DOGS AT WEDDINGS: THEY’RE FAMILY, NOT A TREND
Photogaphy by Bluebell Photo Studio
Written by Bluebell Photo Studio
If you’re planning a wedding with your dog, we’re probably going to get along very well.
Some people can’t picture their wedding day without their dog, and honestly, we’re exactly the same. For us, dogs are family. They are with us for the everyday stuff, the good stuff, the bad stuff, and the messy stuff. Dogs know their people better than most humans do. So having them with you on your wedding day, when you say “yes”, just makes total sense (if they can handle it, obviously!).
PLANNING A WEDDING WITH YOUR DOG (WITHOUT THE STRESS)
The idea of having your dog at your wedding is amazing. In your head, you can probably already see them being a huge part of the story of your day.
They might be there while you’re getting ready.
They might walk down the aisle delivering the rings (or steal the show trying!).
They’ll almost definitely try to grab some attention. And rightly so.
And of course, they belong in your family photos.
If having your dog at your wedding is important, it’s okay to prioritise that. Whether that means choosing a dog-friendly wedding venue, adjusting timelines to suit them, or planning extra photo time. It’s your day, and if it matters to you, it matters.
Photography by Bluebell Photo Studio
There’s no one “right” way to include your dog in your wedding, just the way that works best for you and your dog.
You know your dog better than anyone. If it feels right to include them, it probably is. If it feels like it might be too much for them, that’s just as valid too.
If you want your wedding day to be enjoyable for everyone, especially them (of course you do, your dog is your baby, right?), a little bit of planning goes a long way.
The biggest question you need to ask yourself first is: will they actually enjoy what I’ve planned for them?
Some dogs love people, noise, and being in the middle of everything. Others… not so much. And that’s okay. If your dog would find it overwhelming, there are still ways to include them in your wedding without them being there the whole time.
Photography by Bluebell Photo Studio
If you want your dog at your wedding, here are a few things that really help:
Check if your venue is truly dog-friendly
Not all dog-friendly wedding venues are the same. Some only allow dogs in certain areas, some have restrictions during food service, and some are genuinely relaxed about it all. It’s always a good idea to check the exact rules before booking your wedding venue, especially if having your dog there is a must.
Visit the venue together
If possible, take your dog for a walk around your wedding venue before the big day. It gives them a chance to get familiar with the space beforehand, which can make a huge difference.
Dog-friendly accommodation
Check if your venue offers dog-friendly accommodation on site. This is incredibly helpful if you’d like your dog there all day. Weddings can be overwhelming, with crowds, music, confetti, and lots of activity. A quiet space where they can rest in between moments will make things much easier for them.
Photography by Bluebell Photo Studio
Have a designated dog person
Choose someone your dog knows and trusts to look after them throughout the day. This includes walks, water, breaks, and having an exit plan when they’ve had enough. It means you can fully enjoy your wedding without worrying.
Book a professional wedding dog chaperone
If everyone you trust will be busy celebrating with you, a wedding dog chaperone is a great option. They’ll take care of everything your dog needs on the day, from transport and walks to keeping them calm during busy moments. It means your dog is properly looked after, included where it matters, and happy without adding stress to you or your guests.
Photography by Bluebell Photo Studio
Keep their routine in mind
Dogs don’t suddenly understand weddings. Feeding times, walks, and downtime still matter. Sticking as closely as possible to their normal routine helps keep them calm and comfortable.
Keep expectations realistic
Maybe they walk perfectly down the aisle, maybe they sit, wander, or stop to say hello to guests first. And that’s okay. Those slightly chaotic, imperfect moments are often the ones you’ll love the most.
Bring the essentials (and then some)
Water, treats, a lead, poo bags, and something familiar that smells like home, like a blanket or favourite toy, will make a huge difference in a busy, unfamiliar environment. If your dog will be there for a while, think about food, a bowl, and a towel for muddy paws (because it will happen). It might feel like over-preparing, but on a wedding day, that extra thought goes a long way.
Fresh flowers
If you’re including fresh flowers in your dog’s outfit, make sure they are dog-safe. Some flowers can be toxic, so it’s always worth checking with your florist. And if your dog is likely to try and eat them, it’s best to avoid anything potentially harmful altogether.
Let your suppliers know
Your wedding planner, photographer (hopefully us!), venue, and florist should all know your dog is part of your wedding plans. This allows everyone to adapt, be mindful, and sometimes even help without you needing to ask.
Anxious pup?
If your dog might find the wedding overwhelming, consider planning a shorter visit. Just enough time for family photos and a few relaxed moments together.
Another great option is including your dog in a pre-wedding shoot or an after-wedding session. That way, you can wear your outfits again, take your time, and get beautiful, stress-free photos together. Sometimes this can even happen at your wedding venue.
Photography by Bluebell Photo Studio
PHOTOGRAPHING DOGS AT WEDDINGS THE WAY THEY DESERVE
When choosing your wedding photographer, look for someone who doesn’t just tolerate dogs, but genuinely loves photographing them and has experience doing it.
Dogs can be excitable, nervous, muddy, distracted, sometimes all at once. Having a photographer who understands that, and knows how to keep things relaxed and natural without forcing moments, makes a huge difference. Sometimes that means making slightly ridiculous noises to get their attention. Sometimes it means sitting on the floor and letting them sniff (and lick) the camera first.
Most importantly, your photographer should understand that dogs are living beings, not props. They most likely won’t be perfectly trained or endlessly obedient, and they don’t need to be. The best wedding photos with dogs don’t come from control or forcing them into something they’re not comfortable with. They come from patience, understanding, and letting your dog be themselves.
Let’s be clear about one thing. Dogs at weddings are not a prop or a trend.
They’re family. And they deserve to be treated that way by your photographer and by everyone involved in your wedding day.
IF YOUR DOG IS COMING, WE’RE ALREADY EXCITED
We’re wedding photographers who genuinely love dogs. Not in a fake marketing way, but in a “we’ll happily let your dog sniff us and our camera before we start” kind of way.
We photograph weddings and we photograph dogs.
When we get to combine the two, it’s honestly the best thing ever.
So if your dog is on your wedding guest list, and you’re looking for a wedding photographer who really gets it…
Let’s be friends!
You’ll find Bluebell Photo Studio listed in the Photography Category of our Book Of Love Directory and they’re offering a Complimentary Engagement Session when you mention MNT!
Photography by Bluebell Photo Studio