Eloping Responsibly: A Guide to Leave No Trace Ethics

Why Leave No Trace Matters—Especially for Adventure Elopements

I want to chat about something deeply important to me: Leave No Trace principles and ethics. As someone who loves this planet and all things nature, these values are at the heart of everything I do.

When it comes to adventure elopements, we’re often creating stunning imagery in some of the most beautiful public lands imaginable. And with that privilege comes a responsibility to protect those spaces—not just for us, but for everyone who comes after.

It’s easy to think, “It’s just a little confetti,” or “I’m just one person going off trail—what harm can it do?” But when thousands of people visit these places each year, small impacts add up fast. Sadly, many incredible locations have already been closed to hikers, photographers, and couples because of cumulative environmental damage.

That’s why the Seven Leave No Trace Principles are so essential. They’re not about being perfect—they’re about doing our best to reduce our footprint and preserve these magical places.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

Know your location. Research the rules, get the right permits, and understand trail difficulty, weather, and potential hazards. Being prepared helps prevent accidents and minimizes your impact.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

Stick to maintained trails, rock, gravel, dry grass, or snow. Avoid stepping off path, especially in sensitive environments where vegetation can be easily damaged.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

Pack out everything—yes, even the 💩, flower petals, and food scraps. If you brought it in, it should leave with you.

4. Leave What You Find

Resist the urge to take rocks, flowers, or artifacts. Let’s let the landscape stay as it is—for others to enjoy and for our own memories, captured in photos.

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

Skip the smoke bombs, sparklers, and open flames. Use designated fire rings if campfires are allowed, and always check for fire bans or dry conditions. Extinguish fires completely and scatter cool ashes.

6. Respect Wildlife

Admire animals from a distance. Don’t feed them, and keep food sealed. In bear country, know the local safety practices and regulations for bear spray.

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Everyone has a right to enjoy these spaces. Even with a permit, we don’t own the land. Be patient, kind, and respectful—especially when sharing popular spots.

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These guidelines aren’t about shame—they’re about awareness. If more of us follow them, we can help protect these sacred places for future couples, hikers, and adventurers. I’m proud to have completed the How to Leave No Trace for Wedding and Elopement Photographers course and to display that badge on my site. It’s not about being perfect—I’ve made mistakes and probably will again—but it’s about doing better, together.

If you’re planning an adventure elopement, I’d love for you to join me in this commitment. Let’s leave these places just as beautiful as we found them—if not better.

For more details, visit the Leave No Trace website.