There isn’t just one Right Way to include your Dog in your Wedding
If you’re anything like me, your dog isn’t “just a dog.” They’re family.
They’re there for the quiet mornings, weekend adventures, road trips, and all the everyday moments in between. So it’s only natural to want them to be part of one of the biggest days of your life.
The good news is that including your dog doesn’t have to mean having them by your side from sunrise until the last dance. Your dog doesn’t have to be part of every moment to be part of your wedding story.
Some dogs love being the center of attention. Others are happiest making a quick appearance before heading home for a well-earned nap. The best plan is the one that makes both you and your four-legged family member happy.
Start with your dog, not Pinterest
Before deciding how your dog will be involved, think about who they are.
Ask yourself:
- Does my venue allow dogs?
- Do they enjoy meeting new people?
- Are they comfortable around loud music and crowds?
- Do unfamiliar places make them anxious?
- Will they actually enjoy being there?
I’ve photographed dogs that happily spent most of the wedding by their owners’ side, and I’ve photographed others who made one adorable entrance before heading home. Neither option is better than the other.
The goal isn’t trying to fit your dog into your wedding. It’s creating a plan that fits your dog.
There isn’t just One Way to include your Dog in your wedding day
One of the biggest misconceptions is that your dog either has to be part of the entire wedding or not be there at all.
In reality, there are so many ways to include them. You can build their role around the moments they’ll enjoy the most.
Engagement Session
Having your pup(s) included in your engagement session/ announcment is always a fun way to start this wedding journey with them at your side.
Getting Ready
Getting ready is one of my favorite times to include your pup.
These quieter moments are usually much calmer than the ceremony or reception. I’ve photographed dogs snuggled up while couples finish getting ready, hanging out during hair and makeup, and simply soaking up all the extra attention before the day begins.
Those candid moments often become some of the sweetest photos from the entire wedding.
First Look
If you’re planning a first look, your dog can absolutely be part of it.
I’ve photographed couples including their pup in their first look together, and I’ve also had couples do a first look with just their dog before the ceremony. Those moments are always so genuine because your dog has no idea there’s a wedding happening, they’re just excited to see their favorite people.
If your dog is a little more anxious, this can also be a great time to step away for a few quiet minutes together before the day really gets going. I’ve seen couples sneak away for a few extra snuggles before handing their pup back to a trusted friend or pet handler.
Ring Bearer or Flower Pup
If your dog loves people and is comfortable in new environments, giving them a special role during the ceremony can be one of the sweetest moments of the day.
I’ve photographed dogs proudly making their way down the aisle as flower pups, confidently carrying a ring pouch secured to their harness, and even one very good retriever who carried the ring bag in her mouth.
Some fun ideas include:
- Walking down the aisle as your flower pup.
- Carrying the rings in a securely attached ring pillow or ring pouch tied safely to their harness.
- Retrieving a small ring bag if they’re already trained for that kind of job.
- Walking alongside a flower girl, ring bearer, or pet handler.
Their job doesn’t have to last the entire ceremony.
If your dog is high-energy, easily distracted, or starts to get stressed, have a trusted friend, family member, or professional pet handler quietly escort them out after they’ve made their grand entrance. They’ll still have their moment, and you won’t spend the rest of the ceremony wondering what they’re doing.
If they’re naturally calm and content to settle down, let them. Some of my favorite ceremony photos are the completely unplanned ones, like a dog curled up on the train of a wedding dress or snoozing beside the couple while they exchange vows.
Family Photos
Including your dog in family photos is one of the easiest ways to make sure they’re part of your wedding story. Plan on a couple of the large group photos, and then play it by ear for the rest.
Once photos are finished, they can head home while everyone transitions into cocktail hour, or stay if they’re happy and relaxed.
Cocktail Hour or Reception
Some couples skip the ceremony altogether and invite their dog to cocktail hour instead.
Guests get to meet them, you’ll get some adorable photos together, and your dog gets to be part of the celebration without spending the entire evening surrounded by loud music and dancing.
I’ve also had couples save their dog’s big entrance for the reception. For social, people-loving pups that would’ve been a little too excited for the ceremony, making a surprise appearance during the reception lets them soak up all the attention before heading home for the night.
Day-Of Portraits
Wedding portraits are another great opportunity to include your dog without asking them to spend the entire day at your venue.
I’ve had plenty of couples bring their dog over just for portraits, whether that’s around the venue, at a nearby park, or for a short walk together before they head home.
If your dog is happiest in shorter bursts, this can be the perfect balance. They get to be part of your wedding story, you get beautiful photos together, and then they can head home before the excitement of the reception.
Private Time After the Wedding
Sometimes all the excitement can be a bit much for pups. For our more privacy-loving fur kids, leaving a few minutes to spend as a couple with them away from the craziness of the day can be the way to go.
Head back to your Airbnb or hotel, take a quiet walk together, throw the ball for a few minutes, or simply enjoy some uninterrupted time with your favorite four-legged family member.
It also gives you a few minutes to just be as a family.
My Favorite Option: A Day-After Adventure Session
If you know me, this answer probably won’t surprise you.
One of my absolute favorite ways to include your dog is during a day-after adventure session. I am a dog lover, so getting to have time to get to know them and interact to get those goofy candid photos is my happy place.
Instead of trying to squeeze everything into an already busy wedding day, you get to slow down and simply spend time together. We can head out into nature, explore somewhere beautiful, let your dog sniff absolutely everything, and create photos that feel relaxed instead of rushed.
There aren’t guests waiting for you, or a reception schedule pulling you in another direction.
They’re in an environment they’re often much more comfortable in, they get your full attention, and we have the flexibility to let the session unfold naturally instead of worrying about what comes next.
It’s one of my favorite reasons for recommending a day-after adventure session. Not only does it create a more relaxed experience for the two of you, but it also gives your pup(s) the chance to be part of your wedding story in a way that feels completely true to who they are.
Dress Them for the Occasion
This is the fun part if your dog is joining you for part of the wedding. Don’t forget to let their personality shine.
I’ve photographed everything from classic bow ties and tuxedos to adorable dresses, custom bandanas, floral collars, and handmade flower garlands. Whether you dress them up or keep things simple, the goal is for them to be comfortable and feel like themselves.
A few photographer-approved tips:
- Prioritize comfort and safety over style.
- Bring a clean leash without frays or stains.
- Remove poop bag holders before portraits.
- Choose a collar or harness you’ll love seeing in your gallery- even if it isn’t as durable as their normal one.
- If your dog normally wears a bulky hiking harness, consider swapping to something a little simpler for photos.
Give your dog their own vip
One of the best planning moves you can make is having someone whose only responsibility is taking care of your dog.
Whether that’s a trusted friend, family member, or professional pet handler, they’ll:
- Walk your dog before the ceremony.
- Bring water and treats.
- Hold the leash during portraits.
- Take potty breaks.
- Escort them out after their part of the ceremony if needed.
- Take them home when they’re ready.
That allows you to stay present, knowing your pup is in good hands.
And don’t forget to pack everything your dog normally needs, including:
- Cooling supplies for warm weather
- A secure leash and properly fitted collar or harness
- Water and a portable bowl
- Food and familiar treats
- Waste bags
- Medication
- A bed, blanket, crate, or quiet resting space
- A towel or paw wipes
- A favorite toy
If they can’t be there, they can still be part of the day
Destination wedding? An older dog? A pup who would simply be happier at home?
They can still be part of your wedding in meaningful ways. Or- sprinkle their love around a bit more, even if they are included in the actual day.
Wedding Details
- Tie pin
- Custom cufflinks
- Socks
- Bouquet charm
- Invitation artwork
- Wedding website illustrations
Reception Details
- Signature drinks named after them
- Custom drink stirrers
- Bar signs featuring their photo
- Cake topper
- Custom cookies
- Table names
- Photo displays
- Wedding favors inspired by them
The Best Wedding Day is one that Works for Everyone
One thing I’ve learned after photographing so many weddings with dogs is that there isn’t one “right” way to include them.
Some dogs will happily spend the entire day by your side. Others are happiest making a five-minute appearance before heading home. Some may never attend the wedding at all, but they’ll still be woven throughout your celebration in meaningful ways.
Your dog doesn’t have to be part of every moment to be part of your wedding story.
The best plan is the one that celebrates your relationship while making sure your dog is just as happy and comfortable as you are.
FAQ
Scroll through some of my Favorite Images from
Weddings with Pups
Looking for more inspiration images? Check out the How to Elope with Your Dog for stylish wedding day pups.
Hi! I’m Shannon Durazo
A former project manager turned your WEdding photographer, go-to problem solver, Fellow Dog Lover, and Adventure Buddy
Are you ready for a nature-filled wedding or an epic elopement adventure? Let’s make it unforgettable. I’m here to do more than take photos—I’m here to help you create a day that feels as incredible as it looks. From scouting jaw-dropping locations and sharing vendor recommendations to crafting timelines that catch that golden-hour magic, we’re building more than a wedding day; we’re creating art while putting your experience first. Whether it’s hiking a mountain, off-roading to a secret spot, or chasing sunsets, we’ll make memories as unique and extraordinary as your love story.
I specialize in capturing both intimate elopements and weddings in Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Northern New Mexico.
