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.

Ashley and Nick’s wedding day at Orange Tree Golf Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona was equal parts elegant, personal, and joy-filled—an unforgettable celebration that perfectly reflected who they are as a couple.

The day began with Ashley and Nick getting ready alongside their bridesmaids and groomsmen, surrounded by laughter and anticipation. Even though their beloved pets couldn’t be there in person, Gary the dog and Cheeto the cat were thoughtfully (and humorously) included throughout the day. From Nick’s custom cufflinks to oversized cutout’s, and even cocktail napkins declaring they “couldn’t believe they weren’t invited” their furry companions were very much part of the celebration.

As guests arrived for the ceremony, the atmosphere was instantly elevated by live violin music from Shauna Hormiere. The sound of her violin set the tone as she played a beautiful rendition of “Send Me On My Way” by Rusted Root. As the melody filled the air, Ashley walked down the aisle toward Nick, who stood waiting beneath a stunning white domed pergola. It was a heartfelt, emotional moment that felt both intimate and timeless.

Following the ceremony, we explored the lush grounds of Orange Tree Golf Resort for portraits. Ashley and Nick looked absolutely radiant as we wandered the course, capturing romantic moments with towering palms, manicured greens, and one particularly magical spot where a fountain sprayed gloriously behind them—creating some truly show-stopping images.

The newlyweds entered their reception ready to celebrate, and the energy never dipped for the rest of the night. The photo booth was a nonstop hit, drawing in both the couple and their guests for countless laughs and memorable snapshots. Later in the evening, Ashley and Nick snuck away for some quiet moments—and a few bites of cake—for late-night photos. In true Nick fashion, he even had to swoop in and save Ashley from an unexpected run-in with the sprinklers.

As the night came to a close, guests lined up with sparklers in hand, sending Ashley and Nick off in a glowing, joyful exit that perfectly capped off the day.

Ashley and Nick’s wedding was a beautiful reminder that the most meaningful celebrations are the ones filled with personal details, genuine connection, and plenty of fun. We are so honored to have documented their day at Orange Tree Golf Resort and cannot wait to see what the future holds for these two.

How to Include Your Beloved Pets on Your Wedding Day