I grew up in nature. A single parent, my mom raised me on seven open acres that met more wooded area with a creek that divided the two properties. I had daily freedom to explore with my golden retriever and didn’t know the limits of sidewalks and street lights. I was allowed to go into nature alone with my thoughts and from this grew a deep love and connection with the natural world around me. I am happiest, most at peace when I can feel the trees breath and hear the clear sounds of birds. So I find it only natural that over the years I have returned to nature time and time again, even learning ways to incorporate it into my art and business.

One of the biggest mistakes I see couples make when choosing to have their wedding outdoors is not taking into consideration that they are in nature, which needs to be protected and respected. I see it all the time on Instagram, a pretty photo of a couple in a protected area, giving no regard to what they might be doing to the habitat they are invading. As an elopement photographer, I feel it’s part of my responsibility to educate and guide my couples in a way that will preserve the planet and not cause it more harm. LNT or Leave No Trace is a crucial part of planning an outdoor elopement or intimate wedding. I always urge my couples to consider how they can celebrate their day while also respecting the great outdoors.

You can begin here with a few important Leave No Trace steps to remember when planning:

Be Prepared and Plan Ahead

• Find out the regulations and weather for the area you will be in.

• Keep your guest list small, 10 people and under is best.

• Never use paint or flagging to mark your path, maps, GPS, and compass are your friends.

  
  

Utilize Only Durable Surfaces for Walking and Camping

• Durable surfaces include marked trails, designated campsites, gravel, dried grass and snow.

• Always camp at least 200 feet away from lakes and streams in order to protect riparian areas

• Remember, ideal campsites are found not created. Keep your site small and on areas without vegetation.

  
  

Waste: Pack it in+Pack it Out

• Before leaving your site, inspect the area for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.

• No one wants to do their business in the woods, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. Be sure to deposit solid waste in holes dug about six to eight inches deep and at least 200 feet from any water, campsites, or trails. Cover and disguise when finished.

• Never leave behind toilet paper and hygiene products.

• If washing yourself or dish ware, use only biodegradable soap at least 200 feet away from streams or lakes.

  
  

Leave Nature How You Find It

• In order to preserve the past, don't touch historic structures and artifacts.

• Don’t collect rocks, plants, or other natural objects.

• Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species such as live flowers or seeds.

  
  

Reduce Campfire Impacts

Everyone loves a good campfire, and they can have a romantic vibe on your elopement day. But if you aren't being conscientious your campfire can cause lasting impacts to the land.

• Utilize a camp stove for cooking and lantern for light.

• When fires are permitted, only use the provided fire rings, fire pans, or mounds.

• Keep your fire small. Sticks that can be broken by hand, already found on the ground are the best option.

• Before leaving a campsite be sure to burn wood and coals to ash, make sure you put out campfires entirely and scatter the cooled ashes.

  
  

Respect Wildlife

• Though exciting, always observe wildlife from a safe distance. You should never follow or approach a wild animal.

• Never try to feed wild animals. When you feed wildlife it damages their health and changes natural behavior patterns.

• To protect wildlife, always store your food and trash securely.

• If bringing a pet such as a dog along, keep them controlled and in sight at all times.

• Avoid and keep more of a distance from wildlife during times where mating, nesting, raising young, or hibernation is occurring.

  
  

Keep Other Hikers+Visitors in Mind

• Be respectful to others on the trail by yielding to them.

• When encountering horses or other pack stock, be sure to step to the downhill side of the trail.

• Camp away from other visitors when possible.

• Allow nature to be heard by avoiding loud voices and sounds.

  
  

In addition to the basics listed above here are a few don’ts specific to having a ceremony+portrait session outdoors.

• Avoid throwing confetti or other synthetic materials. If in a wildlife area such as a state or national park this even includes biodegradable options.

• Do not play loud music, enjoy the sounds of nature while sharing vows.

• Do not assume you will be able to trample through meadows or stand on moss covered stones. It is damaging to fragile ecosystems. Know that you will need to stay on the trail and designated spots.

• Do not pick wildflowers, cut tree branches or alter the landscape for your enjoyment.

• Avoid spraying perfumes, scents or harmful sunscreens and bugs sprays.

• And last but not least, DO NOT LITTER, don’t leave champagne bottles or beer cans behind. Don’t drop cigarette butts on the ground.

At the end of the day, when you leave a natural space, you should leave as little evidence of you being there as possible. Respect that you are exploring part of a grand and vast ecosystem and know that you are only a visitor. Leave it be wild and free!

When choosing a photographer for your nature based elopement, be sure to hire one that knows and respects Leave No Trace principles. It’s so important we protect natural areas so that we can continue to enjoy them for generations to come.

Hi, I’m Liz, I specialize in Pennsylvania elopement photography and planning. I help couples create a that’s intentional and stress-free by offering a supportive, knowledgeable and kind experience that includes vendor and location research, planning resources and custom timeline curation, ensuring couples get beautiful photos while having an incredible time!

Totally convinced that eloping in nature is for you?