How to Involve Your Dog in Your Wedding Ceremony (Without Chaos!)

Is your dog more than just a pet?

If you're nodding along, you're not alone, more and more couples are choosing to include their dog in their wedding day. And honestly? It makes perfect sense. After all, they’ve been there through the big moments: the muddy walks where you dreamed about your future, the cosy nights when wedding planning got a bit too much, and the early mornings when you needed a reminder to breathe.

So if the idea of tying the knot without them feels… incomplete, here’s how to include your dog in your wedding ceremony, in a way that’s joyful, stress-free, and true to you.

Roles your dog can play in your ceremony

Whether your pup is a natural show-stealer or a little more camera-shy, there are lots of thoughtful (and often hilarious!) ways to involve them in your ceremony:

• Ring bearer: With a little training, or a clever pouch on the collar, your dog can trot down the aisle to deliver the rings. (Just make sure someone can catch them if they veer off course…)

• Best dog / dog of honour: Add them to your ceremony crew with a flower garland or bow tie and a mention in the script. Bonus points if they match the wedding party!

• Walking down the aisle: Your dog can accompany one of you down the aisle, or even join you both to walk out together after the ceremony, symbolising your first steps as a complete family.

• Guest of honour (with a starring role in the photos): If a starring role feels too much, they can simply arrive for cuddles and post-ceremony pics. Many couples love capturing that moment of reunion after saying "I do".

Keep it calm with a professional dog chaperone

Here’s my number one piece of advice: hire a dog chaperone. Trust me — it makes all the difference.

A chaperone is someone (not a guest) whose sole job is to look after your dog. They’ll take care of everything from transporting them to the venue, to keeping them calm and happy, to popping them in the right place at the right moment. That means no one in your wedding party has to miss a thing and you can relax knowing your pup is in loving hands.

Is it right for your dog?

You know your dog better than anyone. Some love the limelight, others prefer a quiet cuddle on the sofa. If your dog is nervous around crowds or loud music, you might choose to include them in a low-key way, a private moment before the ceremony, or a walk together after you’ve tied the knot.

Whatever you decide, the key is making sure it’s comfortable and kind for everyone involved.

A ceremony that feels like family

As a celebrant, I love helping couples create a ceremony that reflects their real, everyday love, muddy paw prints and all. Including your dog is just one of the many ways you can bring heart, personality, and meaning into the moment you say “I do”.

Because it’s not about perfection. It’s about celebrating your story, your way, surrounded by the ones (furry or otherwise) who’ve walked it with you.

Get in Touch

Thinking of involving your dog in your ceremony? Let’s chat ideas! I’d love to help you create something relaxed, romantic and full of heart with tails wagging all round. You can book a no-obligation call with me here.

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