Dogs at Weddings: The Rulebook
Pet Photography
I have to say, I'm pretty excited about this upcoming weekend. I'm going to the wedding of a very special friend of mine and I'm literally buzzing with excitement. You see, I love a good wedding... whether it's a timeless ballroom event full of twinkling chandeliers and glistening crystal, or a rustic farmyard gathering with homemade cookie favors and glowing outdoor lanterns. They're all about love and happiness, and that just sets my heart aflutter.
Which is why dogs at weddings put me in my own personal heaven. A pup in a dapper little DIY bow tie, a wedding dog trotting down the aisle, a family portrait with every member present, paws included... it really doesn't get much better.
Going to have your dog at your wedding? These simple rules will have your nuptials fluffy friendly in no time. And if beautiful portraits are top of your list, pair them with this guide to cute dog photos at your wedding.
Should Your Dog Come to Your Wedding?
A dog can be a wonderful part of a wedding when three things line up: your venue allows dogs, your dog is relaxed around crowds, music and long days, and a dedicated handler looks after them so you don't have to. If one of those is missing, bring your dog for the ceremony or photos only, then send them home with a sitter before the reception begins.
Wedding Venue Rules for Dogs
Ask before you pay a deposit. Some venues welcome dogs everywhere, others allow them on the lawn or for photos only, and some not at all. Check for a shaded, quiet spot where your dog can rest. Gardens, farms and outdoor venues usually make life easier.
Is Your Dog Ready for a Wedding Crowd?
Be honest about your dog's personality. A pup who loves a party will probably adore the attention, while a shy or noise-sensitive dog may find applause, speakers and a hundred new faces overwhelming. Young puppies and senior dogs tire quickly too, so a short cameo is often kinder.
Small, social dogs can truly shine, though. Cooper, a rescue Shih Tzu, sat quietly through his parents' ceremony in Maui and then partied with the guests all night, as you'll see in Ira, Liz and Cooper's dog-friendly destination wedding.
Golden Rules for a Dog-Friendly Wedding
Assign a Wedding Day Dog Handler
Not your hubby to be, your mom, your best man or your maid of honor. They have their own jobs to do on the day! Whether it's a professional pet sitter or a friend, it just needs to be someone your dog is comfortable with, so you can relax knowing your pup is happy and in safe hands while you're off enjoying your day.
Pack your handler water, a bowl, waste bags, a spare lead, treats and a bed, and share the timeline: when your dog arrives, when they're needed and who takes them home.
Tell Your Celebrant, Photographer and Guests
Let people know that your dog will be a guest of honor. This includes your celebrant, your photographers and any guests you know may not be comfortable around pooches or have allergies. When I got married we actually introduced our photographer to our dog during our engagement session, just so everyone was comfortable, including our dog.
These sweet ways to propose with a dog show how naturally a pup fits into your love story, and an engagement shoot makes a lovely, low-pressure rehearsal for the big day.
Dress Your Wedding Dog for Comfort
A wedding dog doesn't need a full tuxedo to look the part. Lightweight accessories are kinder on a warm day and far less likely to end up chewed under the bridal table. For a soft, garden-party look, this DIY floral dog wedding wreath works as a flower crown or a collar.
Whatever you choose, do a trial run at home a few weeks before the wedding, so your dog has time to get used to it.
Remember Why Your Dog Is There
In the lead up to your wedding you may have a few traditionalists say a wedding is no place for a dog. If I had collected a dollar for every time someone said that Soda was going to jump on me and ruin my dress... well, I'd be a very wealthy crazy dog lady. But guess what? Soda was perfectly behaved all day.
If you want your dog to be part of your wedding, make no apologies for it. They are part of your family after all, and you deserve to have them there to cheer you on.
Cute Dog Wedding Ideas for the Big Day
Ceremony Roles for Wedding Dogs
Your dog can be ring bearer, flower pup, dog of honor or official greeter. If your dog carries the rings, secure them in a collar pouch, or use decoys while the best man keeps the real ones safe.
Can a dog walk you down the aisle? Absolutely, as long as your venue and celebrant agree and your handler is waiting at the end to take the lead. A personalized "dog of honor" design from these stylish dog bandanas makes the role official.
Wedding Photos With Dogs
Ask your photographer to schedule your dog's portraits early, while everyone is fresh, then let your handler take over. Bailey the labradoodle, below, looked every inch the gentleman in his tuxedo vest.
For a dreamy, bohemian take, this Blue Mountains bridal shoot with a Saluki is pure inspiration.
Ways to Honor a Dog Who Stays Home
If your venue says no, or your dog would simply be happier on the couch, include them in spirit: a cake topper with your pup, a portrait on the welcome sign, a signature cocktail in their honor, or treat favors for guests' dogs.
Keeping Your Wedding Dog Safe and Happy
Wedding Foods That Are Toxic to Dogs
Chocolate cake, fruitcake with raisins, sugar-free sweets containing xylitol, macadamia nuts, canapes made with onion or garlic, and unattended drinks can all make a dog very sick. Ask your handler to keep your pup away from the buffet and dessert table, and ask guests not to share.
Check your florist's choices too, since some bouquet flowers and foliage are toxic if chewed. The ASPCA's list of people foods to avoid feeding your pets is worth a quick read before the day.
Signs Your Dog Needs a Break
Panting when it isn't hot, yawning, lip licking, a tucked tail or trying to hide all mean your dog has had enough. A quiet, shaded corner with their bed and water helps them recharge, and there's no shame in an early exit before the speeches and dancing begin.
What do you think about dogs at weddings? Did you have your dog at your wedding, or do you plan to?
Related Reading
Share a thought, ask a question, or tell us about your own dog. We read every comment.
This is awesome! We will be passing this along to our pet owners… I’m sure they will love having their furry friends in their weddings. Thanks!
Hey Everyone, personally I’d pay for a professional (and not just because I am someone who offers the service)… I’ve posted a few pointers that add to your blog post
Also, because you are paying for a professional we’re bound to be able to come up with a special “package deal” so as we can be the carer for after the wedding too… whether it is pet sitting within your home, dog sitting within a minder’s home or what-have-you.
Check with your local professional pet sitter if they offer this service or if they may know of someone who does 🙂
I had my darling boy (Tobbie) walk down the aisle with my paige boy wearing a tux shirt. It’s the cutest thing and I definitely suggests dogs in wedding 🙂
I love the idea of having dogs at a wedding. I know a couple who was married outdoors recently. It wouldn’t have been a wedding without their boxers. I certainly would love for my pup to be at the wedding. He would need his own cake though 😉
Isn’t my boy Bailey just adorable (the labradoodle in the tux). I was glad that he was able to share in the day and also feature in our wedding albumn xx
Thanks for sharing Ange – we love Bailey!!