For many couples, a wedding day wouldn’t feel complete without their beloved pet by their side. Whether it’s a pup trotting down the aisle or a cat featured on your cocktail napkins, including your furry friend can make your celebration feel even more personal. But pulling it off seamlessly requires careful preparation, clear communication, and a genuine understanding of your pet’s needs.
Is Your Venue Ready for Four-Legged Guests?
Not every venue can accommodate pets, so it’s important to confirm before you get your heart set. Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel notes that pets are considered part of the family at their venue, and couples should review pet policies during their tour while sharing how they would like their furry friend to be included in the celebration.
Sara Anderson of Northern Haus adds that a truly pet-friendly wedding should be clear from the start: “Couples can communicate this thoughtfully through their invitations or wedding website. Noting if pets are welcome, where they’ll be comfortable, and any guidelines for their care. Sharing details like designated pet areas, available water stations or a pet-sitting option helps guests plan ahead and ensures a smooth, enjoyable experience for everyone.”
Always check if your venue has restrictions, and remember David Porto of Blue Plate Catering’s advice: “Please keep pets away from the food. A caterer's job is to ensure that all guests have a wonderful and safe experience, and pets introduce another dynamic.”
Smoke Photography
Including Pets Without the Stress
When pets are part of the celebration, planning a structured and gentle approach makes all the difference. Bobbi Petersen of Bobby Petersen Photography | Guilded Grey LLC advises, “Always have a designated handler who’s responsible for bringing your pet to and from the wedding so you and your family can stay focused on the day. If your pet is only coming for photos, coordinate with your planner and photographer ahead of time so everyone knows exactly when that will happen.”
Ashley Kuehnel of Midwestern Bride suggests timing their appearances outside of the main timeline: “Include them outside of the actual tight timeline festivities such as the ceremony ideally. You will be overwhelmed enough in those moments leading up to ‘I do’ without worrying about if your furry buddy will behave, if they will bark, or get anyone dirty. First look with that friend prior to the ceremony or perhaps even at your golden hour so they don't have to miss out on your day but you have more flexibility in your timing of their appearance. Have a designated dog wrangler, a short timeline, and a few select memorable photos.”
Jordyn Smokovich of Smoke Photography adds, “Dogs are family, so it only makes sense to want them included on your wedding day! If your pup is joining the fun, keep everything simple by having a dog concierge in charge of them, and bring water and treats. Plan their spotlight moment for a quick walk down the aisle or a quick photo op.”
Anderson also emphasizes that “The key to including pets without stress is thoughtful planning and gentle boundaries. At Northern Haus we recommend having a dedicated handler to care for them during key moments, keep their participation brief like a walk down the aisle or a photo cameo, and ensure they have a quiet, comfortable space to retreat afterward. Simple touches like water stations, familiar toys, and treats make the experience joyful for everyone, without disrupting the celebration.”
Stephanie Amaya courtesy of Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel
Creative Ways to Honor Pets Who Can’t Attend
Even if your pet can’t physically join the celebration, there are many thoughtful ways to keep them part of the day. The team at Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel suggests, “If your pet can’t attend, honor them with a signature cocktail, a creative cake topper, or a playful nod in your décor or photo booth.”
Renee Tantillo of Renee Breanne Design + Co. encourages interactive elements for guests: “Beyond the classic nods like a signature cocktail named after them or their faces on cocktail stir sticks, there are so many creative ways to honor your furry friends. Why not turn it into a fun, interactive moment for your guests? Create custom temporary tattoos of your pets for everyone to wear once the dance floor opens, or send guests home with treat bags for their own pets as a sweet (and adorable) favor.”
Anderson adds subtle, chic touches: “For pets who can’t attend, finding heartfelt ways - like naming a signature cocktail in their honor, adding a tiny illustration or paw print to the stationery, or tucking a photo charm into a bouquet. Even a subtle cake detail or donation to a local animal shelter in their name keeps their spirit close. It’s a beautiful reminder that love, especially the unconditional kind, is always part of the celebration.”
Emilee Meador with Renee Breanne Design + Co.
Paw-sitively Memorable
Including your pet in your wedding doesn’t have to be stressful. With clear communication, a dedicated handler, and creative ways to honor pets who can’t attend, your four-legged family member can be part of your celebration in a way that’s safe, memorable, and stress-free for everyone.
Main photo by Cassie Rosch with Midwestern Bride
