How to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding (Even If They Don't Come to the Ceremony!)
If you've spent more than five minutes chatting with me, you'll probably work out that I'm a bit of a dog person.
And if your four-legged friend is part of your family, it's only natural to wonder...
"Can we include our dog in our wedding?"
The answer is absolutely yes!
As a Brisbane marriage celebrant, I've seen couples include their dogs in all sorts of creative (and adorable) ways. The best part? Your dog doesn't actually have to attend the ceremony to be part of your wedding day.
In fact... that's exactly what we did.
What We Did for Our Wedding
Our dog wasn't at our ceremony, but there was no way he was going to miss out on being part of our wedding.
I had a friend work their Photoshop magic and add a tuxedo onto his chest! The result was super cute.
We used that photo to create personalised postage stamps for our wedding invitations (yes... back when everyone actually posted wedding invitations!).
That same photo is now enlarged, framed and hanging on the wall in our home. It still makes us smile every time we walk past it. Sadly our Dexter is now longer with us, he’s in puppy heaven so it is a wonderful memory of him that we have.
We also got a custom cake topper of us both with Dexter for the Wedding Cake, we just sent through some photos in advance and they made it up for us, it was adorable!
Before I left home on our wedding day, I had some photos taken with him while I was already dressed in my wedding gown out on our deck. They're still some of my favourite photos from the day.
Dexter our handsome boxer dog in a ‘tuxedo’
Have Your Dog at the Ceremony
If your venue allows it, having your dog attend your ceremony can be incredibly special.
Some popular roles include:
Walking down the aisle with one of you.
Being your ring bearer (with secure, decorative ring holders—don't trust them with the actual legal rings if they're likely to chase a bird!).
Greeting guests before the ceremony.
Sitting beside you during your vows (& maybe lying on your dress train!).
Joining you for your wedding photos afterwards.
Just remember—dogs don't always stick to the script.
As a celebrant, I can confidently say that unexpected dog moments are usually everyone's favourite part of the ceremony!
Include Your Dog in Your Wedding Photos
Even if your venue isn't pet-friendly, you can still organise a first look or portrait session with your dog before leaving for your ceremony.
This works particularly well if:
your dog is older
they become anxious around crowds
they're a little too enthusiastic about meeting strangers
or you simply want some relaxed photos at home.
Those quiet moments often become some of the most meaningful photos from the entire day.
Feature Your Dog Throughout Your Wedding
There are so many fun ways to include your furry family member without them physically being there.
Some ideas include:
custom illustrations on your invitations
cake toppers featuring your dog
cocktail names inspired by them
signature drinks with a photo of your pup
table names based on favourite walks
custom drink stirrers
napkins with their face printed on them
guest place cards featuring your pet
personalised socks for the wedding party
wedding signage saying "Our humans are getting married!"
Mention Your Dog During Your Ceremony
Your dog is part of your story, so why not include them?
As your celebrant, I love weaving these little personal details into your ceremony.
Whether your dog introduced you (thanks to daily walks), was there on your first date, featured in your proposal, or simply rules the household, these stories help make your ceremony feel uniquely yours.
They're often the moments that guests remember most.
Give Your Dog a Special Job (Without Any Pressure!)
Not every dog enjoys being surrounded by dozens of people.
If that's your pup, you can still give them an important role.
Perhaps they:
help you get ready in the morning
join you for photos before the ceremony
appear in your invitations
feature in your wedding website
make an appearance at your engagement shoot instead.
Your wedding should work around your dog—not the other way around.
A Few Practical Tips
If your dog is attending your wedding:
nominate a dedicated dog handler (someone who isn't in the bridal party)
bring water and treats
allow toilet breaks
consider the weather, especially during Brisbane summers
don't expect perfect behaviour—they're a dog, not a wedding coordinator!
Sometimes the funniest moments become the best memories.
I highly recommend that you hire a pet sitter or ask someone you trust to look after your fur baby on your wedding day. Here’s some Brisbane Pet Sitters who offer this service for your Wedding Day:
First Class Pet Wedding Assistants
Happy Hounds Pet Wedding Attendant
Little Paws
Wedding Paws
Your Wedding Should Reflect Your Life
One of my favourite things about modern weddings is that there really aren't many rules anymore.
If your dog is part of your everyday life, there's no reason they can't be part of your wedding too—whether that's walking down the aisle, appearing in your photos, or simply making everyone smile from a framed photo wearing a very questionable Photoshop tuxedo.
Years later, you'll remember those little personal touches far more than whether your napkins matched your flowers.
And if you're planning a dog-friendly wedding in Brisbane, I'd absolutely love to help create a ceremony that celebrates your whole family... paws included.
Looking for a Brisbane Marriage Celebrant?
I'm Trudy, a Brisbane marriage celebrant who believes the best ceremonies are relaxed, personal and filled with the stories that make you you.
Whether you're planning a big celebration, a micro wedding, an elopement or a ceremony with your favourite four-legged guest, I'd love to help make it happen.
Get in touch today and let's create a ceremony that's authentically yours.