Dogs at Weddings – How to Include Your FURRY FRIENDS in the Big Day

Quick Ideas for Including Your Dog in Your Wedding

✦ Walk down the aisle
✦ Be a ring bearer
✦ Join confetti photos
✦ Feature in portraits
✦ Wear a floral collar
✦ Join the wedding morning
✦ Hire a dog chaperone
✦ Feature on stationery

YOUR Guide to Dogs at Weddings

If you’re planning your wedding and wondering, “Can we include our dog in the big day?” — the answer is a big YES (with a few things to consider first!).

As a pet-friendly wedding photographer, I’ve seen some brilliant (and adorable) ways couples have included dogs at their weddings, and I thought I’d pull together a few tips and share some advice to help with planning if you’re thinking of doing the same.

If you’re anything like me, your dog is more than just a pet. They’re part of the family, so it makes sense that you’d want them involved in your special celebrations in any way you can!

Here are a few hints and tips for including your furry friend and how to get the best photos whilst still making the most of your wedding day.

Dog sitting at a wedding ceremony with bridesmaids in pink dresses — a sweet example of dogs at weddings

Should You Include Your Dog in Your Wedding?

Some dogs thrive being around lots of people. They love the fuss, the treats, and the general excitement. Others… not so much. And that’s okay!

Before you start planning, consider your dog’s personality. If your dog is likely to get overwhelmed by loud music, crowds, or long days, it might be best to include them in other ways (more on that below!). If your dog is confident and sociable, then bring on the bow tie and floral collar.

Dog at a wedding ceremony sitting in front of the officiant — a heartwarming dogs at weddings moment
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CHECK WITH YOUR WEDDING VENUE

Not every venue or church allows dogs, so it’s always worth checking early on. Some of them are super dog-friendly and might even have water bowls or shady spots ready. Others have stricter policies regarding food being served, so make sure you check with them at your first meeting. There are some great links to dog-friendly wedding venues at the end of this article.

Dog sitting with the wedding party at The Venue, Bowers Mill — a perfect dogs at weddings moment
A couples dog fast asleep as they say their wedding vows

HIRE A DOG CHAPERONE OR DOG WALKER FOR YOUR WEDDING

One of the best things you can do is ask someone (who isn’t in your wedding party) to be your dog’s handler for the day. It just means there’s always someone looking out for them, making sure they’re walked, watered, and whisked away for a nap if it all gets a bit much.

Dog standing on the bride’s white wedding dress — showing how dogs at weddings bring joy to every moment
Bride and groom kissing their dog during wedding photos — celebrating dogs at weddings with love

Great ways to include your dog in your wedding

Here are a few ideas I’ve seen over the years that work well:

Feature them in your décor. I’ve seen dogs on cake toppers, signage, cocktail menus, cardboard cut-outs… even table numbers. It’s a lovely way to include them if they can’t be there themselves.

Include your dog in the wedding ceremony. Well, why not walk down the aisle with them if you think they would be OK with it (either you or someone else can walk them in — they’ll make your entrance even more memorable).

Ring bearer or honorary flower pup (only if they’re chill and used to being around crowds). You can even get your florist to make up a special flower ring for their collar.

In your photographs, even if your doggie is not around all day, you can still have them join you for some portraits. Some couples even arrange for someone to bring their dog in just for this part.

The best thing to do is to have five minutes with them in a quieter place and enjoy their company. This will result in beautifully natural photographs of you all together.

Bride and groom enjoying ice cream with their dog at the wedding — a relaxed dogs at weddings moment

What If Your Dog Stays at Home?

Let’s be honest: some dogs would rather be snoozing in their bed than navigating a busy wedding. That doesn’t mean they can’t be part of things:

Why not book a pre-wedding engagement shoot and bring your dog or dogs along? It’s the perfect chance to get some relaxed, natural photos of you together (plus they get all the attention, treats, and cuddles without the stress of the big day). Win-win.

Dog walking on the beach during a pre-wedding shoot in Robin Hood’s Bay — a beautiful way to include dogs at weddings
Black and white photo of dog on beach during engagement shoot — a timeless moment tied to dogs at weddings
BOOK A PRE-WEDDING SHOOT WITH YOUR DOG

Name a cocktail after them. Bonus points for a little illustrated drinks menu!

Use their face on your stationery (save-the-dates, invites, menus… go wild).

Have a little photo of them at the bar or on your welcome table.

Bride and groom holding cardboard cut-outs of their dogs — a sweet idea for dogs at weddings when pups can’t be there

“We knew we wanted our dog, Luna, to be part of our wedding, and James was absolutely amazing with her! Not only did he snap the most beautiful moments of us together, but YOU CAN TELL HE REALLY loves dogs.

– BENJAMIN & JESSICA

A Few Practical Tips for Your Dog-Friendly Wedding

Bring some of their home comforts. A blanket, a favourite toy and don’t forget to pack the treats.

Ensure there’s shade, water, and a quiet place where you are getting married, especially for hot days.

Don’t expect perfection… dogs are going to do whatever they want. If they sit during the ceremony or decide to roll in the grass mid-photo… go with it. It’s all part of your unique relationship.

Bride kneeling to greet her dog after the ceremony — emotional moments like this show the beauty of dogs at weddings

Dog Friendly Wedding Venues in Yorkshire

Here are a few useful links to dog-friendly venues to help your pup be a part of your wedding planning journey.

The Venue, Bowers Mill: https://thevenuebowersmill.co.uk

The Manor House, Lindley: https://www.manorhouselindley.co.uk/

Thicket Priory: https://thicketpriory.co.uk/

Bunny Hill Weddings: https://bunnyhillweddings.co.uk/

Lodge Farm Weddings: https://lodgefarmweddings.co.uk/

Dog sitting under the bride’s dress during the wedding ceremony — a charming example of relaxed dogs at weddings
A dog at a wedding at The Manor House in Yorkshire

Frequently Asked Questions About Including Your Dog In Your Wedding

Many wedding venues now welcome dogs, particularly country houses, barns and outdoor venues. Always check with your venue before making plans, as some venues only allow dogs in certain areas or at specific times during the day.

If your dog is attending for more than a short appearance, a dog chaperone can be invaluable. They can transport your dog, take them for walks, provide water and treats, and make sure they’re looked after while you enjoy your wedding day.

Absolutely. Many couples choose to have their dog carry the rings, walk down the aisle with a family member or simply make a grand entrance during the ceremony. Just remember to practise beforehand and keep expectations realistic if your dog gets easily distracted.

Yorkshire has plenty of fantastic dog-friendly wedding venues. Many country house venues, barns and outdoor wedding spaces welcome well-behaved dogs. Always check directly with the venue, as policies can change and some restrictions may apply.

There are still lots of ways to include your dog in your wedding. You could arrange a pre-wedding photoshoot, include them in your stationery, use photos throughout the day, or bring them along for a short portrait session before returning them home with a family member or dog chaperone.

The best photos happen when your dog is relaxed and comfortable. Allow plenty of time, bring treats and favourite toys, and avoid forcing poses. Some of the most memorable images come from natural interactions between you and your dog rather than perfectly posed photographs.

Planning a dog-friendly wedding? I’m always happy to help with logistics (and I’ll 100% be the one giving your pup a fuss and a treat on the day too!). Let’s chat about how to capture those unforgettable moments with your furry family member.

GET IN TOUCH AND LET’S CHAT DOGS!

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If you want beautiful photographs of your pup at your wedding, then send me a message and say ‘Hello’. I’d love to hear all about your plans so far.

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