on fun places to stay in different areas around Newfoundland for a great elopement experience (that’s here!) and I also have a big master list of airbnb listings for all budgets all over Newfoundland that you receive when you book with me. There are lots of fun options close by to all the best elopement destinations, and even some cabins and cottages with great outdoor spaces if you wanted to have your elopement or micro wedding right there in the yard and not have to leave the property.
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