Spotlight: Paws and Vows

For many couples, a wedding wouldn’t feel complete without their beloved pet nearby. From walking down the aisle to starring in photos, pets can add personality and charm to your celebration. But not every wedding is truly pet-friendly, and not every pet is cut out for the spotlight. Planning with care ensures your fur babies can be part of your big day safely and joyfully.

How to Tell if Your Wedding Venue Is Actually Pet-Friendly

Before planning your pet’s wedding debut, Bailey Zeigler of Sunriver Resort notes, “I would say that in most instances, it is fairly rare for a wedding to be 100% pet-friendly. As much as we love our furry friends, having them at a wedding can actually be pretty stressful, depending on your pet.” Outdoor venues tend to be more flexible, but always confirm with your venue before getting your heart set. Zeigler adds, “Unless your pet is a trained service animal, I would never recommend a pet stay through the reception. On top of the venue possibly having restrictions, it may be stressful for the animal, and you could have wedding guests who may not be comfortable with animals or suffer from allergies. It's possible these factors will add more to your plate on a day you should be focused on enjoying.” 

Victoria Licciardello of The Indigo Bride echoes this, saying, “Before you start planning matching outfits, check with your venue to make sure dogs are actually allowed. Outdoor spots are usually more flexible, but always confirm before you get your heart set. A truly pet-friendly venue makes sure your pup can hang out safely and comfortably, no stress, no surprises.” Ask about restrictions, areas pets can access, and accommodations for their comfort, like shade, water, or a quiet retreat area.

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How to Include Your Pup Without the Chaos

Even if your venue isn’t fully pet-friendly, there are ways to include your pet without overwhelming them. Zeigler recommends, “The most direct way to incorporate your pet is to have them on-site for the ceremony and for photos. I recommend considering your pet's needs, as not all animals will be comfortable with this. Dogs, in particular, are great for walking down the aisle as a ring-bearer. If you are thinking of having another type of animal walk down the aisle in a straight line, like a cat, I would recommend having some sort of decorated cage on a cart."