This Couple Had a ‘Lord of the Rings’ Wedding and Frodo Himself Actually Showed Up
Sharik and Jessica Burgess-Stride planned their wedding with deep admiration for The Lord of the Rings. For this reason, they made sure to go all the way and ended up choosing Hobbiton, the actual film set used in the trilogy. Guests wore costumes, vows referenced hobbits, and even the ring bearer appeared in full Gollum attire.
But what turned a detailed tribute into an international headline was pure coincidence. While the couple wrapped up their ceremony, Elijah Wood arrived on-site.
Elijah Wood Appeared at the Ceremony Unannounced
@nzheraldA bride and groom were treated to their own kind of adventure when their Hobbiton wedding was “crashed” by a celebrity. Sharik and Jessica Burgess-Stride, of Rotorua, were getting married at the tourist spot on Monday when suddenly, Hollywood actor Elijah Wood, aka Frodo the Hobbit, came to congratulate them. Hobbiton Movie Set general manager tourism Shayne Forrest said it was the first time a Lord of the Rings cast member had called into a wedding at the set. Sharik told the Waikato Herald it had been a very rainy day, but the rain stopped for about 30 minutes and they held the ceremony. “We were just finishing the signing of the paperwork when all of a sudden Elijah Wood started to walk down the aisle.” 🔗 Get the full story via the link in our bio.♬ original sound – nzherald
The actor from The Lord of the Rings arrived at the Hobbiton Movie Set as part of a tour group during the final moments of Sharik and Jessica’s wedding. They were signing marriage papers when they spotted him nearby. Sharik initially didn’t believe it was actually Elijah Wood.
Then, as he walked closer, it became obvious that Frodo Baggins had entered their wedding space. Wood congratulated the couple, shook their hands, and posed for several photos before leaving with his group. He was in New Zealand for the Armageddon Expo and had decided to tour Hobbiton that day. Wedding guests responded with loud cheers and applause when they realized who he was.
The interaction was short but felt meaningful. According to the pair, he hadn’t intended to interrupt but was encouraged to walk forward by others in his team. The venue recorded and shared the exchange on social media, where it quickly gained attention for its surreal timing and low-key sincerity.
The Wedding Was a Full Tribute to Middle-Earth
The ceremony took place at Hobbiton, located in the Waikato region of New Zealand. This site served as the Shire in both The Lord of the Rings as well as The Hobbit trilogies. The couple used it not just for the scenery but as the foundation for the entire wedding theme.
One notable moment came during the ring exchange. Sharik’s sister wore a formal dress but then dramatically transformed into Gollum to deliver the rings. This performance was planned and matched the tone of the event, which blended fandom with theatricality.
The Green Dragon Inn and hobbit holes added familiarity to those who knew the films. The entire day reflected a strong connection to the source material, built through careful planning rather than decoration alone.
A Short Break in the Rain Allowed the Event to Happen
Image via Canva/Gagliardi Photography
The wedding took place on a day filled with unbroken rain. Clouds lingered low over the rolling hills, turning the open landscape into a blur of gray. Then the sky eased for half an hour, and that brief pause changed everything. It gave the couple time to hold their ceremony, guests a chance to gather outside, and Elijah Wood a perfect moment to arrive.
It’s not clear whether the pair had a backup plan, but the change in the weather removed any need for one. For a fantasy-themed wedding, the weather’s cooperation added a touch of realism.