How to Decide Between a Wedding and an Elopement
Choosing between an elopement and wedding is a massive decision. As someone who has experienced many of both, here are some tips to help you make a decision.
How to Have a Leave No Trace Elopement
Familiarizing yourself with the leave no trace principles is a good idea in general, but it’s especially good if you are planning to elope! Eloping has become more and more popular over the last few years and it’s important we do everything we can to protect our parks. We’ve used the original leave no trace principles and put a slight twist on them to incorporate how to use them during elopements!
Plan Ahead & Prepare:
This is important for the safety of your environment but also for the safety of yourself.
Figure out what resources will be available to you and which ones won’t be
Do you need permits?
Most likely you will need a permit to have a wedding ceremony but each location varies so be sure to do your research
Plan for a hike that you and your group are capable of doing and have the equipment for
If you want your dog included in your ceremony, make sure it’s a dog friendly location!
FYI – almost all National Parks do not allow dogs
Familiarize yourself with the area and surrounding areas
What will the weather conditions be like?
Are you eloping during peak season or low season
Consider planning your elopement on a weekday to avoid crowds
Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
Minimizing the disturbance on wildlife and ecosystems is key to “Leave no Trace” practices. A big part of that is knowing where to set up camp!
On popular trails, use designated camping areas that are at least 200 feet away from water
On less remote trails, try to spread your tents out and avoid repetitive food traffic through the brush
If you are eloping and have guests, this one is especially good to keep in mind!
If you can, consider moving your tent each night
If possible, set up camp (tents, stoves, etc.) on sand, gravel, and rock – this will have the least amount of impact on the earth
- Choose a ceremony location that will not disturb or damage the brush
When choosing ceremony decorations, don’t bring anything that will cause damage to your environment!
Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack it in, pack it out.
Pick up all trash and leftover food and pack it back out with you
Toilet paper and hygiene products should be packed out
If available, use toilets and designated facilities. If unavailable, human waste should be disposed of in a hole dug 6 to 8 inches deep (catholes) then properly covered. If you are camping in narrow river canyons, human waste must be packed out.
IMPORTANT: ensure you are at least 200 feet away from water sources if defecating. No one wants to drink contaminated water…
Using the 200 foot rule, wash dishes using biodegradable soap (as little as possible)
Things to not leave behind after your elopement:
Ceremony decorations
Beverage cans/bottles
Food packaging and garbage
Flower petals (yes, these too!)
Pro tip: leave the confetti at home
Leave What You Find
Leave areas and campsites as you found them. Sticks, rocks, plants, leaves are all important to the well-being of wildlife.
Put things back where you found them when you are done.
For example, although it’s best not to move anything if you make a fire ring out of rock, dismantle it and put the rocks back when you are finished
Do not transport non-native species (both animal and fauna)
It may be tempting to take home a keepsake (rocks, leaves, etc) from the place that you got married but please don’t. If every couple did this, our world would not look the way it does now. Keep it beautiful for other peeps!
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Minimizing the use of campfires when possible is important. Campfires affect the air quality and it’s important to familiarize yourself with fire dangers in your area before camping.
Build and put out fires within the leave no trace principles
Don’t take wood from the area you are camping in if it would be noticeable to the environment
Keep fires small
Burn everything to ash and put out fires completely
Make sure there is no burn ban!!
Respect Wildlife
Remember, you are in their home.
Observe wildlife from a distance, do not approach them or try to follow them
Store your food in proper containers or tie it up if necessary
Familiarize yourself on what to do if a bear approaches you or other wildlife that could potentially put you in danger
Tip: some places require you to carry bear spray, some locations don’t allow you to use it. Do your research!
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Avoid holiday weekends and keep your groups small in order to not disturb other visitors
Avoid loud voices and noises
A general rule of thumb for narrow trails: downhill hikers should move to the side and yield to uphill hikers when possible
Keep dogs on leash when other hikers are around
All information was gathered from The 7 Principles – Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics — feel free to check it out for more detailed information!
Stephanie Keegan
I’m an adventure elopement and wedding photographer based in Seattle and the surrounding Pacific Northwest. I focus on capturing love in beautiful places while sharing a passion for the outdoors. Rock climbing, backpacking, hiking – I love it all!
Hey! I'm Stephanie.
I'm an adventure elopement photographer based in the Pacific Northwest. My job is to help couples craft and document their dream day in the outdoors.
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