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.
Simple Joie Photography
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."
Joie Thongsavath of Simple Joie Photography emphasizes the value of professional assistance: “Because weddings can be a bit overwhelming for our four-legged friends, I always recommend booking a professional pet attendant service (like Wags and Garland or similar) to care for your dog on the wedding day. These services specialize in making the experience smooth and stress-free—they’ll handle transportation, help your pet down the aisle, assist with photos, and then safely take them home so you can enjoy the rest of the evening worry-free. If a dedicated service isn’t available, consider designating a trusted friend or family member to be your pet’s handler for the day."
Licciardello adds, “Let’s be real... not every dog is cut out for the spotlight. If your pup is calm and confident, let them walk the aisle or join photos. If they’re a bit extra, maybe just a quick hello during cocktail hour is best. Either way, assign a handler so you can relax and enjoy your big day without worrying about walk breaks or treat time.” These strategies ensure your pet’s participation is fun, safe, and stress-free.
Carley Mae Photography courtesy of Indigo Bride
Fun Ways to Honor Your Pup from Afar
When pets can’t attend in person, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate them. Victoria Licciardello recommends, “Add their face to your invites, name a cocktail after them, or get a cute cake topper in their likeness. You’ll still have that personal, pet-loving touch ... minus the fur on your dress.”
Zeigler agrees adding, “There are so many ways to incorporate pets without bringing them to the event.” Some of her favorite ideas include featuring them in décor, from cocktail napkins and menus to bar signs, or adding personalized touches like embroidered details on your attire. Couples can also get playful with themed games or photo booth props inspired by their beloved companions. Guests might even donate to an animal welfare organization in their pet’s honor. These creative touches let your pet’s personality be part of the day while keeping the celebration smooth and stress-free.
Main photo courtesy of Sunriver Resort
