Hey there! We’re Marta and Artur, Cotswolds wedding photographers from Hereford, and we absolutely adore capturing dogs at weddings. They bring such a fun, chaotic vibe that we love to photograph, and it fits perfectly with our natural approach to wedding photography.
Including Your Dog in Your Wedding: Here’s How!
Dogs are truly our best friends, and they’re likely to be some of your most cherished guests at your wedding! Photos featuring dogs are just adorable, but it’s super important to ensure they feel happy and comfortable throughout your celebration.
With that in mind, I’ve gathered a ton of tips and insights from our experience photographing weddings that include furry friends. I hope these will be helpful if you’re considering having your dog as part of your wedding and in those special photos!
5 TopTips for Having Dogs at Weddings
Give Your Guests a Heads Up
When you’re planning your wedding, it’s a good idea to give your guests a heads-up about any furry VIPs attending. This way, your other guests can be on their best behavior!
Hire a Dog Chaperone
Getting a dog chaperone is an absolute no-brainer! Think about it: you won’t have to stress all day knowing that your pup is being taken care of by professionals. Plus, they’re super flexible, so your furry friend can join in the fun for the whole day or just pop in for an hour in the afternoon for some cute photos.
Having a dog chaperone is fantastic because your dog will never have to be alone, and they can stick to their usual routine while you’re busy with all the wedding festivities.
If you’re on the hunt for a dog chaperone in the Cotswolds, I highly recommend Paws 2 Party. They do an amazing job and always share adorable stories from your dog’s perspective, so you get to see your big day through their eyes!
And don’t forget: if you’re thinking about hiring a dog chaperone, reach out as soon as you know your wedding date since they book up quickly!
Have a Trusted Inner Circle
If you’re tying the knot at a pet-friendly venue, there’s a good chance they offer some pet-friendly accommodations for dogs at weddings. If that’s the case, you could have a family member or two take turns looking after your furry friend, making sure they’re safe and happy.
This can be a fantastic option, especially if your dog prefers familiar faces over strangers. Your family will know your pet’s quirks and what they need to feel comfortable.
But here’s something to consider: your family members will have a bit of a responsibility, which means they might not be able to fully kick back and enjoy your special day. So, keep this in mind if you’re thinking about asking them for help!
Do What’s Best for Your Dog
Make sure you’ve got your dog’s favorite toy and some tasty snacks ready to go. It’s also a smart move to have someone available for a quick dog walk right before the ceremony. If you’ve got a specific role you want your pup to play, be sure to train them for that task leading up to your big day so they feel confident.
On the day of your wedding, you’ll want your dog to feel calm and happy, so avoid any surprises that could stress them out. Think ahead and help your dog get used to being around lots of people in various settings. And always have a backup plan just in case your dog needs a little break.
Remember, while we’d love for our furry companions to join in on the wedding fun, not every dog is cut out for that environment. It’s important to prioritize their well-being, even if it means leaving them at home with a trusted sitter.
Hey, don’t forget those poop bags!
I mean, it’s pretty clear why you need them, right?
And then when it happens, you can play rock – paper – scissors to find out who gets to grab the bag!
Having Ring Bearer Dogs in Your Wedding Ceremony
If your dog is friendly with strangers, well-mannered, and picks up commands quickly, you might think about giving them a special part in your wedding. A super cute option I’ve come across is having your dog as the ring bearer. Seriously, how adorable is it to have your wedding rings brought down the aisle by your furry buddy?!
I always get a kick out of capturing moments with a dog ring bearer because you never know what fun surprises are in store!
Here are a few tips to ensure the ring delivery goes off without a hitch and the best photo moments are captured!
- If you’re planning to stash your rings in a pouch attached to your dog’s collar, it’s super important to get your pup comfy with that pouch well ahead of the big day. Take some time to practice putting it on and taking it off at home, and don’t forget to reward your dog for being calm—that way, it won’t feel weird for them.
- When it comes to putting the rings in the pouch, do it at the very last minute. You definitely don’t want to risk losing them before the ceremony!
- Also, make sure your guests sitting in the aisle behave themselves! That means no stepping into the aisle for photos and no leaning down to pet your dog. It can really distract dogs at weddings and mess up their big entrance.
- And once your dog has done their part, have someone ready to take care of them for the rest of the ceremony.
Including Your Dog in Group Photos
Getting your pets involved in your formal group photos can definitely be a bit chaotic, but you might just end up with some hilarious outcomes!
- It’s not always easy to get your dog to sit or stay still—especially when you want them looking at the camera. But having some treats or a favorite toy in hand while snapping the pic can really up your chances of success.
- Think about including your dog in just the smaller, key group shots. This way, they won’t have to be still for too long.
- And if your pup decides to plop down while you’re in a dress, just know it makes for a perfect blanket—just watch out for those muddy paws!
Your Dog in Couple Portraits
If there’s one thing you definitely want to include on your special day, it’s your dog in those couple portraits! The perfect time to take a stroll around your venue with your pup is right after the ceremony, when all your guests are busy enjoying the drinks reception.
I’m a huge fan of featuring pets in couple photos because the opportunities for adorable shots are just endless. And dogs at weddings are just the cutest thing!
Having your furry buddy in your portraits can also help you feel more at ease in front of the camera. If you’ve got larger dogs, walking them together is a super simple way to capture those genuine moments.
For those with smaller dogs, picking them up for a sweet cuddle creates such a charming photo.
Dog Gear for Your Big Day
A lot of couples love to get their dogs all dressed up in some stylish wedding outfits. Here are a few fun ideas to ensure your furry friend fits right in with your big day:
Floral Collar
I’ve seen a couple of grooms have their florist create a beautiful ring of flowers for their dogs to wear around their necks. It really adds a special touch, especially if your pup is serving as a flower girl!
Charming Bowtie
An easy and adorable option for your dog is a classy bowtie. This way, you can make sure dogs at weddings coordinate perfectly with your wedding party and color theme.
Custom Ring Pouch
If your dog is taking on the important role of ring bearer, they’ll definitely need a cute pouch to carry those rings in.
Dog-Friendly Wedding Venues in Herefordshire and the Cotswolds
We’ve photographed quite a big number of cute dogs at weddings and here are some of our favourite pet friendly wedding venues:
But if you want the ultimate dog-friendly wedding venue, then why not get married in your own garden or on family land? You can enjoy a more personal celebrant-led ceremony and your pets can run around and have the time of their life!
Dogs at weddings – What if I can’t have them at my wedding?
Sometimes, it just doesn’t work out for your dog to be at your wedding. Maybe the venue doesn’t allow dogs at weddings, or perhaps your pup gets a bit anxious or reactive in crowded situations. Whatever the reason, if your furry friend can’t make it to the big day, it doesn’t mean they have to be completely left out of the fun.
Here are some of the best ideas for you:
Capturing Pre-Wedding Moments with Your Pup
One great way to make your dog part of your wedding festivities is to plan a pre-wedding shoot. It lets you snap some beautiful, candid moments as a family. Plus, you can print those photos and use them to decorate your wedding reception!
This couple chose to take a stroll with their pup for their engagement photo session.
Dog Wedding Decor
A fun way to include your beloved pet in your wedding décor is by getting a custom cake topper made. I’ve snapped plenty of cute pet cake toppers over the years. While many feature dogs, I’ve also come across some amazing cat figures!
You can definitely take inspiration from this for your tables—just check out how stunning the photos of their dog turned out!
One of the most creative ideas I’ve come across was a couple who brought a personalized cushion with their cat’s picture on it, using it as a prop for the photo booth so all their guests could snap some fun pics with it.
We don’t have a dog, so what are our options?
If you’re a fan of animals and want to include them in your special day, you’ve got lots of fun choices:
- How about tying the knot on a farm and hanging out with the farm animals? Your guests will love it, too! Or get married at your own farm so that your animals are a part of your day.
- Don’t have a dog to carry your rings down the aisle? Why not have an owl swoop in instead? They can also be a fun addition to your wedding reception entertainment.
- On your way home from the couple’s photo shoot, why not stop by your place and snap a picture with your cats?
Dogs at weddings – hope it helps!
If you’re thinking about including your dog in your big day, I really hope all the tips above come in handy for you.
Paw-some Wedding Photography for Dog Lovers in Herefordshire and the Cotswolds
If you’re on the hunt for a wedding photographer who adores dogs and has a fun, colorful vibe, I’d be thrilled to chat with you!
Feel free to reach out through our contact form and share all about your furry friend with us. Also, take a peek at our Cotswolds Wedding Photographer page to learn more about our style and approach!
