Eloping in nature is a fantastic experience, and one of the things I truly adore about it is the special connection that a couple forms with the land where they exchange their vows. It's a beautiful feeling to return year after year to the same wildflowers, breathtaking mountain vistas, and relive the emotions of your day you exchanged your vows.
However, it's not uncommon for these picturesque ceremony spots to be closed off. This means no more photography, ceremonies, or vow renewals. Why does this happen? Typically, it's because the land was not being well cared for. Maybe people were trampling wildflowers, or left trash behind, thinking a single water bottle wouldn't harm anything.
This is where Leave No Trace comes in. Leave No Trace is a set of guidelines for minimizing our impact on the outdoors, and that includes eloping couples! What's crucial to understand is that you don't need a perfect track record to start following these principles.
If you're looking to elope outside, ask your photographer if they're Leave No Trace Certified - this means they've taken the LNT Course For Photographers, and will know how to create an elopement that's incredible, and planet-friendly.
So, if you're planning to elope in the great outdoors of Washington, here are the 7 Leave No Trace Principles. I've copied The Principles word-for-word from Leave No Trace's own website, and then followed it up by explaining what this means for you & your elopement!
1. PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE
THE DESCRIPTION
"Adequate trip planning and preparation helps backcountry travelers accomplish trip goals safely and enjoyably, while simultaneously minimizing damage to the land. Poor planning often results in miserable campers and damage to natural and cultural resources. Rangers often tell stories of campers they have encountered who, because of poor planning and unexpected conditions, degrade backcountry resources and put themselves at risk."
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR ELOPEMENTS
Washington's diverse landscapes can present unique challenges. To ensure a smooth elopement experience, I'll provide you with a custom location guide. This guide will prepare you for the specifics of the location you choose. It's about being ready for any unexpected conditions, like rapidly changing weather or delicate ecosystems that need special care.
2. TRAVEL & CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES
THE DESCRIPTION
"The goal of travel in the outdoors is to move through natural areas while avoiding damage to the land or waterways. Understanding how travel causes impacts is necessary to accomplish this goal. Travel damage occurs when surface vegetation or communities of organisms are trampled beyond recovery. The resulting barren area leads to soil erosion and the development of undesirable trails. Backcountry travel may involve travel over both trails and off-trail areas."
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR ELOPEMENTS
While Washington's wild places may seem rugged, many are actually quite delicate. To avoid harming the fragile flora and ecosystems, we'll find creative ways to capture stunning moments without wandering off-trail. We'll ensure your ceremony location is both beautiful and environmentally responsible.
3. DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY
THE DESCRIPTION
"The Center encourages outdoor enthusiasts to consider the impacts that they leave behind, which will undoubtedly affect other people, water and wildlife. “Pack it in, Pack it out” is a familiar mantra to seasoned wildland visitors. Any user of recreation lands has a responsibility to clean up before he or she leaves. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash and garbage."
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR ELOPEMENTS
When eloping in the wild, you must be prepared to pack out everything you bring in. It's all about keeping it simple and responsible. We can skip confetti and opt for champagne after your vows, or for backpacking elopements, we'll have a well-thought-out plan for waste disposal.
4. LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND
THE DESCRIPTION
"Allow others a sense of discovery by leaving rocks, plants, archaeological artifacts and other objects of interest as you find them."
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR ELOPEMENTS
If you want to take home mementos, let me know, and I'll capture a perfect photo of them for you. Leaving behind rocks, plants, and other natural items ensures that future visitors can enjoy them as well. It's about preserving the natural beauty for everyone to share.
5. MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTS
THE DESCRIPTION
"Fires vs. Stoves: The use of campfires, once a necessity for cooking and warmth, is steeped in history and tradition. Some people would not think of camping without a campfire. Yet, the natural appearance of many areas has been degraded by the overuse of fires and an increasing demand for firewood. The development of lightweight efficient camp stoves has encouraged a shift away from the traditional fire for cooking. Stoves have become essential equipment for minimum-impact camping. They are fast, flexible and eliminate firewood availability as a concern in campsite selection. Stoves operate in almost any weather condition—and they Leave No Trace."
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR ELOPEMENTS
To respect the environment and follow local regulations, we'll only create fires in designated fire pits. We'll source firewood locally, reducing the need to disturb the natural surroundings. This way, we can enjoy the warmth of a fire while treading lightly on the land.
6. RESPECT WILDLIFE
THE DESCRIPTION
"Learn about wildlife through quiet observation. Do not disturb wildlife or plants just for a “better look.” Observe wildlife from a distance so they are not scared or forced to flee. Large groups often cause more damage to the environment and can disturb wildlife so keep your group small. If you have a larger group, divide into smaller groups if possible to minimize your impacts."
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR ELOPEMENTS
Washington's diverse wildlife includes soaring bald eagles, squeaking pikas, playful river otters, and elusive black bears. During your elopement, I'll provide insights into the local wildlife, so you can observe them from a respectful distance. Please remember not to feed or disturb these creatures, allowing them to thrive in their natural habitat.
7. BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORS
THE DESCRIPTION
"One of the most important components of outdoor ethics is to maintain courtesy toward other visitors. It helps everyone enjoy their outdoor experience. Many people come to the outdoors to listen to nature. Excessive noise, uncontrolled pets and damaged surroundings take away from the natural appeal of the outdoors."
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR ELOPEMENTS
Your ceremony location will be carefully chosen to ensure it doesn't obstruct the paths of other hikers and nature enthusiasts. We'll make sure your elopement is a peaceful experience for you and anyone else enjoying the breathtaking scenery. If complete privacy is your preference, let me know, and we'll factor that into our location choice.
READY TO LEAVE NO TRACE?
The goal is to preserve these beautiful natural spots in Washington and beyond so that future generations can cherish them just as you do. Imagine your family hiking to your elopement spot years from now, reminiscing about your amazing wedding in the great outdoors.
And truth be told, I want to continue visiting these places as well. Many of the locations I recommend hold special meaning to me, and I'd be heartbroken if they became inaccessible. So, do us all a favor and help us Leave No Trace!
Are you already a Leave No Trace practitioner, or is this the first time you've come across it? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's have a chat! 👇
Kira McGrigg Photo is based in Bellingham, Washington, and specializes in inclusive outdoor elopements and couples photography.