There’s something deeply grounding about exchanging vows outdoors—in a forest clearing, on a mountaintop, or along the shore of a quiet lake. As a queer elopement photographer, I’ve had the joy of documenting love stories in all kinds of stunning outdoor spaces, and I’m constantly reminded of how lucky we are to share these landscapes with each other.

But, eloping outdoors comes with a huge responsibility to respect the natural environment and preserve precious ecosystems. Our favorite spots—especially the more remote and untouched ones—can be seriously impacted by even small choices we make on our big day. That’s where Leave No Trace comes in. And when we pair those guidelines with other sustainable practices, it becomes a powerful way to make your elopement not just beautiful, but intentional and respectful too.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the Leave No Trace principles, share what a sustainable elopement actually looks like, and give you practical ideas for planning a day that honors both your love and the land around you. 

What Makes an Elopement Sustainable?

A sustainable elopement is all about being intentional with your choices, your impact, and your connection to the place where you’re getting married. It doesn’t mean everything has to be “perfectly eco-friendly” or that you need to ditch joy and beauty for a super simple, minimalist elopement (although you can, if that’s more your vibe!). Some of the biggest factors that shape a sustainable elopement include: 

• Location choices 
• Leave No Trace practices
• Vendors who share your values
• Travel impact
• Small details that lower impact (e.g., in your choice of outfits, food, etc.)

Are Elopements More Sustainable than Weddings?

Generally speaking, yes, elopements tend to be much more sustainable than traditional weddings. Large weddings often involve extensive travel, big venues, catered meals for hundreds, elaborate decor, and sometimes even things like fireworks or balloon releases. All of that can add up to a pretty hefty carbon footprint, even with the best intentions.

That’s why there’s been a growing push in the wedding industry for sustainable weddings, with more people looking for eco-friendly wedding ideas. But even with those efforts, it’s hard to avoid the environmental impact of a large event.

Elopements, on the other hand, naturally align more closely with sustainability. With fewer guests (or none at all), minimal decor, and a focus on nature-based settings, elopements reduce waste and environmental impact by design.

Of course, not all elopements are automatically eco-friendly, which is why I make it a point to help couples deeply consider environmental impact while in the elopement planning process.

What Does it Mean to Leave No Trace?

Leave No Trace is a nonprofit organization that created an ethical framework to promote environmental responsibility and stewardship. The seven principles of Leave No Trace provide a foundation to help people minimize their environmental impact and engage in sustainable practices while visiting the outdoors.

When you’re planning an outdoor elopement, these principles become especially important. Unlike big weddings that often happen in rented venues with built-in amenities, elopements often take place in delicate environments—on mountaintops, near lakeshores, or deep in the woods. That intimacy with nature is part of what makes eloping so magical, but it also comes with the responsibility to care for the land you’re in.

The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace is the backbone of sustainable outdoor adventures, including your elopement day. These seven principles offer a clear, easy-to-follow framework for minimizing your impact on nature, whether you’re hiking, camping, or saying your vows in the middle of a forest. 

I always encourage couples to familiarize themselves with these principles early on in the planning process. This sets you up with a sustainable mindset that considers respect for the land, the people who steward it, and the couples who’ll come after you and hope to experience the same beauty you did.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

Planning your elopement with Leave No Trace in mind is the first—and one of the most important—steps toward having a sustainable day. I always tell couples that a little preparation upfront goes a long way, especially if you’re heading to a protected spot like a national or state park.

Start by researching the rules and permits required for your location. Many parks have special use permits for events, which help protect the land and ensure everyone enjoys it responsibly. Here are some other things I recommend keeping in mind as you prep:

• Brush up on the Leave No Trace principles early. There are free online courses that make it easy to understand what’s expected.
• Have a backup plan! Weather can be unpredictable, especially in remote places. Planning for rain, wind, or other surprises can save a lot of stress.
• Think through bathroom logistics. If your spot doesn’t have facilities, pack the right supplies, like waste bags designed for “pack it out” situations.
• Pack light. Bringing only what you need not only lightens your load but reduces the chance of leaving anything behind.
• Prepare for emergencies by having a basic first-aid kit and knowing the closest help resources.
• Consider timing your elopement during off-peak seasons or weekdays to avoid crowding and minimize impact.
• Keep your guest list small if you decide to bring people along. Smaller groups mean less impact on trails and campsites!
• Use reusable containers for your food and drinks instead of disposable packaging.
• Learn about the local wildlife so you know how to keep both yourself and the animals safe.
• Work with vendors who get it. Vendors who understand and respect Leave No Trace principles will help keep your day sustainable and smooth.

Read More: 

• How to Elope: The Ultimate Guide
• How to Elope in a National Park
• How to Make a Backup Plan for Your Elopement

2. Dispose of Waste Properly

One of the simplest yet most important Leave No Trace principles is to pack out everything you bring in. That means every scrap of trash, decorations, and food leftovers. Even “biodegradable” items shouldn’t be left behind. Trust me, nature doesn’t need our confetti or flower petals scattered around, no matter how pretty they seem.

Personally, I like to encourage couples to keep decorations to a minimum or skip them altogether. Fewer items mean less cleanup and less chance of something being accidentally left behind. 

Before you leave, take a moment to do a thorough sweep of your spot. Look for anything small or hidden that might have slipped away during the celebration.

Pro Tip: If you plan to pop some bubbly or a fizzy drink, take it slow—losing a cork in the wind can happen more easily than you think (and I’m happy to share some tips if you want!).

3. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

When you’re out celebrating your elopement, it might be tempting to wander off the beaten path or step onto that soft patch of moss for a perfect photo. But here’s the thing: sticking to durable surfaces like established trails, rocks, gravel, or even snow helps protect delicate plants and soil.

If we see some beautiful wildflowers in the distance or another enticing area that you want in your photos, we can find creative angles to incorporate these elements without causing destruction. 

4. Leave What You Find

I get it—when you see a perfect little wildflower, a smooth stone, or a unique seashell during your elopement, it’s tempting to want to take it home as a keepsake. But we want to try to minimize these actions as much as possible.

Instead of picking or taking those treasures, why not ask your photographer to capture them in a photo? That way, you still get to hold onto the memory without disturbing the environment.

Leaving nature untouched helps keep these places special for the couples who will come after you (and for all the critters and plants that call it home).

5. Respect Wildlife

Seeing wildlife on your elopement day can feel a bit like a cool bonus, whether you spot a deer, eagle, squirrel, or even a bear. But remember, you’re a guest in their home.

From my experience photographing outdoor elopements, I’ve learned that giving animals plenty of space is the kindest way to show respect. Observe quietly from a distance and never try to feed them. Feeding wildlife can disrupt their natural habits and even put them in danger.

If you’re bringing pets along, keep them on a leash and under control to avoid stressing out the local animals.

Before your big day, it’s helpful to look up any wildlife guidelines for your location so you know how to act safely and respectfully.

6. Minimize Campfire Impacts

I’ll be the first to admit that there’s something so cozy about ending your elopement day with a campfire, whether you’re roasting marshmallows, stargazing, or just sitting together in the moment. Before striking your matches:

• Check if there are any fire bans in the area. You can find this information with a simple Google search.
• If there is no ban, ensure you build your fire in designated areas with fire rings. 
• Be aware of wind gusts and fire size to avoid embers flying away and catching surrounding vegetation on fire. 
• Don’t forget to completely extinguish your fire before leaving. 

When in doubt, remember: #whatwouldsmokeydo?

7. Be Considerate of Others

Part of having a sustainable elopement is also thinking beyond the nature around you. Chances are, you’re sharing your beautiful elopement space with others, whether it’s hikers, campers, or someone out on their own adventure. Being mindful of others helps keep the outdoors enjoyable for everyone.

But, what does being ‘considerate’ actually look like? This means things like: 

• Keeping your group size small
• Avoiding loud music
• Giving folks space on the trails. 
• Sticking to single file while hiking and yielding to others coming through
• Being friendly to everyone who passes by. It doesn’t have to be much—a simple smile will do!

I’ve found that a little kindness and awareness go a long way in making sure everyone gets to enjoy the peace and beauty of the outdoors.

8 Sustainable Elopement Ideas

Now that we’ve learned Leave No Trace elopement guidelines, let’s get into some tangible ideas for making your elopement more eco-friendly:

1. Choose Eco-Conscious Outfits

The wedding industry tends to push the idea that you need a brand-new, wear-it-once outfit for your big day. While sustainable wedding outfits are growing in popularity, there still needs to be more education around what these choices actually mean. 

Choosing eco-conscious elopement outfits is a great way to participate in the circular economy. Simply put, the circular economy is all about keeping clothing and other materials in use for as long as possible—buying secondhand, renting instead of owning, and donating or reselling afterward instead of tossing something in the trash. By giving new life to existing pieces (or passing yours on to someone else when you’re done), you’re keeping waste out of landfills and slowing down the demand for fast fashion.

And honestly? Some of the most stylish, personality-packed elopement looks I’ve photographed have come from vintage shops, rental services, or a meaningful piece someone already had or repurposed. One place you can look is Stillwhite—a huge online marketplace for used wedding attire!

2. Book Vendors Who Prioritize Sustainability

When looking for your elopement team (like your photographer, florist, or officiant), don’t be afraid to ask how they minimize their impact. Here are some questions you can ask your vendors to gauge where they stand:

• Are you familiar with Leave No Trace guidelines?
• What do you do to minimize your environmental impact during elopements?
• How can you help us plan our elopement with sustainability and Leave No Trace in mind?

If they show signs of using sustainable practices or are knowledgeable about the seven Leave No Trace principles, consider it a green flag! Depending on the vendor, they could also help you with packing sustainably, wildlife encounters, creating backup plans, and recommending the best seasons and times to elope to minimize impact.

3. Be Intentional About Your Location

Instead of hauling decor out to a remote trail or beach (the reality is that most outdoor spaces won’t even allow some types of decor), lean into the natural beauty of your location. That’s why the elopement planning process is crucial, especially the step where you consider your location.

Read More: How to Choose the Right Outdoor Setting for Your Elopement

4. Bring Reusable Items Instead of Single-Use

Pack your snacks and drinks in reusable containers, bring a water bottle or hydration pack, and skip things like plastic cups or disposable plates. If you’re celebrating with a little post-ceremony picnic, you can even thrift some cute glasses or dishes for a special touch.

5. Offset Your Travel Emissions

If you’re flying or driving long distances to elope, it’s important to acknowledge that travel can leave a significant carbon footprint. One way to help balance that impact is by offsetting your travel emissions through a reputable environmental organization. For example, you can donate to a program that reduces or removes carbon emissions elsewhere (or even in the location you’re traveling to). 

You can also calculate your trip’s emissions online (there are tons of free calculators), and donate the equivalent cost to an environmental project that resonates with you.

It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s a tangible, thoughtful step if you’re looking to make your elopement more eco-conscious.

6. Support Local (When You Can)

One of the simplest ways to make your elopement more sustainable is to support local businesses and makers. That might mean choosing a local florist who sources in-season blooms, staying in an eco-conscious Airbnb or cabin nearby, or grabbing pastries from a neighborhood bakery for your morning-of breakfast. When you book locally, you reduce the carbon footprint that comes with shipping or traveling long distances while also putting your money directly into the community you’re celebrating in.

I’ve also found that local vendors often know the hidden gems, like the quiet trails, the off-the-map picnic spots, and the best place to grab a post-ceremony drink.

7. Be Conscious of What You Share on Social Media

Part of having a sustainable, leave-no-trace elopement means thinking about how you share that story, too. This isn’t always something people think about, yet it’s still important!

Social media has a huge influence. A single viral post can turn a quiet, lesser-known trail or overlook into a hotspot overnight, and that kind of attention can quickly lead to overcrowding, trail damage, and even closures. That’s why I always encourage couples to leave out exact location details when posting, especially for remote or delicate places. You can still share all the beauty of your day while tagging a general area (like a state or region) instead of dropping the exact GPS pin.

As a photographer, I follow the same approach with the images I share online. Keeping special spots a little more under the radar is one of the best ways we can protect them, not just for ourselves, but for every couple that might elope there in the future.

8. Talk to Guests About Sustainability

If you’re inviting a few people to your elopement, it’s totally okay to set the tone upfront. Let them know you’re aiming for a sustainable celebration and share simple ways they can help, like staying on trails, packing out what they bring, or carpooling when possible. Most people appreciate the heads-up and love being part of something intentional and respectful of nature. You don’t have to be super formal about it—just a kind, clear conversation goes a long way.

Teaming Up With A Photographer Who Aligns With Your Values

Choosing a photographer who gets Leave No Trace can actually make a big difference in how your elopement unfolds. As a queer elopement photographer who’s spent years capturing couples in the outdoors, I build Leave No Trace and other sustainable practices into every part of how I work. I’ll help you choose locations that can handle foot traffic and guide you through the day in a way that protects the space around you. At the end of the day, I’m always thinking about how we can minimize our impact.

I also know that planning a sustainable elopement can feel like a lot at times, especially when you’re balancing logistics, permits, and other meaningful choices. That’s where having the right team can really help. If you’re dreaming of an elopement that honors your love and the earth, let’s connect!

Protecting the Outdoors Goes Beyond Elopement Day

Practicing Leave No Trace during your elopement is such an impactful way to celebrate sustainably—but it doesn’t stop there. One of the best ways to protect the wild spaces we love is to stay informed and involved in what’s happening with public lands, especially here in the U.S.

As some of you may or may not know, right now, there are growing concerns about proposals to sell off or reduce protections for federally managed public lands, which ultimately, would put some of the country’s most treasured landscapes at risk.

If that doesn’t sit right with you (it doesn’t with me either), one of the most effective things you can do is call your representatives. It only takes a few minutes, and your voice really does matter. This resource from 5 Calls makes it incredibly easy to find your reps, get scripts for calls, and understand the issue.