Elijah Wood joins Hobbiton wedding in New Zealand

Elijah Wood unexpectedly joined a Hobbiton wedding in Matamata, New Zealand on Monday, surprising a Rotorua-based couple as they signed their marriage documents on the film set used for The Lord of the Rings. The actor, best known for playing Frodo Baggins in Peter Jackson’s film adaptations, stepped into the ceremony area, exchanged congratulations with the newlyweds and posed for photographs before returning to the group he had been touring with.

The couple, Sharik and Jessica Burgess-Stride, had chosen the Hobbiton movie set for a themed ceremony with guests dressed in Middle Earth costumes. According to the groom, he initially did a double take on seeing Wood approach and then realized the actor was indeed present. Guests reacted with surprise and applause as Wood, wearing a casual jacket and jeans, walked down the aisle and briefly chatted with the pair. In video from the scene, Wood can be heard saying, "This is amazing, and everyone is dressed as hobbits."

Their wedding photographer, Cath Ullyett, said she noticed Wood and encouraged him to join the newlyweds for a few photos after he had paused to watch them sign their registry. She described him as gracious but hesitant...