How to Include Pets in Your Elopement or Wedding

If you’re a pet parent, I bet you’re wondering: how to include pets in your elopement?!!

Your furry friend is part of your family. They’ve been with you through quiet mornings, big life changes, and all the moments in between. So it makes sense that when you plan your big day, you want to make sure they’re part of the celebration!! There are so many great ways to include your pets in these special moments. I wanted to share a few, inspired by the many sweet couples I’ve photographed who brought their pups into their day in meaningful ways 🥹❤️

Whether your fur baby can be there in person or need to cheer you on from home, there are lots and lots of creative ways to honor them. Let’s dive into all the options!!

How To Incorporate Your Dog or Cat Physically Into Your Elopement

If your fur baby is joining you in person, a little planning goes a long way. Start by picking a pet-friendly location and lodging. That will help so much! 

Some trails, parks, and indoor spaces have rules about animals. Make sure you look ahead, so the day stays stress-free and you’re not met with any surprises.

Next, when thinking about how to include pets in your elopement: plan to bring a friend or family member who can help. Even the best-behaved pets can get distracted. Having someone there to handle leashes, treats, or breaks lets you stay present during your ceremony and portraits. 

Speaking of treats!! Bring their favorites. You’re celebrating, and they can too! Pack a portable water dish, plenty of fresh water, and yes, don’t forget the poop bags. Little details like this make the day smoother for everyone.

Then… just embrace the fun. Let your dog sniff around, explore, and get the zoomies out. These moments make for some of the sweetest photos. There is nothing more fun than a couple laughing together while their dog excitedly runs circles around them.

And if your puppy loves accessories, add a simple floral collar or a cute bow tie that is cohesive with your color palette. It keeps things playful and looks great in photos without overwhelming them.

How to Include Pets in Your Elopement When They Can’t Be There

Sometimes your dog (or cat/fish/bird etc) can’t physically join you. Maybe the location isn’t pet-friendly, or the travel is too stressful for your pets. The good news is you can still include them in ways that feel special and personal.

Here are some meaningful ideas inspired by the couples I’ve had the honor of photographing: 

• Custom cookies with your pet’s face on them
These are adorable for post-ceremony snacks or reception treats. They also make great detail photos! 

• A custom label for your champagne, wine, or sparkling juice
Imagine toasting with a bottle that has your dog’s photo and a phrase like “Cheers to Furever.” It’s cute, personal, and makes a sweet keepsake. (One of my couples even filled the bottle with sand from the beach where they eloped, and took that home as a souvenir! I loved that idea!) 

• Personalized cuff links or a custom pocket square
A subtle way to honor your pet while keeping things elegant.

• A cake topper that includes them
Perfect if you’re doing a small cake cutting moment at your elopement or wedding.

• Bring framed photos of them
You can put the framed photos up during getting ready time or dinner, or place the frame beside your vow books.

• Add their tags to your bouquet
It’s sentimental, simple, and something you’ll remember forever.

• Get creative with clothing
Custom suit linings, embroidered patches, or socks with your pet’s face give you a fun way to include them that also photographs well.

• Wear a locket with their photo
A beautiful way to keep them close to your heart on your wedding day.

• Bring cardboard cutouts
It’s silly, unexpected, and always gets a laugh.

• Mention them in your vows
This is such a heartfelt way to honor a pet who means the world to you.

• FaceTime with them the morning of
Yes, this is a real thing couples do. And yes, it’s adorable.

• Write your vows on the back of a photo of your pet
It adds a meaningful touch, especially if they’ve played a big role in your relationship.

• Honor them with a tattoo
Some couples choose a small paw print or portrait tattoo as a permanent reminder of the day.

When thinking about how to include pets in your elopement, even from afar… the goal is to capture the love you share as a family, no matter the logistics.

Here’s what I think as a Wisconsin elopement photographer:

There’s no right or wrong way to include your fur babies. You can keep it simple or go all out. What matters most is choosing what feels meaningful to you. Your elopement is a celebration of your life together, and that includes the furry friend who’s been there through it all.

So as you plan your day, think about how to include pets in your elopement in a way that fits your story. Whether they’re running alongside you on the trail, featured on your champagne bottle, or showing up through a framed photo, they can absolutely be part of your celebration.

If you’re dreaming up your own elopement and want help weaving your pets into the experience, I’d love to help you plan it out and photograph every moment. Click here to inquire.