4 Ways to Include Your Pets on Wedding Day
Photography: Morning Wild Photography Officiated/Coordinated by: Happily Ever Asheville Venue: Old Sherrill’s Inn
Your pet is your baby. They’ve been in your lives for years, a huge part of your relationship and probably brought you closer together. So how do you include them in your wedding?
Piddle, the Cat of Honor, with a groomsmen | Photography: Devon Adrianne Photography | Venue: Willow Falls Events
1. Use the Wedding Party as Escorts
As seen above, Tabby and Jack have FOUR Shetland Sheepdogs. In fact, Tabby breeds and shows shelties in conformation. It was a no brainer that these babies would be at the wedding. Tabby made sure she chose a venue that was dog-friendly so they could take breaks inside as needed. 10/10 would recommend Sherrill’s Inn (Shelties) and Willow Falls Events (Piddle) for pet-friendly venues.
Photography: Simon Anthony Photography
2. Elope Outside
Maybe you’re planning to have a much more intimate ceremony with just you two or a couple of guests. There are loads of places in the mountains of Western North Carolina where dogs are welcome. Ask your photographer and/or officiant for ideas. The location above requires a small hike while below did not require a hike at all.
Note: The Great Smoky Mountains does NOT allow dogs anywhere in the park.
Sunrise with Dog of Honor, Puck | Photography: Briana Autran
3. Rent a pet-friendly vacation home.
If you’re having a more intimate ceremony, why not look for a vacation rental that can double as your venue? That’s exactly what Angela and Jesse did in April 2021. Family was present to support the pups during the ceremony. (There was no wedding party.) And their older pup could stay inside where it was warm. Win-Win!
Dog of Honor, Guinness, is excited that his moms just tied the knot. Photography: Wax & Whale Co
4. Tucker them out on the hike.
You and your partner are the ultimate adventurers so you’re planning to do a longer hike to get to your ceremony destination. By the time you get to the top, your doggie will be tuckered out and ready to relax. It’s obviously not your first rodeo if you hike with your dog regularly, but this one does require some extra gear. Don’t forget snacks, water and poop bags. Also, make sure the trail is dog-friendly and follow trail guidelines.
Loki feeling a little winded after a 700 ft elevation gain. Photography: Echo Photo
Considerations: Each of your furbabies is as unique as you are so you’ll be taking that into consideration when deciding which is the best option for you. I’ve had lots of couples who decide to leave their pups at home with grandma or a boarding service to reduce any stress. That’s ok too!
Other options: (1) Ask your officiant to include a story about them in your script. (2) Have a styled shoot or trash the dress sesh your babies on a later date. (3) Hire a service such as Rover to watch your pets during the ceremony.
