If you’re anything like me and many of my couples, your dog isn’t just a pet; They’re family. And as such, you may be wondering how to include your dog in your wedding photos in a way that feels fun and logistically-easy.
Thankfully, there are so many ways to include your dog, no matter their personality or your wedding vibe.
Start With Your Dog’s Personality
Before making any plans, take a moment to think honestly about your dog. Are they calm and well-trained in busy environments? Are they easily overwhelmed by new people or loud noises? Are they naturally curious and require a lot of supervision?
Not every dog will thrive in a full wedding setting—and that’s okay.
Some dogs are happiest popping in for a few portraits and heading home. Others can confidently walk down the aisle like they’ve been rehearsing their whole life. And still others are best to stay home.
Check Your Venue’s Pet Policy
Once you’ve considered your dog’s personality, confirm your venue’s pet policy.
Some venues are fully dog-friendly, while others have restrictions about where dogs can be or how long they can stay.
Also, don’t forget about your accommodations. Make sure pets are allowed and you have a comfortable, safe place for them to rest.
And just like you plan transportation for yourselves, you’ll need to plan transportation for your dog—especially if they aren’t allowed in a limo or party bus.
Finally, think through their daily needs. You’ll need to make sure someone is available throughout the day to feed them, get them water, and clean up their business. (Because nobody wants to be scoop poop in a wedding dress!)
Ways to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding Ceremony
Once you’ve confirmed your dog is up for being present, and you have the logistics figured out, you can start planning their participation in your ceremony. Here are a few sweet options:
- Walking down the aisle with one of you
- Acting as a (very adorable) ring bearer
- Waiting at the altar with one partner
They could sit at your feet and be part of the ceremony, or could sit with a loved one and “watch” their parents tie the knot.
Have a Dedicated Dog Handler
This is one of the most important tips! If your dog will be at the ceremony, you need someone who is in charge of them. Choose someone whose only job is to care for your dog—not your officiant, and ideally not someone essential to the ceremony. This could be the same person you’ve tapped for logistical care.
A great handler:
- Holds the leash during key moments
- Can command your dog’s attention
- Is loaded with treats
- Brings your dog in and out as needed
- Watches for signs of stress
- Can step away without disrupting anything
Practice + Prepare
Even the best-behaved dogs benefit from a little extra prep! Before the wedding practice “sit,” “stay,” and walking on leash. It’s also beneficial to do a little extra training with your dog handler to ensure they and your dog are comfortable with each other and your dog will take commands from them.
When It’s Better to Skip the Ceremony
Even if your dog is one of your most important “people,” it’s okay to admit they wouldn’t be happy at your wedding. If your dog wouldn’t enjoy being part of the ceremony, but you want them to be part of the celebration, we have plenty of options.
For example, you could include your dog in your first look or pre-ceremony portraits. You and your partner could sneak away for a quick walk (and photo session) during cocktail hour. Or, perhaps your dog can be part of your rehearsal dinner, which tends to be more intimate and relaxed.
This way, you still get beautiful photos—without putting as much pressure on your dog.
Creative Ways to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding Photos (Even If They’re Not There)
If your venue, logistics, or your dog’s personality don’t allow them to attend the actual wedding, you can still include them in meaningful ways:
- Signature cocktails named after them
- Custom drink stirrers or napkins with their face
- Illustrations on signage or invitations
- A cake topper featuring your pup
- A mention in your ceremony or program
- A life-size custom cutout or photo booth prop
These little touches still make them part of the story!
What About a Dog-Friendly Elopement?
If having your dog fully present is really important to you, an elopement can be one of the easiest and most meaningful ways to make that happen. Elopements naturally create a more relaxed, flexible environment—fewer people, less noise, and a pace that can revolve around what you (and your dog) actually enjoy.
Instead of trying to fit your dog into a structured timeline, you can build the experience around them.
For example:
- Choosing a hike your dog loves
- Going for a walk through a favorite trail or scenic spot
- Including time by a lake or swimming area
- Letting them explore while you take photos naturally along the way
These kinds of activities lead to incredibly genuine, joyful photos. The day becomes less about “having your dog at your wedding” and more about documenting a day that actually reflects your life together.
For many of my couples, this ends up being the easiest and most meaningful way to include their dog
Joyful over Stressful
At the end of the day, including your dog in your wedding photos should feel joyful—not stressful.
No matter how you choose to include your dog in your wedding photos, the goal is to honor the role they play in your life. So, whether that means having them sit at your feet during your vows or toasting with a signature cocktail named in their honor, it’s meaningful. It’s just a matter of what feels more joyful and less stressful for you and your dog.
If you’re planning a dog-friendly wedding or elopement in Vermont, I’d love to help you think through the details and capture it in a way that feels natural, relaxed, and true to you.
