Eloping in Newfoundland
Ultimate guide for planning your adventurous Newfoundland elopement
Cobbler Path Hiking elopement
Eloping in Newfoundland
If you are planning to elope in Newfoundland, this guide is for you! Eloping can be spontaneous and adventurous, but most people don’t know where to start - and that’s ok. Whether eloping in St. John’s or at the top of a hike overlooking the Atlantic, elopements can be incredibly beautiful and unique. As your photographer, I am here to help give suggestions, share advice, and connect you to the people you need in order to make your dream come to life.
Interested in having me photograph your adventurous day? Contact me for pricing and availability.
8 Tips when planning to elope in Newfoundland
1: Know the requirements to elope in Newfoundland and hire an officiant
Here are a few of the things you need to get married in Newfoundland:
The marriage license is valid only in Newfoundland for 30 days from the date of issue but can be extended in special circumstances.
The fee for a marriage licence is $100.
You should apply at least four days before the anticipated date of marriage
Both parties must be 19 years of age or over.
Proof of age may be required.
For full details, consult the Gov NL Wedsite
Click here for a full list of marriage commissioners in Newfoundland.
2: Choose your date and location
When choosing your wedding date, keep these in mind:
Seasons
Dates with meaning to you
Weekdays (many vendors will have more availability for weekday elopements)
Photographer’s availability ( I still have some availability for 2023 and am booking into 2024)
While Newfoundland is beautiful all year long, the best time to elope is from the end of May to early November. Our weather can be quite unpredictable at any time of year, but generally, spring to fall is the most ideal for planning your adventure.
One of the best things about eloping is the flexibility to pick any location your heart desires. Some of my favourite spots around the island include the east coast trail, Gros Morne, St. Pierre and pretty much any spot around St. John’s. I am up for any adventure and love getting to hike and explore the province creating meaningful memories for you.
3. Choose your time
As far as the time of day, that decision is up to you. While any time of day can work, it’s important to take lighting into account when creating your elopement timeline. The majority of the photos on my website were taken 1-2 hours before sunrise and after sunset. That time is referred to as golden hour.
If you are wanting to go to a popular location and stay away from the crowds. the early morning hours have less traffic. But if mornings aren’t your thing, there are also a ton of locations that aren’t very crowded around the island that would work beautifully.
Elopement on the east coast trail on the southern shore, Newfoundland
Couple elopes on Sugarloaf Path near St. John’s, Newfoundland
4. Deciding your guest list
Some people opt to have a few family and friends to celebrate with while others choose for it to be just the two of them. One thing you need to know with planning the guest list is that you need two witnesses to sign the legal documents in front of your officiant. I can act as one witness, but I do not bring an assistant or second shooter so you will need at least one other guest there to sign.
5. What to wear
The best elopement attire is what will make you feel confident, comfortable, and happy. You’ll want to factor in things like how long you’ll be hiking for (if you’re hiking at all) since that’ll impact what shoes you decide on, as well as the temperature for the time of year. Also, what you wear depends on how you’re getting to the location. If it isn’t too strenuous, you can easily hike in your wedding wear. but you may need to carry it with you if you pick a destination that is a bit more complicated to get to.
One of the biggest perks about eloping is you can bring and wear whatever wedding outfits you like on the day of. It could be traditional, unconventional, alternative or modern. It doesn't have to be white, it doesn't have to be dress, it doesn't have to be suit. It should be what will make you both the happiest on your special day.
Lastly, don’t be afraid of a little dirt or dust on the hem of your wedding gown. Depending on where you choose, some spots can be quite mucky or wet to walk through. But it will be well worth the photos.
Local Wedding Shops:
6. Be flexible
As mentioned above, the weather here in Newfoundland can be quite unpredictable. While most people don’t plan for rain on their wedding day, it can add some drama and romance to your images. I’m also a huge fan of fog during a wedding day.
While I will shoot in every type of weather, sometimes the weather gets too intense to be enjoyable. One option I offer is a two-day elopement package which gives you the option to have a backup day in case of bad weather/travel delays etc.
But if you have a set date in mind then an optional backup indoor location is something I recommend.
Indoor Locations:
7. Hair and Makeup
With a hiking elopement, you have to consider if you're doing hair and make-up before the hike or you can find an adventurous hairstylist/make-up artist to hike with you to the top. Keep your plans in mind when choosing a hairstyle and pick something that is easy to maintain and quick to fix once you get to your stunning photo location. I recommend bringing a few staple items like concealer and lipstick to touch up once you reach your destination. False eyelashes are also super handy in windy Newfoundland!
8. Book your vendors
If you are planning to elope during peak season, you’ll want to book all of your vendors in advance. Everything from rental cars, to flowers to air bnb’s get booked up months ahead of time. But worry not, we have a ton of different options to suite whatever you have in mind and fit your budget.
Additional Vendors:
