Your dog has been there for ordinary Tuesdays, bad moods, sofa naps and a suspicious number of snack breaks. So if you’re getting married, wanting them to be part of the day makes perfect sense.
The trick is making the wedding work for your dog, not just for the photographs. Some dogs will happily trot down the aisle like they own the venue. Others would much rather appear for ten minutes of photos and then head home for a nap. Both are excellent wedding guests.
Here are some practical, fun ways to include your dog in your wedding while keeping the day comfortable, safe and as stress-free as possible.
Finding a dog-friendly wedding venue
Before buying the tiny bow tie, check the important bit first: does the venue actually allow dogs?
Ask exactly where dogs are permitted. Some venues welcome them outdoors but not in dining areas, while others may have restrictions around bedrooms, lawns or ceremony spaces. It is also worth checking whether there is somewhere quiet your dog can retreat to if the day becomes too noisy.
- Confirm the venue’s dog policy in advance.
- Check whether there are secure outdoor areas for toilet breaks.
- Ask about stairs, slippery floors and busy entrances.
- Plan access to water, shade and a calm resting space.
- Let key suppliers know a dog will be attending, especially your photographer and venue coordinator.
Top roles for your dog: ring bearer, aisle companion or VIP guest?
Your dog does not need a complicated job to be part of the wedding. Pick a role that suits their personality and training.
Walk down the aisle
A confident dog can walk with a trusted person, join one of you at the entrance or make a short appearance before settling with their handler.
Be the “ring bearer” — symbolically
This is adorable in photos, but we would keep the actual rings with a human. A decorative pouch, bow or tag can create the look without entrusting the wedding bands to someone who may suddenly spot a sausage roll.
Join you at the altar
If your dog is calm around crowds and can settle comfortably, standing or resting near you for part of the ceremony can be lovely.
Appear for photographs only
For dogs who dislike crowds, this is often the best compromise. Bring them in for a short, relaxed photo session, then let them leave before the noise, food and dancing begin.
Choosing safe, comfortable formal wear for your dog
Wedding outfits should look good without getting in the way of being a dog. Nothing should restrict breathing, walking, toileting or the safe use of a lead or harness.
If you have a Frenchie and fancy a properly dressed-up moment, our French Bulldog Striped Tuxedo from Loui’s Wardrobe is one playful option for photographs, an aisle appearance or a short ceremony cameo.
Whatever outfit you choose, try it well before the wedding. Check the neck, chest and front legs for rubbing, make sure your dog can move naturally and take it off if they become hot, uncomfortable or irritated. A cute photo is never worth making them miserable.
Featured look
French Bulldog Striped Tuxedo | Loui’s Wardrobe
A fun formal-wear option for a French Bulldog wedding guest, whether they are joining the photos, walking down the aisle or making a brief appearance at the ceremony. Measure carefully and keep their normal safety setup practical.
Wedding photos with your dog: keep them short and fun
The easiest way to get beautiful dog wedding photos is usually not to ask your dog for 45 minutes of perfect posing.
Plan a short photography window, ideally before they are tired or overwhelmed. Bring favourite treats, use familiar cues and let your designated handler stand close to the photographer. Ten relaxed minutes can produce much better photographs than a long session with a dog who has decided they are officially done with weddings.
You could try:
- a family portrait with your dog between you;
- a walking shot rather than a formal sit;
- a close-up of their bow tie, jacket or tag;
- a photo with the wedding party;
- a quieter portrait away from the main crowd.
Logistics & stress-free coordination: the part people forget
This is where a cute idea becomes a genuinely enjoyable day. The bride or groom should not be responsible for dog logistics while simultaneously getting married.
Choose one designated dog handler who knows your dog and is happy to take responsibility for arrival, toilet breaks, water, quiet time and leaving the venue when needed. Give them permission to take the dog home early if the dog has had enough.
Your dog-wedding kit might include:
- their usual lead and well-fitted harness;
- water and a familiar bowl;
- small familiar treats;
- poo bags and a simple clean-up kit;
- a familiar blanket, bed or crate if your dog already relaxes in one;
- any regular medication;
- contact details for you, the handler and a local vet;
- a clear transport plan for getting your dog home.
Also decide in advance when your dog’s wedding day ends. They do not need to stay until midnight to prove their commitment to the marriage.
Food, flowers, noise and other wedding hazards
Weddings are full of things dogs would enthusiastically investigate given half a chance. Keep chocolate, grapes and raisins, alcohol and foods containing xylitol well out of reach. Skewers, discarded food, candles, confetti and decorations can also become hazards around an unsupervised dog.
Flowers and plants vary in safety too, so do not let your dog chew bouquets, table arrangements or venue planting. Your handler should know where the dog is throughout the day rather than assuming someone else is watching them.
And remember the noise. Music, cheering, children, unfamiliar people and a busy dance floor can be a lot even for a normally sociable dog. A quiet retreat and an easy exit plan make a huge difference.
If your dog has IVDD or mobility needs
This is where the wider Aubenord philosophy comes into the picture: life with your dog is bigger than a diagnosis, but the day should still respect what their body can safely manage.
If your dog has IVDD, weakness or another mobility issue, a short cameo may be much more appropriate than spending the entire day at the venue. Think carefully about stairs, slippery floors, jumping in and out of cars and being passed between excited guests.
Use whatever safe mobility or transport setup your dog is already comfortable with rather than introducing something completely new on the wedding day. If your dog is in active recovery or has movement restrictions, follow your veterinary team’s instructions even if that means changing the wedding plan.
You may also find our guides to travelling with an IVDD dog and stairs, jumping and ramps after IVDD useful when planning the venue and journey.
A simple dog-at-the-wedding checklist
- Dog-friendly venue confirmed
- Designated handler chosen
- Lead and harness packed
- Water, bowl and treats packed
- Toilet-break plan
- Quiet resting space identified
- Transport home arranged
- Outfit tested before the day
- Photographer knows the dog is attending
- Food and decorations kept safely out of reach
- Mobility needs planned for
- Clear leaving time — with permission to leave earlier if your dog needs it
The best wedding role is the one your dog can enjoy
If your dog’s perfect wedding contribution is walking down the aisle in a tiny tuxedo, brilliant. If it is ten minutes of photographs followed by an early trip home and an enormous nap, also brilliant.
The goal is not to create the most elaborate dog wedding moment. It is to include someone you love in a way that still feels safe, comfortable and happy for them.
That fits Aubenord rather well. We talk a lot about IVDD, recovery and mobility because those moments matter enormously — but so do the good days, the silly outfits, the family photographs and simply getting to enjoy life together. Because every step matters.
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