How to Include Your Dog in the Wedding + 30 Absolutely Adorable Puppies & Dogs at Real Weddings

Celebrate National Dog Day with these precious furry friends who had a role in their family's wedding.

Today is National Dog Day and to celebrate, we’re sharing some of our favorite real wedding photos of newlyweds and their beloved pets. Will you be including man’s best friend in your wedding day?

By Kelcy Christy

Photo: Heather Kincaid

Today – August 26th – is National Dog Day and we’re sharing some of our favorite real wedding photos of newlyweds and their beloved four-legged friend. For some couples who can’t imagine their big day without man’s best friend, a pet-friendly venue is an absolute must. However, even if your wedding venue doesn’t allow dogs to walk down the aisle, we encourage you to get photos taken with your pup prior to the festivities.

Whether they stand up with you at the ceremony as an honorary bridesmaid or groomsman, walk down the aisle as a flower girl or ring bearer, or join guests in the crowd as a witness to your nuptials, having your dog with you on the big day is high on many duos’ lists of priorities. Depending on your venue, it may not be possible to include your pet in your special day; however, there’s always a way to work with your resources. Can’t bring your pup to the ceremony? Taking photos with him or her while you’re getting ready at home or in a pet-friendly hotel room or bridal suite will work wonders!

Consider incorporating your dog into pre wedding photography sessions to capture natural moments before the wedding day. This not only adds meaningful photos to your album but also ensures your furry friend is part of the celebration.

If you are having your pup attend the wedding, just be sure to have a plan: Will a family member or your wedding planner’s assistant take him or her home after photos are taken, will they make an appearance at the reception festivities only and skip the wedding ceremony, or will you hire a professional dog chaperone to watch your fur baby on-site, so you can enjoy the festivities with all of your wedding guests?

Regardless of how you and your future spouse choose to include your dog in your wedding, the opportunity creates a great excuse to find adorable outfits and embellished collars for dogs at weddings – and the photos will be a wonderful addition to your wedding album.

Celebrate National Dog Day with us by reading expert tips on including your four-legged friend in the wedding celebrations – and by browsing through photos of pups who attended and took part in the real weddings later in this post!

Photo by Liz Banfield; From Real Wedding: Destination Fête with Chapel Ceremony & Charming Tented Reception

How to Include Your Dog in Wedding Ceremony Traditions

For dog lovers, the idea of getting married without their dog by their side is unthinkable. After all, dogs are a part of the family! Since not every dog is perfectly trained and well-behaved, couples will need to think carefully about how they want to incorporate their dogs into their ceremony and prepare for any potential problems that could occur in a wedding environment. It's important to remember that not all dogs may be comfortable in such a setting.

Event planner Debbie Geller of Geller Events reveals that she’s had clients who have used their dogs as a flower girl or ring bearer – with dogs carrying the rings on a pillow secured to their backs, as well as a bridesmaid or groomsman. “Don’t forget to give your dog a floral-adorned leash, so they can be managed in style,” Geller recommends.

However, before getting too excited about including your dog in the wedding party, check with your wedding venue to make sure it’s dog-friendly and pets are allowed. “At some locations, like hotels and restaurants, it can be a health-code violation to have your dog present unless they are a service animal,” she cautions.

If you are allowed to bring your dog, designate one person who the dog is already comfortable with, like a groomsman, bridesmaid, or family member, who can confidently manage him or her throughout the wedding day. Alternatively, smaller dogs and pets who aren’t very well behaved could be pulled in a wagon that is beautifully decorated to match the ceremony, Geller advises.

No matter how wonderfully your dog behaves at home, there’s always a chance something could go wrong on the big day despite your pet's personality. “Even if your pet is generally well behaved, being in front of a large group can change their disposition,” Geller says. “Make sure that someone is seated near the aisle who has been pre-assigned the task of removing the pet if something goes awry. That way, the groomsman or other wedding participant can stay present.”

Photo by Jordan Voth Photography; From Real Wedding: Los Angeles Dodgers Pitcher Alex Wood's Romantic Fall Wedding

How Real Brides & Grooms Included Their Furry Friend in the Wedding Party

While it may seem like just one more thing to think about during the planning process, you’ll be glad you took the time to include your favorite furry friend in your nuptials. After all, many couples adopt dogs together before they say “I do” and wouldn’t imagine tying the knot without their puppy in tow. The trend of including wedding dogs has become increasingly popular, with many couples ensuring their beloved pets are part of their special day.

Take a look at the brides and grooms below that brought their dogs to their weddings – and even included them in the wedding party! Click the link below each photo to see more from these real weddings! To see more from these celebrations, click the link below each photo.

Photo by Jana Williams Photography; From Real Wedding: Actors Jillian Murray & Dean Geyer's Alfresco Wine Country Wedding

Photo by TimWill Photography; From Real Wedding: Alfresco Wedding & Indoor Reception with Organic, Natural Elements

Photo by Eli Turner Studios; From Real Wedding: Elegant & Romantic Jewish Ballroom Wedding in Washington, DC

Photo by Liz Banfield; From Real Wedding: A Sophisticated, Playful Southern Jewish Wedding in Charleston

Photo by Jess + Nate Studios; From Real Wedding: Museum Wedding with Gorgeous Rooftop Ceremony in Washington, DC

Photo by Jennefer Wilson Photography; From Real Wedding: Gorgeous Dallas Wedding with Outdoor Ceremony & Ballroom Reception

Photo by Adam Barnes; Floral Design by Amaryllis Floral & Event Design; From Real Wedding: Elegant Real Wedding at a Charming Resort in the Countryside

Photo by Sarah Bradshaw Photography; From Real Wedding: Stunning Military Wedding with Garden Ceremony in Washington, DC

Two pomeranian dogs puppies in red wagon with pink flowers and wedding sign ceremony

Photo by Brianna Wilbur Photography

Photo by Bob & Dawn Davis Photography; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; From Real Wedding: The Bachelorette's Ashley Hebert & J.P. Rosenbaum Say "I Do"

Photo by Carasco Photography; From Real Wedding: Traditional Ceremony & Glamorous Garden-Inspired Tented Reception

Photo by Carter Rose for f8studio; From Real Wedding: Unique Wedding with Intricate Geometric Elements at Dallas Theatre

Photo by Clane Gessel Photography; From Real Wedding: Rustic-Inspired Summer Wedding at a Vineyard in Northern California

Photo by Elizabeth Messina; From Real Wedding: Fairy-Tale Wedding with Enchanted Forest Theme in Santa Barbara

Photo by Gruber Photographers; From Real Wedding: Glamorous All-White Fall Wedding in New York City

Photo by Elizabeth Messina; From Real Wedding: Timeless All-White Wedding in Beverly Hills, California

Photo by Handeland Tesoro Photography; From Real Wedding: Oceanfront Ceremony & Ballroom Reception in Southern California

Photo by Jay Lawrence Goldman Photography; Planning & Design by Alyson Fox, Levine Fox Events

Photo by Jose Villa Photography; Planning & Design by Mindy Weiss Party Consultants; From Real Wedding: Glamorous & Sophisticated Garden-Themed Ballroom Wedding in Chicago

Photo by Joshua Behan; From Real Wedding: Nikita Actors Lyndsy Fonseca & Noah Bean's Vineyard Wedding

Photo by Jose Villa Photography; From Real Wedding: California Oceanside Wedding with Natural Elements

Photo by Kathleen Geiberger Photography; From Real Wedding: Vibrant, Colorful Seaside Wedding in Southern California

Photo by KingenSmith; From Real Wedding: Elegant Wedding with Classic Black & White Color Palette in Chicago

Photo by Kris Kan; From Real Wedding: Backstreet Boys Nick Carter's Santa Barbara, California Wedding

Photo by Laurie Bailey Photography; Planning & Design by Tessa Lyn Events; From Real Wedding: Elegant All-White Wedding with Modern Details at Luxe Bel Air Hotel

Photo by Mi Belle Photographers; From Real Wedding: Entertainment Host Adrianna Costa's Desert Chic Wedding

Photo by Perez Photography; From Real Wedding: Persian-American Ceremony with Light-Hued Reception in Dallas

Photo by Style & Story Creative; From Real Wedding: Catholic Ceremony & Romantic Modern Outdoor Wedding Reception

For more ideas, discover easy, adorable ways to include your dog in the wedding and read the pros and cons of having your pets included in your nuptials.

Other Ways to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding

Starting to sound like too much trouble to bring your beloved pet along? He can still be part of your day without actually attending the celebration. Successful wedding planning involves considering various elements, such as guest behavior and the inclusion of pets, to create a personalized celebration. Consider these fun alternatives from Debbie Geller of Geller Events:

Include your dog in the photo shoot! You’ll treasure photos of yourself all dressed up on the wedding day with your special pet. Or, if you’ll be displaying family photos at the reception, be sure to include a few shots of your dog, Geller suggests.
Include the likeness of your pet on favor packaging or in logos. “We recently created shoe bags with flip flops in them that had the couple’s dog’s image on them,” Geller says. “We’ve also done a simple sketch of the bride, groom, and their dog on a cocktail napkin with the word ‘family’ on it.”
Set a great dessert buffet as part of your wedding favors, and let your guests take home a “doggie bag” – featuring your dog’s image, of course!
Serve a groom’s cake modeled after your dog. Yes, talented cake designers can create amazing confections that look exactly like your furry friend! This cake pays homage to the groom’s profession, as well as the couple’s two dogs!
Use a cake topper featuring your dog's likeness as a unique and personalized way to enhance the wedding decor and sentiment.

For more ideas, discover easy, adorable ways to include your dog in the wedding and read the pros and cons of having your pets included in your nuptials.

Opening photo by Heather Kincaid; Planning & Design by Geller Events; Registry: Gearys; From Real Wedding: Luxury Wedding with Romantic White Color Palette in Beverly Hills