Why Pet-Friendly Weddings Mean So Much to Me
As a Sydney wedding celebrant, I make no secret of how much I love my dogs; they are literally my world. My husband and I have two adorable dogs, Molly (12) and Georgie (3), and they are a huge part of our family and life. They are with us most of the time, so why leave them at home on one of the most important days of your life!
Not that you need any excuses to include your beloved furry friend… but if you do, here are my top five reasons to bring them to your ceremony.
5 Heartwarming Reasons to Include Your Pets in Your Ceremony
- They ARE a part of our family
- They add an element of spontaneity
- Cute photos
- It’s fun
- Because WE love them
Creative Ways to Include Dogs in Your Wedding Ceremony
- Dog announcing the bride’s arrival – If your dog is happy with “dress ups”, you could have a light board around their neck saying, “please stand for the entrance of the wedding party/bride.”
- Walking you down the aisle – why not have your furry best friend walk with you to your future lifelong partner
- Ring bearer – Remember to place your rings in satin or organza bag and tie it loosely to their collar
- Standing besides you during vows – because your doggo is your wingman/wingwoman, and it will be great for the photos!
- Barking with joy when you’re pronounced married – because your dog loves you and wants to celebrate your union!
If you want to include your fur babies on your special day, I want to help make it happen as smoothly as possible… sometimes all the training in the lead-up doesn’t mean it will always go to plan!
My Top Tips for a Stress-Free Pet-Friendly Wedding
- Be patient: You can prepare and practise; sometimes dogs will be dogs, and that’s okay! Laugh it off when things don’t go quite to plan!
- Location is important: Take your doggo to your ceremony location a few times beforehand so they can get used to the environment (please also check out whether dogs are permitted; National Parks are often a no-go zone for our furry friends)
- Chill out: If you are anxious, your dogs will pick up on your energy and act out! Do your best to relax!
- Have someone there to help (trusted friend, family member): Have someone on hand to help out who can distract your beloved pooch with treats or cuddles.
- Treats, treats, treats!: Have loads of treats and toys handy to help to calm and soothe your fur baby… And of course, I will happily sneak a few treats to your doggo’s!
Wrap up with an encouraging note about making your day authentic, joyful, and inclusive of every family member — furry ones included!
Did you know SURPRISING your partner with a wedding ceremony is illegal? This is because both parties must legally and knowingly consent!
FAQ
Can I have my dog at my wedding?
Yes! Many couples choose to include their dogs in their wedding ceremonies. Your dog is part of your family, and there’s no reason to leave them at home on such an important day. They can participate in various ways—from walking down the aisle to serving as ring bearers or simply standing besides you during your vows.
Are pets allowed at weddings?
It depends on your venue. While there’s no legal restriction against having pets at weddings, individual venues have their own policies. Always check with your ceremony location beforehand, as National Parks and some public spaces often prohibit pets. Private properties, backyards, beaches, and pet-friendly venues are usually welcoming options for furry guests.
What should I do to prepare my dog for the wedding ceremony?
Visit your ceremony location with your dog a few times beforehand so they can familiarise themselves with the environment. Practise any special roles they’ll have, bring plenty of treats and toys, and assign a trusted friend or family member to help manage your pup on the day. Most importantly, stay relaxed—dogs pick up on your energy!
Do I need someone to help with my dog during the wedding?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to have a trusted friend or family member designated as your dog’s handler. They can manage your pet with treats, provide cuddles when needed, and take them away if they become overwhelmed. This allows you to focus on your ceremony while knowing your furry friend is well cared for.
