Including Your Pet in Your Wedding
For many couples, pets are family. They’ve been there for the quiet routines, the big life changes, and the in-between moments that shape a relationship. It’s no surprise that many couples planning their wedding ask how to include their dog or pet in a way that feels meaningful.
Incorporating pets into weddings can be beautiful, but only when it’s planned with care, realistic expectations, and respect for your pet’s needs.
Start With the Why
Before deciding how to include your pet, it’s worth asking why you want them there in the first place.
Is it about symbolism, companionship, or marking their place in your shared life? Or does it feel like something you “should” do because you’ve seen it online?
Not all pets enjoy crowds, noise, or unfamiliar environments. Thoughtful wedding planning means considering their temperament just as much as your vision. Sometimes, the most loving choice is choosing not to have them present, and that decision can still honour them fully.
Choose a Role That Fits Your Pet
If your pet will be part of the day, their role doesn’t need to be elaborate.
Some pet-friendly wedding ideas include:
Walking down the aisle with a trusted handler
Appearing briefly for ceremony photos
Wearing a simple floral collar or bandana
Being acknowledged in your vows or ceremony wording
Presence doesn’t have to mean performance. Often, the quieter moments are the most meaningful.
Think Through Logistics Early
Not all venues are truly pet-friendly, even if pets are technically allowed. When planning a pet-inclusive wedding, consider:
Noise levels and crowd size
Temperature and outdoor conditions
How long your pet will be present
Where they will go afterward
In many cases, a short appearance followed by a quiet exit with a sitter or family member is the best option for everyone involved.
Meaningful Alternatives to Having Pets Present
If bringing your pet to the wedding isn’t realistic, there are still thoughtful ways to include them:
Engagement photos with your dog or pet
A custom illustration or detail in your stationery
Naming a signature cocktail after them
A subtle mention during the ceremony or speeches
Physical presence isn’t the only way to honour what matters.
A Planner’s Perspective
Including pets in weddings should feel supportive, not like another variable to manage.
When it’s done intentionally, it often becomes one of the most personal details of the day. When it’s forced, it can add unnecessary stress for you and for your pet.
As wedding planners, our role is to help couples make decisions rooted in care, balance, and capacity, for themselves, their guests, and the beings who depend on them most.
Cheers!
Lo