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Getting Ready
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Ceremony & Reception
61 Too-Cute Ways to Include Your Pet in Your Wedding
Updated on April 11, 2019
Whether you own a cat, dog, horse, rabbit, reptile, or even a pig, there are plenty of ways to have them play a special role in your special day.
Attention parents of fur babies: We've compiled some of the most adorable pet wedding ideas so you can incorporate your beloved four-legged BFF into the wedding celebrations! Whether you own a cat, dog, horse, rabbit, reptile, or even a pig, there are plenty of ways to have your animal play a special role in the big day. And these pet wedding photos are all the inspiration you'll need!
When considering the following pet wedding ideas, first take into account your pet's personality and whether your venue allows pets on the premises. Many couples choose to have their furry companions present for the "I dos" and reception festivities. Have your dog walk down the aisle with the bridesmaids, or stand with the groomsmen as you say your vows. Your furry friend can even dress for the occasion! Give your pup a bowtie that matches those of the groomsmen, or a little dress so your fur baby can be an honorary flower girl. (Just think about how adorable those pet wedding photos will be!) However, if that isn't an option, consider scheduling an engagement or bridal shoot in the months leading up to the wedding, or taking photos with them during the getting-ready portion of the day. No matter which route you choose to go, notify all of your vendors so they can help you plan ahead and ensure a pet-friendly environment.
If your pet can't make it to the big day, don't fret. You can use your relationship with your pet as inspiration for your wedding stationery, decor, favors, cake, and more. Have an illustration of your pup drawn up for your invitations or escort cards. And instead of the standard newlywed wedding cake topper, you can have a replica of your precious pet made to top your confection. The pet wedding ideas are truly endless!
From furry flower girls to kitty cocktail napkins, check out some of our favorite pet wedding ideas and pet wedding photos below.
Photo by Emilia Jane Photography
A dapper dog makes himself right at home in fluffy layers of tulle.
Photo by Sara Lobla
These grooms couldn't help having a quick cuddle with their pups while getting ready for their wedding.
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography
Here, the standard "bridesmaids on a bed" photo gets the cutest upgrade.
Photo by Sara Lobla
Even model Shanina Shaik invited a four-legged friend to her wedding to DJ Ruckus.
Photo by Krystal Zaskey Photography
Ask your photographer to take a portrait of the two of you in your bedroom before the wedding chaos takes over.
Photo by Sonya Khegay; Planning by Ajur Wedding; Decor by Latte Decor
Nothing eases wedding-day jitters like a cuddle sesh with your kitten.
Photo by Braedon Flynn
This little pup wants to help the bride get dressed, too!
Photo by Millyjane Photography
This bride shows off her stunning vintage-inspired dress with a little help from her feline friend.
Photo by Julie Wilhite Photography
Safeguard your rings with a pet-inspired accessory holder.
Photo by Caroline Studios
If your pet is very obedient, snap a well-timed photo of your ring resting on their nose or paw.
Photo by Joy Michelle Photography
Stoop down to your dog's level for some well-deserved nose kisses.
Photo by Sawyer Baird Photography
Scoop your furry friend into your arms for a heartwarming pic that will be a wedding album highlight.
Photo by Susan Stripling Photography; Event Design by Erganic Design
Are you having a non-traditional bridal party? Bestow your dog or cat with the title of best man or maid of honor.
Photo by Krystal Zaskey Photography
A groom gave a shout-out to his pup with a customized pocket square in his likeness.
Photo by Dennis Kwan Photography; Event Design by Gather Events
The Ceremony
Lots of squealing will ensue when your flower girl or ring bearer walks your little pride and joy down the aisle.
Photo by Justin Tinapay Photography; Event Design by Rothweiler Event Design
Have your dog carry a specially designed pillow for his or her grand debut (entrust the real rings to the best man).
Photo by D&A Photography
This couple attached a GoPro to their canine, capturing one-of-a-kind footage during their wedding ceremony.
Photo by Austin Gros Photography
We're swooning over this Southern groom's cowboy-style entrance on his steed.
Photo by Austin Gros Photography; Event Design by Fête Nashville
Here, two adorable bystanders look on as a pair of grooms exchange rings.
Photo by Megan Jones Photography; Officiated by Tracy Brisson of Savannah Custom Weddings & Elopements
If you plan on eloping, take a cue from this couple and consider inviting a very important guest: your pooch!
Photo by Jordan Voth Photography
Dressing Them Up
Deck out your dog with a gorgeous wreath or collar made of greenery.
Photo by Kaysha Weiner Photographer
A harness and leash completely covered with flowers are 100% Instagram-worthy.
Photo by Clayton Austin
The cutest flower girl we ever did see.
Photo by Hannah Costello
This little pup in a tux almost showed up the groom!
Photo by Hannah Costello
A wreath of greenery and this little guy is ready for the spotlight.
Photo by Flora + Fauna
If your pup isn't a fan of dressing up, you can attach a small bow tie onto their collar just to take a quick photo or two.
Photo by Olivia Rae James
This pup's bowtie matched his mom's wedding dress!
Photo by Elly's Photography
For a black-tie wedding, consider going all-out with a doggie tuxedo, like this well-dressed pup.
Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography
With a pink tutu and fancy collar, this canine duo stole the show.
Photo by Julie Wilhite Photography
Engagement Photos
If it's not feasible to include your pet in the actual wedding festivities because of their temperament or size, then have them accompany you to your engagement shoot instead. Compared to a full-blown wedding, it involves a much smaller window of time and there are fewer people around, making it the perfect low-pressure environment for animals who tend to be anxious or excitable. Plus, you'll still get to take lots of dynamic and memorable shots, like this one.
Photo by George Street Photo & Video
Announce the epic engagement news from your pet's POV with a save-the-date photo.
Photo by Krystal Zaskey Photography
A bride-to-be even got creative by enlisting the help of her horse.
Courtesy of Pickett's Press
Invitations and Stationery
Ask your stationer to create a custom illustration of your pet for your save-the-date, like this charming design by Pickett's Press.
Photo by Kristi Odom Photography; Event Design by Bellwether Events
A couple who owns chickens paid homage to their feathery friends in their wedding invitation.
Photo by Britta Marie Photography
You can also use an illustrated motif throughout all of your wedding stationery for a whimsical feel.
Photo by Brandon Kidd Photography
Reception Details
"Best in show" ribbons guided guests to their seats at this equestrian-themed wedding.
Photo by Caroline Tran Photographer
How clever is this fetching escort card display?
Photo by Rebecca Yale
Kitty cocktail napkins for the win!
Emilia Schobeiri
The couple's dog made a special appearance on their signature drink menu!
Photo by Caroline Tran Photographer
Memorable Photo Ops
Personalize your wedding lounge furniture by including a pillow with your favorite breed.
Photo by Christy Cassano
There was an alpaca at this wedding—an alpaca!!!
Photo by Hannah Costello
Who's ready to party? This pup who cuddled up to the DJ during the reception!
Photo by Gina Paulson Photography; Event Design by Gather Events
A bulldog joined the new Mr. and Mrs. for their first dance as husband and wife.
Photo by Tyler Branch Photo
Gather all of your animal companions for a breathtaking bridal shoot.
Photo by Jill DeVries Photography
One benefit of hosting your wedding at a farm, like this couple did? Plenty of cute four-legged friends to snap photos with!
Photo by Lindsay Collette; Event Design by Antonia Christianson Events
Sneak away from the reception to take a few shots with your furry pal.
Photo by Sonya Khegay; Planning by Planning by Ajur Wedding; Decor by Latte Decor
Who says just cats and dogs get to join the wedding festivities? This hippity-hoppity pair is too precious.
Photo by Jill DeVries Photography
This little goat was an honorary wedding party member.
Photo by Caroline Tran Photographer
Just when we thought we'd seen it all, this tuxedoed pig oinked its way into our hearts!
Photo by Sarah Goss Photography
If you're a fan of exotic animals, then an offbeat wedding venue such as a zoo or animal ranch will provide lots of fun photo ops for your nuptials. Here, the bride poses with a Kudu (a species of antelope) named Farah.
Photo by Eric & Jamie Photography
Fun Extras
No formal group shot would be complete without the cutest member of the family: your pet.
Photo by Kristyn Hogan; Event Design by Fête Nashville
Hire a pet sitter to care for your pet on the big day—you'll also want to have plenty of food and toys available to keep them comfortable and happy.
Photo by Krystal Zaskey Photography
At this wedding, the couple gifted horseshoes to their guests (in many cultures, placing a horseshoe over the door is believed to bring good luck).
Photo by Mary Kate McKenna Photography; Event Design by Bellwether Events
Instead of a traditional wedding favor, pay it forward with a donation to an animal rescue program or the ASPCA.
Photo by The Danger Booth
A large cutout of your cat's face is a must-have in your photo booth props arsenal. This way, they can photobomb all of your guests' pics!
Photo by Jenny DeMarco
Cake Toppers
A stunning floral wedding cake came with a hidden surprise—a replica of the couple's dog peeking out from beneath the bottom layer.
Photo by Rachel Buckley Weddings
A mini version of the newlyweds' pup was the finishing touch to this couple's confection.
Photo by Chudleigh Weddings
A cake topper with your pet's seal of approval is a definite crowd-pleaser.
Photo by Julie Wilhite Photography
A couple displayed cute miniature wooden figurines of their pet family on their buttercream-frosted cake.
Photo by Krystal Zaskey Photography
Wedding Exit
Ride off into the sunset with your furry friend in tow (or in basket!).
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