How to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding Day
If you’ve got a four-legged BFF, then you probably feel like they’re part of your family! So, it’s no surprise you want to find a creative way to include your dog in your wedding day. Colorado is one of the most dog-friendly wedding destinations in the country, and couples here love including their pups in everything from mountain elopements to elegant Denver celebrations. But if done wrong, including your pet in a photography experience can be a real headache. As a Colorado wedding photographer who photographs dog-friendly weddings across Denver, Boulder, Estes Park, and the Rockies, here’s everything you need to know to include your dog safely and stress-free on your wedding day.
One of my couples, Hailey and Nathan, decided to include their pup in their big day. The experience went smoothly because we planned well! They said:
“We couldn’t imagine our wedding day without our dog Percy! He was there when we got engaged on a hike at Red Rocks, and we knew we wanted him to be part of our big day. He was a very handsome ring bearer and a hit with our guests! We now get to look back at our amazing wedding photos that we were able to include him in and remember how special it was to have him be part of our ceremony.”
If you’re seeking an experience like Hailey and Nathan’s, here are some of the best ways to bring your pet in on the wedding day fun.
How to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding
Choose a Pet-Friendly Venue
Including your dog in your special day requires a pet-friendly venue. Whether this is a physical building or a campground, different places have different rules. If it’s unclear if a location is pet-friendly, don’t be afraid to ask about their rules and regulations. You never know!
Colorado has so many wedding venues that welcome dogs as part of the celebration, which is one of the reasons I love photographing here. Whether you’re planning a cozy cabin weekend or a full mountain celebration, this state makes it easy to include your dog in moments that feel natural, meaningful, and completely you.
Some of my favorite Colorado dog friendly venues include,
The St. Vrain in Longmont, CO featured in Hayley and Nathan’s wedding blog
Lyons Farmette & River Bend in Lyons, CO
The Lodge at Breckenridge in Breckenridge, CO
YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Co featured in Landis and Ann’s wedding blog
Getting-Ready Morning & First Look
If you’re worried about how your dog will react in front of a crowd, but still want to include them in some of the festivities, spend the morning with them! There are many parts of a wedding day besides the ceremony, and dogs are generally much calmer when surrounded by familiar faces.
Make Them Your Ring Bearer or Flower Dog
If your dog is well-trained and comfortable with crowds, consider training them to be your ring bearer or flower dog. They can walk down the aisle with the rings attached to a decorative collar or carry a wreath of flowers around their neck!
Walk Down the Aisle With Them
Have your dog “escort” you down the aisle! They can also accompany you during your vows or stand with your wedding party at the front of the ceremony.
Replace Your Wedding Party
Having a wedding party isn’t for everyone. There’s nothing that says your dog can’t take the place of this traditional wedding fixture. Do you!
How to Prepare for the Big Day
Bring Treats and Toys
Your dog probably won’t be able to stay focused and obedient for the entire wedding ceremony and reception. So, make sure to bring some distractions along!
Designate a Friend as the Dog Wrangler (or Hire One!)
It’s ideal if your dog is already familiar with the person you choose for this task! In addition, it’s best to choose someone who can take your pup to your home or a caregiver’s home early, so you don’t spend the entire night trying to care for them.
Bring Cute Accessories for Photos
While your dog might not be down to wear a puppy tuxedo or a “getting married” sign all day, it can be a great idea to incorporate these items into photos. Consider creating a handmade sign for an extra-cute touch!
Don’t Forget a Leash and Collar
Your dog probably won’t be able to run free throughout the night! So, have a leash and collar on hand (preferably cute ones!). They can even match your wedding party’s color palette!
Bathe and Trim Your Dog Beforehand
While you’re busy getting ready for your big day, don’t forget that your dog needs some grooming, too! Bathe them beforehand and do some extra grooming so they look their best for the occasion.
Don’t Forget About the Altitude
Colorado’s higher elevation can be a big adjustment for dogs, especially if they’re traveling from lower altitudes. Thinner air means they can tire more quickly, overheat faster, and need extra water and shade throughout the day.
What if you can’t include your dog in your wedding?
If your venue isn’t animal-friendly or your pup’s temperament isn’t suited for a big party, there are alternative ways to include them!
Specialty Drink
Name a cocktail after your pet! Find a cocktail that fits their personality and include a photo or drawing of them on the sign.
Buttons, Napkins, or Koozies
Put your pet’s face on any of these wedding day items for a fun way to honor them and include them in the celebration.
Cake Topper
Why have a cake topper with just you and your new spouse on it? Put your pet on it, too!
Customized Wedding Stationery
Include your dog in your wedding invitations, save-the-date cards, or day-of stationery by incorporating their image or paw print into the design.
Paw-ty Favors
Create customized wedding favors for your guests that include your dog’s face! This can be a candle, a coaster, a late-night snack, or anything else you can imagine.
Next-Day Photo Session
Consider booking a next-day photo session with your pet! It’s a fun way to get photos with your furry friend, even if they can’t be at your wedding (and another opportunity to wear your wedding finery!).
I hope you feel inspired to include your dog in your wedding day!
Whether you’re planning a mountain wedding in Estes Park, a garden ceremony in Boulder, or a modern Denver celebration, Colorado is an incredible place to include your dog in your wedding day. As a Colorado wedding photographer who works with countless dog-loving couples, I’m always here to help you plan moments that feel natural, stress-free, and true to the way you love your pup.
Get in touch to learn more about my custom wedding photography packages or to secure your wedding date.
Are you considering including your dog in your engagement photos, too? Head to the guide for my top tips!