Newfoundland Wedding Officiant

REN HOLMBERG

As a government-appointed commissioner, Ren Holmberg is authorized to perform legal civil marriage ceremonies in Newfoundland & Labrador.Ren is based in St. John's and can travel anywhere in the province. Ren specializes in adventurous ceremonies celebrating all couples.

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FAQ

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Ren will work with you leading up to your wedding to create a personalized ceremony, provide guidance on obtaining the necessary legal documents, and walk you through everything you need to say "I do".

After your ceremony, Ren takes care of the government paperwork so you can enjoy your honeymoon, certain that your marriage is legally binding.

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Ceremony checklist

By Marriage Commissioner, Ren Holmberg

What goes into a ceremony reading?

The ceremony reading can be as personalized as you would like, here is a list of every section I have included. The Declaration of Marriage is the only section required to ensure the ceremony is legal. Everything else is optional!

WElcome

This will slightly vary if there are guests and/or seating. To start invite everyone to take their seat. Welcome them to the ceremony and take a moment to prompt guests to silence and put away their cell phones.

opening remarks

The openeing remarks can include part of the couples personal story and set the stage for the ceremony. During the opening remarks acknowledge the couples relationship together and indicate the significance of this marriage as it best reflects them.

ring warming

An optional ceremony where the guests are invited to pass the rings around, taking a moment to warm them with their best wishes.

exchanging of rings

The rings will be brought forward and the couple will take each others. They will be invited to place the ring on their partners hand and share a sentence or two about the exchange. For example: let this ring be a symbol of my devotion to you.

handfasting ceremony

This ceremony involves any type of cord that is placed over the couples hands. A hand-fasting reading is read as an infinity knot is made. The couple will pull the cord and remove their hands to form the knot.

personal vow

One option is for the couple to read their personal vows to each other at their first look. Or they can share them during the ceremony. They will be invited to share with each other.

Statement of intent

The statement of intent is the part of the reading most well known for the "I do". This is when each couple is explicitly asked if they take their partner in marriage. The reading for this can be personalized to best reflect the couples relationship.

community vow

The community vow follows the statement of intent. This is when the officiant calls to the guests a prompt for them to respond with "WE DO!".

legal declaration of marriage

This is the only part of the reading that is legally required. Although a bit awkward to read on its own. The legal declaration of marriage cannot be changed, and must be stated by each person to ensure a legal marriage ceremony. Often I suggest using full legal names for this part of the reading and the nickname more typically used throughout the informal part of the reading.

you may now

You may now kiss! This is not legally required. As a marriage commissioner, I would state this following "by the authority vested in me..." and then I scurry out of the photo so your first kiss doesn't have me "jimming the camera"

first dance

Let your first kiss melt into a first dance, we'll get to the paperwork but first I like to hit play on a my trusted speaker and leave you to take in those first moments of marriage on a cliffside swaying to your favourite song the same way you would in your kitchen but with the ocean crashing into the shore below.

signing of the marraige licence

Following the legal declaration of marriage, your marriage commissioner will invite your witnesses to join at the front or at a flat-enough rock, picnic table or other designated signing area. You and your partner will sign, followed by your witnesses, and lastly the marriage commissioner completes the legal marriage licence & registration with their signature. Your marriage commissioner ensures the paperwork is completed and registered with the government.

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Eloping on the Edge of Canada:

The Ultimate Guide to getting married in newfoundland

By Marriage Commissioner, Ren Holmberg

- 2024 -

about newfoundland

should we elope in newfoundland?

If you're planning a destination elopement and in search of an extraordinary location, look no further than Newfoundland. This picturesque province delivers the allure of fjords, captivating coastlines, a vibrant culture, and adventurous experiences akin to renowned destinations such as Scotland, Norway, and Iceland. What sets Newfoundland apart, especially for Canadian couples, is the added advantage of having your legal marriage ceremony registered with the Canadian government.

How do we get to Newfoundland?

Newfoundland is accessible by air, with airports in St. John's, Gander, and Deer Lake. Alternatively, travellers can opt for the ferry ride, departing from Sydney, Cape Breton, to reach Newfoundland. There are two ferry options: the Port aux Basques ferry, providing entry on the west coast, and the Argentia ferry, which lands you just an hour outside of St. John's, the provincial capital.

When should we elope in newfoundland?

The best time to visit Newfoundland is between the May long weekend and Thanksgiving weekend when most amenities are readily available. Beyond this period, many small towns and accommodations have reduced operations or closures. If you're keen on iceberg hunting, consider visiting earlier in the season, while for activities like hiking, kayaking, cod fishing, and exploration, the later months offer equally fantastic experiences.

Locations

Where can we elope in Newfoundland?

1. Cape Spear

2. Western brook pond

(it's actually a lake)

3. Torbay

4. Gros morne national park

5. Logy Bay

6. Bell Island

Legal Requirements

What do I need to get legally married outdoors in Newfoundland?

Before your ceremony

  • Step 1: Pick a date (check vendor availability)

  • Step 2. Book a marriage commissioner (officiant)

  • Step 3: Acquire your marriage Licence & registration

  • Step 4: meet with your marriage licence issuer

  • Step 5: Complete paperwork with your marriage commissioner

This timeline can be achieved for couples traveling to Newfoundland.

for your ceremony

  • Authorized marriage commissioner

  • two witnesses

  • the legal declaration of marriage

  • signing of the marriage licence

following your ceremony

Your Marriage Commissioner will ensure your marriage licence is registered with the government. They will then advise you on completing your registration of marriage

vendors

Ceremony details

Here is a sample schedule for an outdoor elopement.

FIRST LOOK

An optional start to your wedding day. The first look requires some logistics to get you and your partner to a set location seperately. This can be a great moment to share your personal vows with each other without an audience. From here you will head to the ceremony.

Processional

With an outdoor ceremony the options for joining together for the ceremony are endless. Decide if one or both of you are going to be accompanied (often by one or both parents), if you'd like to have one of you up front to allow the other a dramatic entrance. We can mark a path for an aisle or have both of you walk toward each other along the coastline from opposite directions. Consider if you would like music playing, or if the sounds of nature will set the stage.

reading

The ceremony reading can be as personalized as you would like, here is a list of every section I have included. The Declaration of Marriage is the only section required to ensure the ceremony is legal.

  • Welcome

  • Opening Remarks

  • ring warming

  • Exchanging of Rings

  • Handfasting ceremony

  • Statement of Intent (I do's)

  • Personal Vows

  • Led Zeppelin Lyrics

  • Community Vow (we do)

  • The Legal Declaration of Marriage

  • You may Now kiss

  • First dance

  • signing of the marriage licence

first dance

Let your first kiss melt into a first dance, we'll get to the paperwork but first I like to hit play on a my trusted speaker and leave you to take in those first moments of marriage on a cliffside swaying to your favourite song the same way you would in your kitchen but with the ocean crashing into the shore below.

photos

I'll hand you off to your photographer who will lead the way to your photo adventure.

dinner plans

Your ceremony can be anytime of day. I recommend between 2-5 pm depending on travel and your plans. Follow up your ceremony with a nice dinner, let me know what you like and I'll help you find the best restaurant.

Start planning your newfoundland elopement

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Hi! I'm Ren, I'm a Government-Authorized Marriage Commissioner for Newfoundland & Labrador. I spend my summers officiating cliffside ceremonies all over Newfoundland. Do you want to go on an adventure and come back married? Let's go!

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2026 Priority list

If you're getting married in 2026 and want to check officiant off your to-do list, fill out this google form and I will reach out to you in January 2025 when my 2026 books open.You are welcome to share what you have planned so far, it's totally okay (and expected) if your details are likely to change! That's why this is a waitlist of sorts to give you lots of time to make decisions.

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