Surprisingly, this was my first time photographing a beach ceremony at scenic Presque Isle State Park, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! This secluded beach was such a beautiful, intimate setting, and I can’t wait to shoot A MILLION MORE weddings here! If you don’t know of this gem, Presque Isle is a Pennsylvania peninsula stretching into Lake Erie. This ethereal location is unique because it offers those warm beachy vibes, yet it backs up to dense woodlands, so you can capture multiple landscapes without going far. It’s perfect for those with a sense of adventure and wanderlust. Maybe you crave an adventurous elopement but don’t have time to travel right now. Presque Isle State Park is a great local option in Erie, Pennsylvania!
Ayla + Megan’s Presque Isle Beach Ceremony
Ayla and Megan were absolutely amazing to work with. As beautiful as the scenery was, Ayla and Megan outshone it! It was an honor to capture their authentic chemistry and document this milestone in their story. They exchanged vows before their closest friends and family, making their ceremony even more special and intimate.
As an intimate wedding and elopement photographer, I loved that their wedding day was non-traditional. They truly made the day their own! It was exactly what Ayla and Megan wanted for themselves with the people they love the most. There was no extra fluff or extravagance for appearance or people-pleasing. The happy couple even got ready together before the first look and ceremony. The intentionality and heart behind every part of their day were just beautiful.
I also really appreciated how Ayla and Megan were so environmentally responsible with every aspect of their state park wedding. They made sure to practice “leave no trace” and left the beach in pristine condition—you’d never know a wedding had just occurred! However, leaving no trace doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your beach wedding vision. It just takes a few minor adjustments!
How to Have a “Leave No Trace” Beach Wedding
Leave No Trace (LNT) is recommended in natural areas like state and national parks, wildlife refuges, and other natural habitats worldwide. The principle is simple: during your visit, make every effort to leave no trace that you were ever there. This means leaving an area looking better than you found it, removing any trash or objects behind. Leaving the rocks, sand, and plants untouched and in their original place is also a big part of this! The goal is to keep our beautiful natural areas as pristine and untouched as possible so the ecosystem can thrive. After all, the natural beauty is why we enjoy these places so much!
Use Biodegradable Confetti
Many couples like to throw confetti in celebration after they say their I do’s. Confetti makes for such a fun exit photo, but then you have tiny pieces of paper all over the ground that are impossible to clean up. Instead, why not try biodegradable confetti, like Ecofetti, which is barely visible after 20-30 minutes and completely dissolves with rain? This way, it will not harm the environment, and you still get to celebrate with flair!
Use Dried Flower Petals
Another great alternative to using regular confetti is to use dried flower petals instead (like Megan and Ayla did). They are biodegradable and make for stunning wedding photos with beautiful rose petals falling all around you!
Don’t Add or Take Any Objects
When practicing “leave no trace” for a beach wedding ceremony, you want to ensure you don’t do anything that could alter or harm the environment or natural ecosystem. Ideally, it’s best to avoid bringing chairs and tables to the beach. Instead, have your guests stand and gather around you during the ceremony. It has a much more intimate and non-traditional feel. You also want to ensure you and your guests do not remove anything from the site. As pretty as they are, leave the wildflowers and interesting rocks in their places. Moving natural pieces can take away from the natural beauty of the area. Plus, in many protected nature areas, it is illegal to remove objects. If animals or wildlife are around, it’s best not to attempt to feed them and simply let them do their thing.
Check for Burn Bans
Sparklers, bonfires/firepits, and candles can add a festive ambiance to your wedding photos! However, some outdoor locations don’t allow flames or fires, so check beforehand. It is also important to check for burn bans before lighting any fires. A tiny spark can get out of control quickly!
We Love Eco-Friendly Weddings!
Ayla and Megan proved that an environmentally-friendly beach wedding can still be breathtaking, romantic, and unforgettable. They made their wedding about celebrating their love and the earth’s natural beauty.
Intimate Wedding & Elopement Photography Packages
What do you have in mind for your intimate wedding, elopement, or non-traditional ceremony? I’d love to know! Get in touch with me for more info on wedding and elopement photography packages.
PS—I travel! Get your destination and date on my books by reaching out today. (2023 is filling up fast for weddings.) And, if I’m already traveling to your elopement destination, the travel fees are waived! View my travel schedule on my About Me page.
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