For many couples, a wedding day wouldn’t feel complete without their beloved pet by their side. Whether it’s a pup trotting down the aisle or a cat featured on your cocktail napkins, including your furry friend can make your celebration feel even more personal. But pulling it off seamlessly requires careful preparation, clear communication, and a genuine understanding of your pet’s needs.
Jenny GG Photography courtesy of Seattle Wedding Show
How to Determine if Your Pet Can (and Should) Attend Your Wedding
Before deciding to include your pet in the celebration, it’s important to think practically about the day. Consider your pet’s personality, comfort level, and the logistics of your venue. “The best way to determine if a wedding is truly pet friendly is to think about the reality of having your pet present for the day's events,” says Emett Joseph, Wedding Photographer. “Would your fur baby be jumping on you and hard to control from the excitement of it all? Would it be scared and overwhelmed by the noise and amount of people present? Is there a risk of your pet getting into food, or is your pet more well behaved? Could a pet sitter help make this happen? Thinking critically about the actual hurdles you'll face will help you determine if your wedding will be pet friendly.”
It’s also important to evaluate the venue itself and the practical details that will keep your pet comfortable throughout the day. Angela Conti, Event Sales Manager at Hyatt Regency Lake Washington, explains: “As you tour a venue, think about the logistics that will keep your furbaby happy and comfortable. Is there a dedicated place for walks and bathroom time? Is there a quiet room for them to relax in the downtime in between events? What’s the arrival and departure experience? As a pet-friendly hotel, Hyatt Lake Washington has direct access from the parking garage, a dedicated pet area for walks and doing business, in-room pet amenities, and more.”
Madison Henrie from Seattle Wedding Show also emphasizes thinking through the logistics: “Before deciding to include your pet in the celebration, think through the logistics - venue rules, temperature, and noise level all play a role in how comfortable your pet will be. If they’ll be part of the day, consider hiring a dedicated pet sitter or handler, like our vendor, Posh Pet Sitter, to keep them happy, cared for, and photo-ready while you stay focused on the moment.”
Emett Joseph Photography
Smart Ways to Include Pets Without Stress or Disruption
The ceremony is often the easiest time to feature your pet, as timelines are structured and food and beverage service hasn’t started. “The ceremony is the perfect time to feature your pet, as the timeline is often well structured and the main food and beverage service has not yet started,” says Conti. “From there, hire a professional pet sitting service like ‘To Wag and to Hold’ so your guest of honor is well cared for and you can fully enjoy time with your guests throughout the reception.”
“There’s nothing sweeter than seeing a couple’s furry best friend trotting down the aisle! We always suggest having a designated pet handler who can manage walks, water, and quick photo breaks so you can stay focused on the celebration,” adds Jennifer Lazon from Suncadia Resort. After the ceremony, Lazon recommends letting your four-legged guest unwind in one of the venue’s pet-friendly accommodations while you enjoy the reception and dance the night away. This approach allows your pet to be part of the celebration without adding any stress or chaos to your big day.
Including pets during couple portraits is another meaningful way to feature your pet without disrupting the day. “Including pets during couples portraits is a great way to honor your fur baby and get fantastic pictures with them. Then, you can let them go get taken care of by your pet-sitter of choice,” suggests Joseph.
Char Beck | Santa Barbara CA Wedding Photographer courtesy of Suncadia Resort
Creative Alternatives for Pets Who Can’t Attend
Not every pet is suited for big events, but there are many ways to honor them creatively. “Life-size cut-outs, handheld pet signs, custom napkins, and watercolor tattoos are all unique, fun, and affordable options for pets that can’t make it in person!” suggests Joseph.
Other thoughtful options include framed pictures in the wedding suite or naming a signature cocktail after your pet. “I love delighting my couples by placing a framed picture of their pet in the Wedding Suite as a way to make our hotel feel like home for the weekend,” says Conti. Henrie adds, “If attending isn’t a good fit, there are still meaningful ways to include them, like naming a signature drink in their honor or featuring their photo in your décor.”
Emett Joseph Photography
Paw-sitively Memorable
Including your pet in your wedding doesn’t have to be stressful. With clear communication, a dedicated handler, and creative ways to honor pets who can’t attend, your four-legged family member can be part of your celebration in a way that’s safe, memorable, and stress-free for everyone.
Wiley Putnam courtesy of Hyatt Regency Lake Washington
Main photo by Emett Joseph Photography
