Outdoor adventure elopements are on the rise with more couples than ever opting for a more intimate wedding day where they can experience the beauty of nature together. Elopements offer a unique and breathtaking setting for couples to tie the knot on free public lands. However, with this increase in outdoor elopements comes the responsibility to preserve these natural spaces. Practicing Leave No Trace (LNT) ethics ensures that our cherished outdoor environments remain pristine for future generations. Here’s a comprehensive guide of how I encourage my couples to adhere to LNT principles on their elopement day.

What is Leave No Trace?

Leave No Trace is a set of ethical guidelines designed to minimize human impact on the environment when recreating in the outdoors. Originating from a need to protect natural spaces from increasing recreational use, the principles provide a framework for responsibly enjoying the outdoors. There are Seven Key LNT Principles:

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impact
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Other Visitors

The Seven Leave No Trace Principles Explained

Now let’s dive into these principles and what they mean for your outdoor elopement day!

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

Research and Permits: Ensure your chosen location allows weddings and obtain necessary permits. Understand the rules and regulations to avoid any last-minute surprises or being asked to leave or ticketed by a forest ranger on your wedding day.
Timing: Choose a time that avoids peak visitation hours to minimize your impact on the environment and other visitors. I always recommend couples choose a weekday to avoid crowds at popular locations and minimize disruption to other visitors.
Guest List: Keep your ceremony intimate. A smaller group reduces environmental impact and is often more manageable in natural settings. Many free forest lands have guest use regulations. I recommend keeping groups under 15 people or renting out an outdoor ceremony space for larger groups.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Designated Paths: Stick to established trails and durable surfaces like rock, gravel, or dry grasses to prevent erosion and protect plant life.
Set-Up Areas: Use pre-existing clearings for your ceremony and photos. Avoid fragile environments such as wildflower meadows or alpine tundras.

Just because you see other couples and photographers trampling wildflowers or going off trail to “get the shot,” doesn’t mean it’s okay. Some people believe that a photograph is worth destroying fragile landscapes.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

Carry Out Everything: Bring trash bags and pack out all waste, including food scraps and biodegradable items. Nothing should be left behind. And I don’t know why this needs to continue being said, but a fire ring is not a magical trash receptacle and aluminum cans don’t burn.
Pack out Waste: If facilities are not available, follow guidelines for burying human waste or use portable toilets. Be sure to bag and carry out all pet waste as well.

4. Leave What You Find

Leave Behind Nature’s Beauty: Avoid picking flowers, taking rocks or other items, or altering natural features. Take photos and leave the landscape as you found it.
Props and Decorations: Only bring props like chairs, arches, tables, etc. if permitted by forest service. Generally I recommend avoiding props altogether unless you really need them. Use natural, reusable, or biodegradable decorations if these items are permitted at all. For photos spraying “champagne,” use sparkling water. Avoid anything that could harm wildlife or pollute the environment.

5. Minimize Campfire Impact

Avoid Fires: Opt for LED candles or other fire-free lighting options to prevent wildfire risk. I discourage the use of sparklers, fireworks, etc. whether they are permitted or not. It only takes one spark to cause a destructive fire.
Stoves and Cookware: If you plan on having a meal, use a portable stove instead of an open fire.

6. Respect Wildlife

Keep a Safe Distance: Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not feed animals or leave food where it could attract them. If there is wildlife present during your elopement, we will keep our distance and not get closer for a photo. Any photos with wildlife in them have been taken from afar.
Keep Pets Controlled: If pets are part of your ceremony, ensure they are leashed or under strict voice control at all times. Unless your dog is 100% able to be recalled around wildlife, they should not be off leash.

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Privacy and Noise: Choose a location and time that minimizes disruption to other visitors. Keep noise levels low and respect others’ solitude. If you plan to have a speaker with music at your ceremony, ensure that the volume is at a respectful level.
Group Size and Movement: Manage your group to avoid congesting trails or popular sites. Ensure your group is aware of LNT practices and understands that this is a free public space, not a wedding venue. I’ve experienced large wedding groups with pushy, rude, and loud guests who haven’t been respectful of the area at all and it’s disheartening when a photographer does not speak up to their group.

Sometimes you run into curious wildlife…do your best to stay still and allow them to move on without disturbing them!

Preparing for a Leave No Trace Outdoor Wedding

Eco-Friendly Vendors: Choose vendors who share your commitment to sustainability. From photographers to caterers, select those who use eco-friendly practices and abide by LNT practices. I’ve seen far too many photographers and vendors contribute to the destruction of our wild places that I expect we will see more rules and regulations put in place for using these free outdoor spaces if things do not improve.
Sustainable Attire: Consider second-hand, rented, or sustainably produced wedding attire. I’m a sucker for a second-hand dress moment!
Green Invitations: Opt for digital invitations or recycled paper products.
Mindful Transportation: Encourage carpooling or use shuttles to reduce the carbon footprint of your guests’ travel.

By integrating Leave No Trace principles into your outdoor elopement, you not only ensure a beautiful and respectful ceremony but also set an example for sustainable practices for other couples opting for an elopement. Your special day can be a testament to your commitment both to each other and to the environment.

Embracing Leave No Trace Ethics for Outdoor Elopements