Leave No Trace: Elopements and Outdoor Wedding Guide

Leave No Trace in Photography and Elopements: A Guide to Responsible Adventure Weddings

When it comes to elopements and destination weddings, many couples dream of saying "I do" in pristine outdoor settings—mountain peaks, coastal cliffs, dense forests, or serene lakesides. These natural landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for a wedding day full of beauty, intimacy, and adventure. But with the rising popularity of elopements and outdoor photography sessions, it's important to practice responsible stewardship of the nature that makes your photos so amazing! This is why at Roaming Desert Film Co. we are a Leave No Trace certified and aware photo and video team.

Whether you're an adventurous couple or a photographer, following Leave No Trace (LNT) principles during an elopement can ensure that you protect the environments that make your special day so memorable.

What is Leave No Trace?

Leave No Trace is a set of seven principles designed to minimize human impact on the environment. These principles are meant to guide all outdoor enthusiasts, including photographers, videographers, and couples who choose to celebrate their elopement in nature. The goal is to ensure that natural areas remain beautiful and untouched, not just for you, but for others who will visit afterward.

7 Leave No Trace Principles for Elopements and Photography

1.Plan Ahead and Prepare

Planning ahead is one of the most important steps in minimizing your impact on the environment. Before you even pick your elopement location, research the area and local regulations. Are there restrictions or permits required for weddings or photography? Some locations, especially national parks, may require special permits for professional photographers or for holding events, even small ones like elopements.

Pro Tip for Photographers: Check if there are designated areas for photography or ceremony sites within national parks or wilderness areas. Stick to those areas to minimize the disturbance to sensitive ecosystems.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

When choosing your elopement spot, make sure to walk on durable surfaces like established trails, campsites, or areas that have already been impacted by foot traffic. Avoid walking on fragile alpine meadows or sensitive vegetation, which can take decades to regenerate.

For Photographers: If you're planning to shoot a session in an area like a forest or meadow, avoid stepping on moss, rare plants, or delicate wildlife habitats. Use well-established trails and marked pathways to minimize your footprint.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

This might seem obvious, but the most common way people impact natural areas is by leaving trash behind. Always pack out all of your waste—this includes food wrappers, bottles, tissues, and even biodegradable materials that can take longer to break down than you think. Some remote areas don't have waste facilities, so carrying out everything you bring in is essential.

For Elopements: Have a small waste bag or container for things like confetti, flower petals, or other ceremony extras that might be left behind. Don’t forget about the biodegradable “confetti” as well; even though it breaks down, it can still harm the environment and disrupt the local wildlife.

4. Leave What You Find

Elopements are about creating memories, but that doesn't mean you should take physical pieces of the environment with you. Avoid picking flowers, disturbing wildlife, or collecting rocks or branches as mementos. Leave these natural elements where you find them, so others can enjoy them as well.

For Photographers: Respect the landscape and avoid altering the environment to create the perfect shot. Don’t move rocks, break branches, or touch plants to enhance the scene. The untouched, natural beauty is what makes your elopement photos so special!

5. Minimize Campfire Impact

If your elopement involves camping, it's important to follow safe fire practices. In some areas, campfires may be prohibited altogether. If fires are allowed, use existing fire rings and burn only small, dead wood that you find in the area. Avoid cutting down live trees or gathering wood from protected areas.

Tip: Opt for a portable stove or a small, contained flame if you want to create a cozy atmosphere around a meal or a hot drink, and forgo the fire entirely if you're in an area that prohibits open flames.

6. Respect Wildlife

During your elopement, you'll likely encounter wildlife, and it's crucial to respect their space. Don't approach animals, feed them, or disturb their habitats. Many animals are stressed by human presence, and feeding them can disrupt their natural behaviors, leading to harmful consequences for both the animals and the ecosystem.

For Photographers: Keep a safe distance when photographing wildlife, and use a zoom lens instead of getting too close. This protects both you and the animals and ensures that you aren't causing undue stress to the creatures that inhabit these wild areas.

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Your elopement may be a once-in-a-lifetime event, but for others, the natural spaces you're visiting are part of their daily lives or vacations, as well. Be mindful of other visitors who might be looking to enjoy the area. If you’re planning a photoshoot or ceremony in a popular location, try to choose times that are less crowded, like early mornings or weekdays.

For Elopements: Consider having an early or late ceremony to avoid peak visitor times. This ensures that you can celebrate your moment in private and lets others enjoy the area without disruption.

Bonus Tips for a Sustainable Elopement Photography Experience

• Eco-Friendly Wedding Attire: Consider sustainable wedding attire, such as a secondhand dress or outfit made from eco-friendly materials. After the big day, think about donating or repurposing your dress.

• Zero-Waste Elopement Details: Choose eco-friendly décor such as dried flowers, reusable rings, or hand-crafted elements that don’t rely on mass-produced or disposable goods.

• Sustainable Travel: If your elopement takes you far from home, consider using public transportation, carpooling, or offsetting your carbon emissions to reduce your environmental impact.

• Use Digital Invitations: Skip paper invitations, and instead, create digital invites or websites to minimize paper waste.

Conclusion: Preserving Nature for Future Generations

Elopements in nature are an incredible way to celebrate your love while embracing the beauty of the natural world. But with great beauty comes great responsibility. By following the Leave No Trace principles, you’re not only preserving the locations that made your special day so memorable, but you’re also ensuring that these places remain pristine for future generations to enjoy.

Whether you’re a couple planning your elopement or a photographer capturing a love story in the wild, remember that nature is a shared space. Let’s protect it by leaving only footprints and taking only memories—and beautiful photographs, of course!

Need a photo and video team to preserve your special day in an eco friendly way?

Hi there! We’re Tana and Cory Metcalf @ Roaming Desert Film Co. - a husband and wife photo/video team, located in Utah! We love exploring all that the world has to offer and taking our doggos and cameras along for the journey, as well!