Why We’re Proud to Be Leave No Trace Certified Photographers
There’s something undeniably magical about the outdoors—those quiet mountaintop moments, the golden light filtering through a forest, or the way the breeze picks up a bride’s veil beside a wildflower field. Nature sets the most breathtaking scene for love stories, and it’s a privilege every single time we get to photograph in these places. But with that privilege comes a responsibility—a promise to protect the spaces we love so that others can experience their beauty for generations to come.
That’s why we’re proud to say we are Leave No Trace certified photographers.
Being certified doesn’t just mean we pack out our trash or avoid trampling wildflowers (although we absolutely do both!). It means we’ve taken the time to learn and commit to a thoughtful, respectful approach to photographing in the outdoors—especially in sensitive environments like Shenandoah National Park, local conservation areas, and the beloved parks around Charlottesville, Virginia. The Leave No Trace framework isn’t about perfection—it’s about awareness, intention, and leading with love for the land.
Let’s walk through the seven principles of Leave No Trace and how they guide our work as outdoor wedding and elopement photographers in Virginia:
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
Whether we’re photographing a sunrise elopement on Skyline Drive or a cozy fall engagement session at Ivy Creek Natural Area or Riverview Park, planning is everything. We secure permits for locations like Shenandoah National Park, help couples navigate park regulations, and ensure we all come prepared with the essentials—plenty of water, snacks, first aid supplies, and appropriate gear.
We also encourage couples to honestly assess their hiking experience and physical limits before choosing a trail or overlook. A magical elopement doesn’t need to come at the cost of safety or emergency assistance—there’s no shame in choosing a beautiful, accessible location that still feels meaningful.
2. Travel and Work on Durable Surfaces
The Blue Ridge Mountains are full of soft moss, delicate wildflowers, and narrow trails that can be damaged with even a few careless steps. That’s why we always stick to durable surfaces like rock outcrops, dirt trails, or gravel paths during our sessions. Whether we’re at Saunders-Monticello Trail, Preddy Creek, or a remote Shenandoah overlook, we scout spots that allow for stunning portraits without compromising the landscape.
We’ve photographed hundreds of elopements and sessions in wild, scenic places—and we’ve never needed to step off trail to capture the magic. Nature provides all the beauty we need when we treat it with care.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
Confetti, leftover champagne corks, snack wrappers—they have no place in Virginia’s wild landscapes. In Shenandoah National Park, even small items left behind can have big environmental impacts. We’re firm about leaving no trace behind and encourage couples to skip confetti altogether (even biodegradable kinds) and opt for clean celebration alternatives.
If you pop champagne, we’ll help you find the cork. If you snack mid-hike, we pack out every crumb. This isn’t just part of our photography process—it’s part of how we show respect for the land.
4. Leave What You Find
From wildflowers in Mint Springs Valley Park to feathers on a ridge trail, nature’s gifts are meant to be admired and left untouched. Your photographs will become your souvenirs. There’s no need to pluck petals, move rocks, or collect keepsakes. Instead, we help couples see the moment itself as the treasure—fleeting, beautiful, and captured forever in your gallery.
When eloping outdoors, less is truly more. Nature does the decorating; we just show up and let it shine.
6. Respect Wildlife
It’s not uncommon to see deer, foxes, or black bears in Shenandoah or even in Charlottesville’s more rural parks. While it may feel magical to spot wildlife during your wedding day, it’s vital to keep a respectful distance. Feeding wildlife (even unintentionally through unsecured snacks) can endanger both animals and humans.
We make sure all food is securely stored and never left unattended. Wildlife encounters should remain wild—and safe.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
It’s important to remember that our public natural spaces are meant to be shared. We can’t guarantee a completely private outdoor session—and that’s okay.
We help our couples manage expectations, choose less-busy times of day, and embrace the presence of others as part of the adventure. After all, love is a joyful thing—and sometimes a congratulatory shout from a passing hiker just adds to the memory.
What It Means to Be a Leave No Trace Photographer in Virginia
Being a Leave No Trace certified photographer means our work is rooted in care—for our couples, our craft, and the land that holds their stories. We believe every Shenandoah elopement, every Charlottesville proposal, and every outdoor wedding is more meaningful when it’s approached with intention and respect.
So if you're dreaming of exchanging vows on a Blue Ridge peak or saying “I do” surrounded by wildflowers near Charlottesville, you can trust that we’ll guide you with thoughtful planning, expert location advice, and a deep respect for the land we walk on.
Let’s tell your love story without leaving a trace.
We’d be honored to help you celebrate with care and creativity. Reach out here or follow us on Instagram at @lumieredesoiweddings to start dreaming up your intentional, nature-loving wedding day. 🌿