Going green at your wedding – How Alegría Photo Booth can help you celebrate sustainably
Owners of Alegría Photo Booth
The harsh truth: Weddings are beautiful, but they can also be resource-heavy, producing significant waste and carbon emissions.
With Earth Day as the perfect reminder, more couples are embracing sustainable wedding choices. The good news? Going green doesn’t mean giving up the fun. In fact, sustainable choices can add intention, beauty, and personality to your celebration—especially when it comes to your photo booth.
Why a Sustainable Wedding Matters
A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, but the environmental impact can last far beyond the big day. Let’s talk numbers: The average wedding generates 400 pounds of waste and 63 tons of CO₂— about the same as the annual carbon footprint of approximately four to five people, according to “The Green Bride Guide,” by Kate Harrison. This stat may sound overwhelming, but it highlights an important truth: weddings offer a huge opportunity for positive change.
The Rise of Eco-Friendly Weddings
More couples across Portland are saying "I do" to sustainability. Couples today want celebrations that are both meaningful and mindful. And when it comes to capturing memories, a sustainable photo booth is an effortless way to stay on theme. By choosing a greener alternative, you’re reducing waste, cutting down on unnecessary materials, and making an intentional statement about what matters to you.
How Alegría Photo Booth Supports a Green Celebration
1) Thoughtfully Designed for a Lighter Footprint
At Alegria Photo Booth, sustainability is woven into everything we do. Our handcrafted photo booth is made from FSC-certified wood, a mark of responsible forestry that helps preserve biodiversity and supports local communities. So tell us, what screams the natural creative spirit of the Pacific Northwest more like a wooden based photo booth? Unlike mass-produced plastic booths, ours carries a story, one rooted in craftsmanship and care. And when it’s time to power up, we rely on energy-saving technology that minimizes electricity use when the booth is not in use.
2) Beautiful Details That Make a Difference
When we started Alegria Photo Booth, we made a choice: No props.
Why? Because most props on the market are made of PVC—one of the most toxic and wasteful plastics out there. We knew we didn’t want to contribute to that.
So we found a loophole, we spent five months finding a better way. We scoured Portland-area estate sales, thrift stores, and facebook marketplace, curating a one-of-a-kind collection of props. Some are vintage. Some are even plastic. But every single one was chosen with intention.
Now, when you step into our booth, you get the fun of props without the waste.
Some of our props in action at WTSFest Portland.
Guests enjoying our props at WTSFest Portland.
3) The Digital Advantage: A Sustainable Twist on Wedding Memories
There is something timeless about a printed photo, but digital options bring a new level of convenience and sustainability to the mix. With our digital package Luz, guests can take a photo and receive it instantly by text or email. They can save them, share them, or post them online with ease.
Digital photos also make a great party favor. Instead of something guests might forget at the table, they leave with fun, personal keepsakes they can revisit anytime. Whether they keep their photos on their phone or decide to print them later, they get a memory that lasts while keeping your wedding as sustainable as possible.
Final Thoughts
A wedding should reflect who you are and what you value, and for many Portland couples, that means making choices that are as kind to the planet as they are to their love story. By embracing small yet impactful changes, like a sustainable photo booth, you’re creating a celebration that is not just beautiful for a day, but meaningful for a lifetime.
FAQ
FAQ
1. Can I still get prints if I want a more traditional feel?
Yes. While our digital package is the most eco-friendly option, we also offer high-quality prints for couples who want physical keepsakes.
2. Why don’t you offer props?
We don’t offer mass-market props because most are made from toxic plastic like PVC. Instead, we’ve curated a collection of secondhand and vintage pieces.
3. How far in advance should I book a sustainable photo booth?
For Portland weddings, we recommend booking 4 to 6 months ahead, especially during peak season (May through October). This gives us plenty of time to tailor your design and ensure the booth fits perfectly into your wedding flow.
4. How do digital photos reduce waste?
Digital sharing skips the need for paper, ink, and packaging. With Alegría’s Luz package, guests can send their photos instantly by text or email, no waste, no clutter, just beautiful keepsakes they can enjoy and share.
5. Are you available outside of Portland?
Yes! While we’re based in Portland, we regularly serve nearby cities across the metro area. If you're planning a sustainable wedding in Oregon or southern Washington, reach out and we’ll see if we’re a good fit.
