How to Have a Leave No Trace Elopement
If you’re here, you’re a couple who is as passionate about the great outdoors as I am. You’re dreaming about your perfect Alberta elopement day, where love meets adventure!
However, as you choose to adventure in your favorite spot, you must treat it right! As an adventure elopement photographer, I’m passionate about helping my clients create an incredible elopement experience that is also kind to our Mother Earth.
Which brings me to the point of this blog – How to have a Leave No Trace Elopement? I’ll tell you all about it in this blog!
Embracing the Leave No Trace Philosophy
Don’t worry if Leave No Trace is a new concept for you, that’s exactly why I decided to write this guide! LNT is all about practicing responsible outdoor ethics, consisting of seven principles aimed at preserving the great outdoors we all adore.
Eloping with LNT in mind is super AWESOME! By nature, elopements are eco-friendlier compared to grand weddings with their mountains of waste. But, you know, just reducing waste is simply NOT ENOUGH!
So, let’s dive deeper into each of the principles and how you can follow them during your adventure elopement in Alberta.
The Seven Leave No Trace Principles for Your Elopement
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Before stepping into the wilderness to exchange your vows, PLAN and PREPARE! Select locations that are resilient to visitation, check weather conditions, and understand the regulations of the area.
For you, this means being clear on any permits to elope and finding out if the spot is dog-friendly (if you’d like to take your dog with you!). Also, look into whether there are any fire bans if you’d like to celebrate your love with a cozy campfire.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Choose established trails and campsites to avoid damaging delicate environments. Seek spots that are at least 200 feet from lakes and streams to protect riparian areas! Let’s keep those pretty places just as they are!
For you, this means following trails, avoiding taking shortcuts, and setting camp in a proper campsite or finding a spot with no vegetation.
Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack it in, pack it out, and leave the place even cleaner than you found it!! Avoid leaving things behind, even if they’re “biodegradable.”
I recommend opting for environmentally friendly ways to celebrate your elopement day, such as bubbles instead of flower petals and picking up all of the trash behind you.
Leave What You Find
Preserve the past and the present! Leave rocks, plants, flowers, and other natural objects as you find them.
Minimize Campfire Impact
If you’d like to celebrate your elopement with a campfire, use established fire rings and keep fires small. Burn only sticks and twigs and ensure to put out the fire completely before leaving. Also, as I mentioned in the first point – make sure you check if there are any fire bans in effect. Let’s keep the fire in our hearts, not the forest!
Respect Wildlife
This one’s so important! You may get to witness deer frolicking in the fields or any other wildlife, which is SO SPECIAL. However, observe wildlife from a distance! Do not follow, approach, or feed animals. Protect wildlife by storing food securely and keeping your distance.
We definitely don’t want to unintentionally harm animals with giving them something they shouldn’t eat, making them reliant on humans for food, or eliminating their healthy fear of people. Also, some animals can be dangerous to you too! Speaking of danger, definitely check out any bear spray policies for your elopement location – you may need to carry some with you!
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Plan your hiking or adventure elopement on off-peak days and hours to make it a more private experience for you! But also, you will probably still come across other people, so keep that in mind. Don’t listen to music too loudly, and be generally courteous to others!
Kelly Szott Photo | Alberta Elopement Photographer
Remember, every little step counts in leaving no trace and making the world a better place! Let’s embrace the Leave No Trace Elopement principles and create beautiful memories while doing so!
If you’re reading this, you’re probably planning your dream adventure elopement in Alberta or maybe even beyond. And if you’re still looking for your adventure elopement photographer to help tell your unique love story, I’d LOVE to meet with you! You can learn more about me here! Ready to inquire? GREAT! Send me a message here!And if you’re looking for more elopement inspiration and resources, check out my blog! I have tons of guides written for you, adventurous lovers looking to elope!
