For so many of our couples, pets aren’t just pets—they’re family. They’ve been there for first dates, lazy Sundays, moves across state lines, and everything in between. So when it comes time to plan your wedding day, it’s only natural to want your furry best friend included in the celebration.

Over the years at J. R. Poole Photography, we’ve seen some incredibly thoughtful, creative, and downright fun ways couples have honored their pets—whether they were physically present on the wedding day or represented in meaningful details throughout the celebration. Here are some of our favorite ways to make sure your pets are part of your “I do.”

If Your Venue Is Pet-Friendly: Bring Them Along!

The most straightforward (and often the most emotional) way to include your pets is to choose a location where they’re welcome. We’ve even had couples intentionally pick their wedding location because it allowed them to include their animals—and we love that level of commitment.

Some pet-friendly wedding ideas we’ve seen include:

🏖 Renting a Pet-Friendly Airbnb

Think beachfront vows, mountain cabins, or private estates where your dog can roam freely while you get married. These locations often provide flexibility and privacy, making them ideal for couples who want a relaxed, intimate day with their pets nearby.

🏕 Campground or Outdoor Weddings

Camp-style weddings are perfect for adventurous couples and free-spirited pups. We’ve photographed weddings where dogs essentially had VIP access to the entire day—running around, greeting guests, and soaking up the love.

🏔 Getting Married in Colorado

One of our favorite fun facts: Colorado allows dogs to “sign” (with a paw print!) as witnesses on your marriage license. It doesn’t get much more iconic than that. Your pup can literally be part of the legal moment.

💍 Walking Down the Aisle

From dogs trotting down the aisle with floral collars to pups escorting the bride or groom, having your pet in the bridal procession is always a crowd favorite—and makes for unforgettable photos.

When Pets Can’t Be There in Person (and That’s Okay!)

We know not every venue is pet-friendly—and sometimes, even if they are, it’s not realistic to trust Spot with the rings. The good news? There are so many creative ways to include your pets without having them physically present.

Here are some of the most fun and meaningful alternatives we’ve photographed:

📸 Engagement Photos & Save-the-Dates

Including your pets in your engagement session is a perfect way to honor them early on. Many couples then use those photos on save-the-dates, invitations, or wedding-day signage so their pets are still part of the story.

🪧 Wedding Signage Featuring Your Pets

Large prints, welcome signs, or even ice sculptures featuring your pet—sometimes with phrases like “Our humans are getting married!”—are a sweet and personal touch that guests love.

🍸 Signature Cocktails Named After Your Pets

A custom cocktail named after your dog or cat is a subtle but meaningful nod. Bonus points if the drink matches their personality.

🧷 Cufflinks, Napkins & Details

We’ve seen:

Custom cufflinks engraved with pets’ faces
Cocktail napkins that read “We can’t believe we weren’t invited”
Bar signage featuring illustrated versions of the couple’s pets

These details always spark conversation and laughter.

📐 Giant Cutouts (Yes, Really)

Life-size or oversized cutouts of pets make for incredible reception decor—and even better photos. Trust us: guests will take pictures with them all night long.

🎂 Cake Toppers

From custom cake toppers to hand-drawn pet illustrations incorporated into stationery, this is a timeless way to include your furry family members in your wedding design.

Your Love Story Includes Them—Your Wedding Can Too

At the end of the day, your wedding should reflect you—and for many couples, that includes the animals who have been part of your journey from the very beginning. Whether your pet is standing beside you at the altar or smiling back from a cocktail napkin, there’s no wrong way to include them.

As wedding photographers, we always encourage couples to lean into what matters most to them. Those personal touches are what make your day feel authentic—and what make your photos truly timeless.

If you’re planning a wedding and wondering how to thoughtfully include your pets, we’d love to help document it all.

Some weddings stick with you forever — and Sumner (or “Sunny,” as her friends call her) and Nick’s wedding day at The Tapestry House by Wedgewood Weddings in Colorado is one we won’t soon forget. From the moment we arrived, it was clear this day was going to be special — full of personality, creativity, and so much love.

The morning started with the girls getting ready in the most charming little house right next to the venue, where the air was buzzing with excitement, happy tears, and plenty of laughter. Meanwhile, the guys were living it up in what might be the coolest “bachelor pad” AirBNB ever — complete with a bar in the downstairs portion. It was the perfect space for the guys to hang out, share a drink, and relax before the festivities kicked off.

Sunny’s attention to detail blew us away. She brought all sorts of incredible thrifted décor to make the day uniquely hers — a bold red loveseat, a vintage wicker chair, and even enough mugs to fill a mug wall for guests to take home as gifts. Every corner of the venue felt personal and intentional, telling the story of who Sunny and Nick are as a couple.

Their first look took place in the heart of The Tapestry House’s garden, where they stood under the towering trees and read their vows to each other privately. It was one of the most emotional and intimate moments of the entire day, and we were honored to capture it.

The outdoor ceremony was simply beautiful. Friends and family surrounded them as they said “I do,” with the historic Tapestry House behind them and the Colorado sky overhead.

As the sun set, everyone moved into the reception space for an evening of celebration. There was dancing, laughter, and plenty of heartfelt toasts. One moment that brought us to tears was when Sunny and Nick took time during their own toast to personally thank us. It’s moments like that that remind us why we do what we do — to capture memories that mean the world to our couples.

The staff at The Tapestry House deserve a round of applause. Their professionalism and care made the day flow effortlessly, allowing everyone — including Sunny and Nick — to simply enjoy the celebration.

Sunny and Nick, your wedding day was pure magic, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have been there to document it all. The love you two share is inspiring, and we know your story is just getting started.

For a full look at their wedding day- watch their tear-jerking wedding film below!

How to Include Your Beloved Pets on Your Wedding Day