Best Newfoundland Elopement Locations

I have been photographing elopements in Newfoundland for over 10 years, and I’ve crossed the province many times over, covering ceremonies on islands and beaches and cliff tops and mountain tops and everything in between. Whether you are looking for amazing dramatic views of sea cliffs, intimate forest moments, unique landscapes, or something in between, there are so many gorgeous places to elope in Newfoundland. Here are some of my favourite places I have photographed, and a few where I would love to help a couple plan their unique adventure.

Gros Morne

Gros Morne is one of the most popular elopement destinations in Newfoundland, and for a good reason! Within this national park there are SO many amazing landscapes, located on either side of a huge bay, Bonne Bay.

South Side of Gros Morne

On the south side, the main attractions are Woody Point, The Tablelands and Trout River. Here you’ll find cute coffee shops in Woody Point and a lively arts scene in the summer, the amazing red Tablelands mountain which is actually a piece of the earth’s mantle exposed (take me here and I’ll nerd out about geology for hours), the gorgeous highlands and wild sheep of Trout River, some gorgeous woodland trails, waterfalls and lots of great campgrounds.

North Side of Gros Morne

On the North side of Bonne Bay, Norris Point and Rocky Harbour are the main towns. Norris Point has more of a Nordic feel, with a gorgeous view over the Tablelands. Rocky Harbour has more amenities and restaurants, but is a bit busier feeling. On this side, you will find Gros Morne Mountain, the fjord at Western Brook Pond, beautiful sandy beaches at Broom Point with a view of the fjord in the distance, more rocky coastline, the best moose burgers, and the Long Range Traverse.

It’s important to note that Bonne Bay is huge, and the drive between Woody Point and Norris Point (with most hikes situated near these towns) is about 1.5 hours. There is a water taxi that takes foot passengers only in the summer, but it won’t drop you off close enough to walk to the really good views. So if you want to see both sides during your elopement, you’ll need to plan for that extra time. If you don’t want that drive in the middle of your photos, it’s best to pick one side to really explore!

Bottle Cove + the Bay of Islands

Does Gros Morne sound amazing with its mountains and exposed mantle? Number two on this list is just one bay away, but outside of the national park. This means amazing views with less tourists, and a much more intimate experience with nature. Bottle Cove is situated at the end of the Bay of Islands, in a protected little cove that has long been one of my favourite places for beach fires and camping. It is surrounded by the Appalachian mountains, full of excellent hiking trails, and some truly stunning photo locations. Next to this area is Cedar Cove, another stunning hiking trail that is never very busy, and in the area you will also find the International Appalachian Trail with a gorgeous and easy-to-access waterfall, and an exposed-mantle peak, just like the Tablelands but with way less traffic.

The Bay of Islands has the gorgeous city of Corner Brook at its mouth, with great restaurants and coffee and the beautiful Hew and Draw hotel if you’re looking for places to stay.

Bonavista

Living on the Bonavista Peninsula this last few months has had me dreaming of shooting more elopements out here! There are so many stunning trails out here with dramatic rocky coastlines and highlands. Imagine eloping on a grassy slope surrounded by sea stacks and breaching whales with icebergs floating past in the distance, and wild sheep and horses around you. If that sounds like a dream, an elopement near Bonavista might be for you! Bonus points if you like wood fired pizzas with a view or maybe a pint in a brewery with a woodstove, because Bonavista Social Club and Port Rexton Brewery have you covered.

A practical note: This is a BIG peninsula with a lot of space between some of the favourite spots, so be sure to plan for that. You could roam the whole peninsula – Port Rexton, Spillar’s Cove, Upper Amherst Cove, Tickle Cove, all the good spots, if you are road trip people and love the adventure of exploring. The highway out here does a big loop, and it takes about 2 hours to drive the whole thing without stopping. But if you would rather pick a few spots to explore within a smaller area, I’m always happy to help my couples plan their itineraries so we can hit your favourite spots or find new ones with a smaller amount of driving.

Fogo Island

This one kind of speaks for itself! Fogo Island, and particularly Fogo Island Inn, has been one of the most popular elopement destinations in Newfoundland with my couples for years. The Inn is so stunning and they take care of their wedding couples so well. The island is gorgeous any time of year – I have photographed elopements on Fogo Island in every season – and has such a stark beauty that is hard to even describe. The light out there feels like something so special. And if you’re lucky, we might even get to see the caribou herd. The Inn takes care of everything for you, apart from your marriage licence, clothes and photographer, so this really is one of the most laid-back, stress-free options!

The East Coast Trail

If you’re keen to stick around the capital city of St. John’s, the East Coast Trail network is one of the best options for finding amazing landscapes and adventures on the Avalon Peninsula. There are many favourite trails within a 10-minute drive of the city, like Torbay Point, Flatrock, and Pouch Cove, and many more a little farther away like The Spout, La Manche, and all the way down to Trepassey. There is plenty of information available on each trail, its difficulty and accessibility, and more on the East Coast Trail website, and you can head back to the city after to enjoy plenty of restaurant options.

DREAM ELOPEMENT DESTINATIONS IN NEWFOUNDLAND

places I haven’t photographed an elopement yet, but would love to

St. Vincent’s (Avalon)

This is a dream elopement spot for me, so I haven’t photographed here yet. This one is for the whale lovers: imagine eloping at the spot they call the “whale’s playground!” There is also a lovely beach and grassy highlands above. Would love to explore this spot with an elopement couple.

Cataracts (Avalon)

For the PNW fans: this tiny provincial park has a gorgeous dramatic waterfall, an old train trussle bridge, and beautiful wooden boardwalk areas that photograph beautifully. I took some branding photos out here a few years back and have been dying to shoot an elopement here ever since. It’s located just off Salmonear Line, so imagine getting ready in a log cabin rental and then heading here for photos? Dreamy!

Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve (Avalon)

This one is for the naturalists and sea bird lovers. Not only is this Gannet colony a wonder in its own right, it also features some truly stunning cliffs that look like something straight out of Scotland.

South Coast/ Francois

The South Coast has been on my Newfoundland bucket list for years, and I would love to travel there with a couple to capture this place. Only accessible by ferry, these communities are isolated at the mouth of enormous fjords that look like something out of Norway. There are hiking trails up into to cliffs that feature the wildest views. This would be the ultimate Newfoundland Adventure Elopement!

Sandy Beaches – Lumsden, Burgeo, Salmon Cove Sands, Eastport, Sandy Cove

These are just four of the province’s most stunning sandy beaches, located in different areas of the province. Sandy beaches are hard to come by here amongst our rocky shores, and really fine sand with enough space to have a private ceremony is harder still. If this is the landscape you are wanting for your Newfoundland Elopement, be sure to reach out to chat about which will be right for you!

St. Pierre et Miquelon

This one isn’t actually IN Newfoundland, but it is right off the coast! A 40-minute ferry-ride from Fortune, Newfoundland will bring you to the French islands of St. Pierre et Miquelon. You’ll need your passport, as this is actually France, and it definitely feels like it! Cobblestone streets, wine and patisserie shops, and more of those gorgeous landscapes you come to Newfoundland for. I’ve been dying to photograph an elopement down here!

Bonus: I speak French, and am happy to be your guide.

Want to learn more about eloping in Newfoundland? You can check out my other elopement planning resources, or get in touch to chat about your plans! When you book, you will recieve a 50+ page location guide and unlimited planning calls to help you choose the perfect Newfoundland elopement destination for you!