Picture this: You’re listening to your partner say their vows to you in the most perfect location, views all around, you feel incredible in how your day has unfolded, and you get to look down and give your dog an ear or chin scratch as you listen to their words of love. If that sounds like the perfect wedding, this is a blog post for you.

Including your dog in your elopement day is an AMAZING idea, and doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might think! Eloping with your pup isn't just about including your furry family member (though, let's be real, those puppy dog eyes deserve a front-row seat to your vows). It can also add a layer of fun, adventure, and unique memories to your day.

Pros of bringing your dog to your elopement:

You get to have your most favorite pet right next to you for a life-changing moment of your life
Your dog can offer support, love, and warmth to your elopement day when you need it the most
You’ll get some incredible photos with your dog
No need to hire a dog sitter while you’re off traveling for your elopement day

Things to consider when bringing a dog along on your elopement day:

It might seem like a no-brainer to include your pup, but there are some logistics to keep in mind as you plan things, and I’m here to break them down for you.

Is my elopement location dog-friendly?

Mountains, beaches, forests – the world is your oyster (or, should I say, your kibble)! Just make sure your chosen location allows pups and has plenty of access to water and shade. Most National Parks have strict restrictions on bringing pets into the park, and typically dogs cannot leave paved areas or established campgrounds while in a National Park.

Not to worry! There are tons of other locations available that your dog is able to come along: state parks, national forests, and other public lands are much less strict about bringing pets on your adventures.

Will I be able to keep my dog comfortable?

Don't forget, your dog is a vital part of the elopement crew! Pack essentials like a travel bowl, leash, poop bags (gotta be responsible pawrents!), their favorite treats and toys, and a comfy travel bed or blanket. If your ceremony involves any hiking, consider a dog backpack for carrying some of their gear. Pro tip: Pack a small first-aid kit for both you and your pup, just in case.

Is my dog going to thrive in an elopement setting?

Not every dog is going to be a good fit for every elopement, and that’s okay! You know your pup better than anyone else, and if you’re already worrying if they’ll be safe/comfortable/low-stress during your elopement, it might not be the right setting for them.

I’ve raised both aggressive and anxious (re: very timid) dogs, and their attitude on your elopement day is going to depend on a few factors like stress levels, new smells, traveling, being out of their normal routine, etc.

Ask yourself these questions when considering if bringing your dog along is the right choice:

Does my dog do well in unfamiliar territory?
Can my dog handle being around strangers (your photographer, hikers, potentially wildlife)?
Will my dog rest and/or relax when I need them to? Like during the vow readings, while I’m doing my makeup, or in the car on the way to the ceremony?
Do I have a trusted friend who can be my dog handler for the entire day that is familiar with my dogs needs?

They’re all important questions when prioritizing your dog’s happiness and safety!

Can my dog sign as a witness on my marriage license?

In Washington state, you need one ordained officiant and two adult witnesses to sign your marriage license to make things legal on your official marriage license. So your pup can’t sign that portion, BUT that doesn’t mean they can’t sign your commemorative marriage license!

All counties include one document that gets mailed to the state and one document for you to take home (that’s usually on pretty paper or is dressed up in some way). Your dog TOTALLY could sign with their paw print on this one! Get a Paw Print Kit that makes it mess-free and do a trial run at home before the big day so you know how it works.

How to include your dog in your elopement

If you’ve decided they’re going to be a great addition to your elopement day, let’s talk about different ways to include them!

Bring everything your dog might need

This will most definitely vary from dog to dog (and from owner to owner!), but make a list of things you need to pack that will set your dog up for success.

Things like:

Meals (plus extras just in case)
High-value treats - the good stuff like cheese, hot dogs, or peanut butter
Toys if your dog is toy-motivated
Extra poop bags
Hand sanitizer or sanitary wipes for you
Water plus more water
Travel dishes for food and water
A small dog first-aid kit with things like tweezers, Benadryl, and a small pair of scissors

Plan extra time in your elopement day

We all know that dogs wind up taking just a little bit longer to do their business when we’re in a hurry, so make sure you’re not crunched for time if you’re bringing your pup along! Even if you’re not with your photographer all day, schedule time to get some of your dog’s energy out (both physical and mental!) so they can relax for the important parts of the day.

Dress to impress

I can’t think of many things cuter than a dog in a bowtie or with a flower crown. Can you?! If you want to make your dog extra special (especially for photos), consider getting them an accessory to really spice up their outfit (which is usually their birthday suit, haha!):

Bow tie, headband, or bandana
Flower crown with real or faux florals
Brand new dog sweater or jacket
Custom collar with your elopement date embroidered
A fancy leash to make them look extra dressed up

Or if your dog is super duper against all of these things (you know who you are), something simple like a special treat or meal for them can make the day just a little more unique!

Consider hiring a pet attendant

Did you know that you can hire someone to be your dog’s handler on your wedding day?! It’s a newer service, but an extremely helpful one.

Essentially they will be the ones to keep your dog preoccupied during important moments like the ceremony or portraits, bring your dog in when it’s time for their photo to be taken, transportation to and from locations to keep your outfits clean and your pup secure, behind the scenes photos, and all the treats your dog can imagine.

The benefits of hiring a dog attendant are MASSIVE - some of the pressure of managing your pet on your elopement day is taken off while knowing that they’re well taken care of, someone to preoccupy your dog when you’re trying to do wedding things, and they’ll make sure your dog is safe and happy the entire day!

Two PNW dog attendants are Wags Down the Aisle and Wags and Garland - make sure to check out their services and FAQ! Wags Down the Aisle has a great article about the benefits of hiring a dog attendant: https://www.wagsdowntheaisle.com/post/pet-wedding-attendant

Thinking you might want to leave your dog at home for your elopement?

I get it. Really! Even elopements can be stressful, and even though we love our pups more than most people, they will add some amount of stress. It might be hard to picture such an important moment without your dog there, but you’ll know that it’s the best decision for everyone to make your elopement day spectacular AND keep your dog comfy and cozy.

Plus when you get home to them, you can lay in bed and scroll through your elopement gallery while pretending they’re excited about the photos you’re showing them 🙂