What Every Couple Should Know About a “Leave No Trace” Elopement
Although eloping produces significantly less carbon than a large traditional wedding, depending on where you travel, what you do, and how you do it, it can still be environmentally destructive. That's where Leave No Trace comes in, and it can help you have a sustainable elopement. The Leave No Trace movement began in the United States in the 1960s, but it has only lately gained popularity in Europe. It is based on seven core concepts, all of which are intended to ensure that people may enjoy wild spaces without harming or destroying them in the future.
A Leave No Trace elopement is one in which you don't leave anything behind or change the environment while you're out there. If you're eloping in a national park or a conservation area, this is very vital. So, what are the seven Leave No Trace principles that every couple should know?
Principle #1: PLAN AHEAD OF TIME AND BE PREPARED
Don't just show up; plan your route, learn about the habitats, and estimate how long it will take you to get from point A to point B. As a golden rule for all outdoor activities, make a backup plan in case of bad weather. Bring the appropriate equipment so you don't produce too much waste or get caught off guard. Be aware of where private land is so you don't break any laws.
Principle #2: TRAVEL AND CAMP (AND ELOPE) ON DURABLE SURFACES
If too many people walk or camp in the same area, plants can be damaged, soils can be washed away, new paths can emerge, and the environment can be permanently destroyed. Well-kept pathways, rock, sand, gravel, dry grasses, and snow are all examples of durable surfaces. Walking through meadows in your wedding gown in search of the perfect photo may degrade the landscape and have long-term implications. Take note of the following steps to avoid this:
If at all possible, stay on current paths. Walk on rock, sand, or any other hard surface that your feet won't harm.
Avoid going through flower fields and mossy regions that can be harmed easily and permanently.
When wild camping, keep your tents spaced apart and camp on a hard surface if at all possible. To discourage others from camping in your area, leave no trace of your stay.
Principle #3: WASTE SHOULD BE DISPOSED OF PROPERLY
Pack it in, pack it out! One of the most crucial components of leaving no trace is making sure you pick up whatever you've brought with you. Everything is in your trash, including your confetti. Even biodegradable materials like a stray flower blossom aren't safe. Nothing is more depressing than hiking out to a lovely place only to see it covered with trash. It saddens us greatly, and there is no justification for it. We must clean everything!
Principle #4: LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND
Taking in the scenery with your eyes and mind is essential to enjoying the outdoors, but it shouldn't go much farther. All we should take from the outdoors are memories. Leave the plants, sand, and other natural elements in their natural habitat. Make sure to leave cultural sites in their original state so that future generations can appreciate them.
Principle #5: MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS
It's unlikely that you'll have a campfire at your elopement, but if you do, be sure to: Consider whether it is safe to do so; wildfires are a risk in the summer, so if you aren't sure, don't risk it. If there is an existing fire ring, use it and keep it small. Don't leave your campfire alone and before departing, make sure the fire is out.
Principle #6: RESPECT WILDLIFE
One of the benefits of being outside in nature is seeing wild creatures, but we must remember that these animals are unpredictable, and we must respect them. We're going inside their homes, therefore there are a few ground rules to follow to ensure that our presence does not disrupt them.
If you come across any animals, whether intentionally or unintentionally, do not feed them. Throwing confetti or even rice at an animal that isn't used to it can be harmful if it isn't part of its natural diet. If you see an animal while on-site, keep a safe distance and observe from afar. Wild animals can be deadly, and the last thing you want is an unwelcome visitor interfering with your wedding or picture shoot.
Principle #7: BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORS
While the focus of your wedding day should be on you, your partner, and your love, you must also be considerate of others. Everyone has the right to an enjoyable, disturbance-free outdoor experience. We're all going out into nature to come back with interesting stories to tell.
If you're traveling to a popular site or national park, think about the date and time of your elopement. If you're considering an elopement in a popular place, keep in mind that outdoor locations are public. Overly loud music should be avoided. Prepare to queue for a photo opportunity at a popular spot. Remember to be mindful of others and that the outdoors is for everyone.
Takeaway
Weddings, elopements, and photoshoots can all have a significant environmental impact. As a Leave No Trace responsible photographer, I now have a greater understanding of how I can manage my business in a way that will help me and my clients have the least amount of environmental impact possible. I can assist you with selecting a site, planning your day, enjoying your day, and sharing your day while keeping the environment in mind.
For anyone who likes the outdoors, the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace provide an understandable concept of low-impact activities. We can safeguard the places we love by decreasing our effect when we visit, photograph, and celebrate outside!
We can enjoy the outdoors responsibly if we follow the Leave No Trace principles. Continue to follow me on Instagram so that we can all share our experiences with the Leave No Trace philosophy.