What do I need to elope in St. John's or Newfoundland? » Tulle & Tweed Photography

First of all, what is an elopement?

Elopements have become a way to have your wedding in a fuss-free, no-stress way with fewer moving parts and things to consider than a full wedding with guests. Elopements often only involve the wedding couple, a couple of witnesses, the officiant and sometimes the photographer (and video occasionally as well). People usually “run away” to a destination that is whimsical and picturesque, often off the beaten path.

St. John’s and Newfoundland in general tend to be quite popular elopement and destination wedding locations, and appeal to both locals and destination elopement seekers alike. It’s an accessible location with tons of beautiful backdrops that make photos dreamy and planning a breeze. Our couples have come from all over, some local and some from as far as China, Germany and Australia to elope in Newfoundland & Labrador.

The easiest way to elope in Newfoundland is to book an elopement package (here!) that includes the essentials for you both to get married besides the marriage license (below). You simply show up dressed as you wish, write some personal vows if you’d like (optional), bring some rings (also optional) and voila. Witnesses can be provided (I can be a witness, so you’d only need one additional anyway) so you don’t have to bring anyone if you don’t want to. This makes for an intimate and romantic way to tie the knot without worrying about a bunch of details, vendors, etc.

Once you are on the island of Newfoundland you can obtain your marriage license. You both must be 19+ or special permission could be required. In Mount Pearl, applications for a marriage licence may be made at Vital Statistics, Government Modernization and Service Delivery, 149 Smallwood Drive. Elsewhere, you can get your marriage license at a location found here. Your license will be provided to your officiant 4 days prior to your wedding date. Everything else to make it legal is handled by your officiant during the ceremony. ID is only required to apply for and obtain your marriage license (the cost for this is currently $100).

As per the Government of Newfoundland:
Before you apply for your marriage license, you should be aware of the following:

The marriage licence is valid only in Newfoundland and Labrador for 30 days from the date of issue, but can be extended in special circumstances.
You should obtain your marriage licence within 30 days of the anticipated date of marriage, as the marriage commissioner should be provided with the licence at least four days in advance the ceremony date.
Proof of age may be required.
Although only one person is required to apply in person, both parties to the marriage must complete an affidavit, and have their signatures witnessed on it by a Commissioner for Oaths, a Justice of the Peace, or a Notary Public. If the application is being completed outside of Newfoundland and Labrador, signatures must be witnessed by a Notary Public. As well, if application is being made by only one party, that party must bring the ID for both parties.

Everything else is optional and you can really tailor the experience to you as a couple. Most couples choose to bring florals, order them through a local florist or book an elopement package that has them included (along with some other things, like bubbly!), but some forgo this altogether or create their own florals when they arrive on Vancouver Island.

When couples book one of our elopement packages, I provide a detailed guide for travel planning, locations, preparations and guide you the whole way. It makes for a really laid back, authentic and simple experience that takes the edge off of wedding planning.

Looking to elope in St. John’s or elsewhere in Newfoundland? I’d love to chat and see if we’d be a good fit! Check out my packages under Pricing and I’d love to help plan your dream elopement!

Here are a few memorable elopements we’ve been a part of all over Canada!