How to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding Ceremony Without Stress

If you’re thinking about including your dog in your wedding, I’m already cheering you on over here! Dogs are part of the family, and I’ve seen firsthand how much joy (and cuteness) they bring to a wedding day. Whether they’re trotting down the aisle in a floral collar or curled up under the dinner table once the party kicks off, they add such a personal touch.

But let’s be real: as sweet as it sounds, it definitely takes a little planning to make it all go smoothly. I’ve photographed weddings all over Colorado (and beyond) with pups in the mix, and I’ve picked up plenty of tips for making the whole experience fun, safe, and totally stress-free. So, whether you're planning a mountaintop elopement or a full wedding weekend, here's how to include your dog in your wedding day without the chaos.

First Things First: Dogs Are Family

You wouldn’t leave your best friend out of your wedding day…and for so many couples, that best friend just happens to have four legs and a tail. Including your dog in your wedding? It’s one of those choices that instantly makes the day feel even more you. There’s something about seeing your pup trotting down the aisle or curled up at your feet during vows that just melts everyone, guests included.

I’ve seen grooms tear up when their dog makes their entrance in a little floral collar, and brides full-on belly laugh when their pup decides the ceremony is the perfect time to roll in the grass or bark at the officiant. In my opinion, those are the kinds of moments that make this whole day feel real, grounded, and joy-filled!

That said, having a dog in your wedding does take a little planning (okay, sometimes a lot),  but with just a few smart moves, it can be smooth, memorable, and totally stress-free. A little prep = a much calmer pup, fewer surprises, and alllll the heart-melting, tail-wagging magic you’ll want to relive forever.

Pre-Ceremony Pup Prep

Hire a handler: My number one tip, hands down! Don’t make your maid of honor double as your dog wrangler, she’s got enough going on. Having a dedicated dog handler (or even a trusted friend who’s not in the wedding party) is the ultimate sanity-saver. Your pup gets attention, care, and a buddy for bathroom breaks, and you get to actually enjoy your day without worrying about who’s holding the leash during portraits.

Manage their energy: Even the chillest dogs can go from “good boy” to “zoomies in 3…2…1” when they’re surrounded by new people, smells, and snacks. A long walk the morning of (or even the day before) helps get that energy out so they’re not bouncing through the ceremony. Bonus: your handler can totally take this off your plate, too, one less thing for you to think about!

Let them explore early: Give your dog some time to sniff around the venue before the action starts. Have your handler arrive a little early for a walk-through so everything feels familiar when it’s go-time. That way, instead of being distracted by all the new sights and smells, your pup can focus on what really matters, being the cutest wedding guest in attendance.

Your Pup’s Plus One? A Dedicated Handler

If you’re planning to have your dog in your wedding, one of the best decisions you can make is hiring a professional dog handler. Trust me, it makes the whole day smoother. While your friends and family are celebrating, a handler is fully focused on your pup, making sure they’re cared for, calm, and ready for their big moment (whether that’s walking down the aisle or posing for photos in a floral collar).

Two amazing companies I love to recommend are Plus the Pups and Here Comes the Floof. They specialize in wedding-day pet care and do everything from venue walk-throughs to potty breaks and snuggles. With a handler on your team, you can relax knowing your dog is in great hands, and fully enjoy all the moments of your day without juggling leashes or treat bags.

Know Your Venue’s Rules

Before the big day, give your venue a quick check-in on their dog policy. Some spots roll out the red carpet for pups (we love to see it), while others have a few fine-print rules you’ll want to know ahead of time. Make sure to ask: Can your dog be there for the ceremony and the reception? Do they need to stay leashed the whole time? Are there any no-go zones (like indoor dining areas or manicured gardens you really don’t want them doing zoomies through)?

Even the most laid-back pup can get a little overstimulated when they’re surrounded by new smells, sounds, and snacks, so a little prep goes a long way. This is where your handler becomes a total MVP. Make sure they’re stocked with the essentials: poop bags, a water bowl, maybe some calming treats. I’ve even seen couples pack their own “doggy day-of kit” with a lint roller, extra leash, travel brush, and a cozy blanket for pre-ceremony snuggles. (Highly recommend.)

The more prepared you are, the more you can kick back and soak up those sweet pup moments without stressing. Because your dog deserves to enjoy your wedding day too, and when they’re relaxed and happy, everyone is.

Dress the Part (But Make It Pet-Safe)

Let’s talk dog outfits, because yes, they absolutely deserve a wedding-day look too. A classic harness with a bowtie or ribbon? Always a win. If you’re adding florals (which is such a cute touch), just check in with your florist about pet-safe blooms and keep it lightweight so your pup stays comfy and cute.

Definitely give them a little pre-wedding glow-up with a groom, and bring a leash that won’t steal the spotlight, something neutral that blends in with your vibe and doesn’t scream hi, I’m from the garage. Oh, and pro tip: don’t wait until the big day to try everything on! Let your dog wear their outfit for short little bursts the week leading up to your wedding, with lots of treats and praise, so by the time they strut down the aisle, they’re feeling confident and camera-ready.

Ceremony Roles for Your Dog of Honor

There are so many sweet ways to include your dog in your wedding:

• Greeter: Have your pup welcome guests on leash for a few minutes before the ceremony. It’s the perfect way to kick things off with a personal touch.

• Escort: Have your dog walk down the aisle with one of your VIP’s, maid of honor, best man, maybe even grandma. It’s sweet, simple, and makes for the best photos.

• Ring bearer: Yep, they make custom ring collars (and yes, they’re as cute as they sound!) Just know that pit stops on the aisle are part of the charm.

• Recessional walk: There’s nothing better than walking back down the aisle as a newly married couple and a little family. Bring your pup along for that just-married stroll and soak up the moment together.

• Witness: One of the perks of getting married in Colorado? Your dog can legally be your witness and stamp your marriage license with a paw print. Just make sure to practice ahead of time and have wipes ready, no one wants surprise paw ink on the dress.

Photos With Your Pup

Work with your destination wedding photographer (hi, that’s me!) to map out the best time to include your dog in the photos. I usually recommend pre-ceremony if you're doing a first look, when things are still calm(ish), or right after the ceremony before guests start pulling you every which way.

We want those real, connection-filled moments, our pup looking up at you with big, adoring eyes, not you mid-tangle with a leash and a half-fallen flower crown. My approach is super relaxed and movement-based: think walking side by side, snuggling into each other, or your dog trotting along next to you while we get those wide shots with the Tetons (or wherever your backdrop happens to be, mountains, meadows, beach, you name it).

Keep Guests (and Your Dog!) Happy

Your dog doesn’t need to know how to do backflips or play dead. But a few basic commands? Game changer. Think: sit, stay, don’t tackle Grandma during cocktail hour. Investing a little time in training before the wedding helps everything run more smoothly and keeps your pup feeling confident, even in the middle of all the excitement.

And don’t forget to help them get comfy around crowds and noise ahead of time. Bring them along to a farmers market or your favorite brewery patio in the weeks before the big day. It’s like a rehearsal, but with more snacks.

Once portraits are done and your dog has officially nailed their wedding debut? Let them clock out. Have your handler take them back to your lodging or sitter so they can kick back with a chew toy while you hit the dance floor, sip champagne, and soak in your just-married glow, no leash in sight, no stress in your orbit.

What If My Dog Can’t Be There?

No worries! There are still adorable ways to include them:

• Signature cocktails named after them

• Custom napkins or signs with their face

• A table of tennis balls as a "gift from the pup"

• Wearing their tag on your bouquet

Ready to Plan a Wedding Your Pup Can Be Part Of?

If you’re debating whether to include your dog in your wedding, I say go for it. It does take a little extra prep. But it’s always worth it in the end. Your pup is part of your life; why wouldn’t they be part of your wedding too? Some of my favorite moments I’ve ever photographed have been the unexpected, sweet (and sometimes chaotic) ones that happen when couples bring their dogs along for the ride.

And if you’re looking for a destination wedding photographer who’s totally on board with that, someone who knows how to keep things stress-free while capturing the heart of it all, reach out here. I’ll be there to document every bit of the joy, and yes... I’ll absolutely have treats in my camera bag.

If you’re planning a Colorado mountain wedding, check out my blogs The Best Mountain Wedding Venues in Colorado and How to Choose the Perfect Colorado Wedding Photographer for Your Style.

And if you’re planning a destination wedding, check out The Ultimate Amalfi Coast Wedding Guide: For Your Destination Wedding in Italy.