50 Too-Cute Ways to Include Your Pet in Your Wedding

Updated 12/18/20

dog smiling — PHOTO BY REBECCA YALE PHOTOGRAPHY

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.

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.

How to Include Your Pet in Your Wedding — Bailey Mariner/Brides

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, décor, 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 photos below.

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Walk Down the Aisle Together

Your pet is your ultimate furry companion who has been there for you through all of the ups and downs, so why not have them accompany you down the aisle, too?

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Pose for Pictures

Dog posing with dress — Photography by Gema

Pose your fur baby next to your gown for a still-life shot that's too cute for words.

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Dress Your Pup in Festive Attire

Dog sitting on dress hem in bowtie — Emilia Jane Photography

A dapper dog makes himself right at home in fluffy layers of tulle.

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Invite Your Pup to the Getting Ready Suite

Dog laying next to bride's shoes — Anna Jones Photography

This puppy is already all tuckered out from all the excitement—and cuddles, no doubt—in the bride's getting ready suite.

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Take Photos Together

Bride with bridesmaids and dog — Rebecca Yale Photography

Here, the standard "bridesmaids on a bed" photo gets the cutest upgrade.

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Take a Squad Pic

dog in tux with bridesmaids — Sara Lobla

Even model Shanina Shaik invited a four-legged friend to her wedding to DJ Ruckus.

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Have Fun

This little pup wants to help the bride get dressed, too.

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Consider Your Cats

Cats with garland collars sitting on window — Lucy Cuneo

Harley Viera-Newton's cats were the belles of the ball in handmade flower crowns to distinguish their dignified place within the wedding party.

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Order Unique Ring Holders

Cat ring holder — Julie Wilhite Photography

Safeguard your rings with a pet-inspired accessory holder.

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Have a Real Ring "Holder"

Cat with engagement ring — Caroline Studios

If your pet is very obedient, snap a well-timed photo of your ring resting on their nose or paw.

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Give Your Pup a Kiss

Bride kissing dog — SOPHIE KAYE PHOTOGRAPHY

Stoop down to your dog's level for some well-deserved nose kisses.

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Allow for Some Alone Time

Scoop your furry friend into your arms for a heartwarming pic that will be a wedding album highlight.

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Incorporate Their Likeness in the Bridal Ensemble

This bride had her veil embroidered with the sweetest depiction of her cherished dog. Now that's love.

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Wear Your Loved One on Your Sleeve

Dog illustration on pocket square — Krystal Zaskey Photography

A groom gave a shout-out to his pup with a customized pocket square in his likeness.

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Walk Your Pup Down the Aisle

Puppy being walked down aisle by page boy — Dennis Kwan Photography; Event Design by Gather Events

Lots of squealing will ensue when your flower girl or ring bearer walks your little pride and joy down the aisle.

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Have a Ring Bearer

Dog with ring bearer pillow — 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).

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Plan a Separate Processional

Dog walking down aisle with GoPro — D&A Photography

This couple attached a GoPro to their canine, capturing one-of-a-kind footage during their wedding ceremony.

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Make a Grand Entrance

Groom riding horse down aisle — Austin Gros Photography

We're swooning over this Southern groom's cowboy-style entrance on his steed.

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Have Company at the Altar

Grooms exchanging rings with dogs at their feet — Austin Gros Photography; Event Design by Fête Nashville

Here, two adorable bystanders look on as a pair of grooms exchange rings.

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Make a Greenery Wreath

Golden retriever in floral wreath — Jordan Voth Photography

Deck out your dog with a gorgeous wreath or collar made of greenery.

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Wrap Their Leash in Greenery

Dog on floral leash — Kaysha Weiner Photographer

A harness and leash completely covered with flowers are 100 percent Instagram-worthy.

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Dress Her Up in a Dress

Bride kissing dog in wedding dress — Clayton Austin

The cutest flower girl we ever did see.

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Dress Him Up in a Tux

Brides holding puppy in blue tux — Luna del Mar; Event Planning by Gold Leaf Event Design

This little pup in a navy tux looks dapper as can be.

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Wear Whatever Feels Natural

Newlyweds walking dogs in tutu and collar — Rebecca Yale Photography

With a pink tutu and fancy collar, this canine duo stole the show.

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Consider a Floral Collar

A wreath of greenery and this little guy is ready for the spotlight.

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Opt for a Bow Tie

Dog with gingham bowtie and floral leash — Hannah Costello; Event Planning by Sarah Dollar of LB Event Planning & Design; Floral Design by Jenn Sanchez

If your pup isn't a fan of dressing up, you can attach a small bow tie onto their collar instead of trying to get them into a full ensemble.

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Coordinate Matching Outfits

Dog wearing cape — Trevor Akanger; Event Design by Aaron Hahnselle

Just as the groom's donned comic-inspired capes for their second line parade, so did their super pup, Moose.

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Take Engagement Photos Together

Couple with dog in mountains — jin chu ferrer / Getty Images

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.

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Add an Illustration to the Invitation Suite

Ask your stationer to create a custom illustration of your pet for your save-the-date, like this charming design by Pickett's Press.

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Consider Your Stationery

Invitations with chickens — Kristi Odom Photography; Event Design by Bellwether Events

A couple who owns chickens paid homage to their feathery friends in their wedding invitation.

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Think About Other Paper Goods As Well

Dog table numbers — Britta Marie Photography

You can also use an illustrated motif throughout all of your wedding stationery for a whimsical feel.

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Get Creative With the Escort Card Display

Horse show ribbon escort card display — Brandon Kidd Photography

"Best in show" ribbons guided guests to their seats at this equestrian-themed wedding.

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Take Formal Photos

Newlyweds walking dogs — Andrew Bayda and Misha Moon

Sneak away from the reception to take a few shots with your furry pals.

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Make a Punny Sign

Escort card display with dogs — Caroline Tran Photographer

How clever is this fetching escort card display?

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Don't Forget the Cocktail Napkins

Kitty cocktail napkins for the win.

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Remember the Bar Menu

The couple's dog made a special appearance on their signature drink menu.

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Make Pillows That You Can Reuse at Home

Dog portrait throw pillow — Caroline Tran Photographer

Personalize your wedding lounge furniture by including a pillow with your favorite breed.

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Go for the Unexpected

There was an alpaca at this wedding—an alpaca!

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Let Everyone Play

Who's ready to party? This pup, who cuddled up to the DJ during the reception, definitely is.

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Dance Together

Newlyweds dancing with dog — Gina Paulson Photography; Event Design by Gather Events

A bulldog joined the new Mr. and Mrs. for their first dance as husband and wife.

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Embrace Farm Animals

Bride with horse and dogs — Tyler Branch Photo

Gather all of your animal companions for a breathtaking bridal shoot.

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Make New Friends

lamb in flower collar — 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.

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Take Family Photos

Newlyweds with pig — Caroline Tran Photographer

Just when we thought we'd seen it all, this tuxedoed pig oinked its way into our hearts.

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DIY Fun Details

Horseshoe placecard — 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).

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Consider Giving Back

Donation sign — 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.

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Have Photo Booth Props

Couple with cat prop in photobooth — 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.

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Hide a Mini Me in the Cake

Sugar puppy peeking out of bottom of cake — Jenny DeMarco

A stunning floral wedding cake came with a hidden surprise—a replica of the couple's dog peeking out from beneath the bottom layer.

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Showcase Your Pup as a Cake Topper

Wedding Cake with Dog Topper — Rachel Buckley Weddings

A mini version of the newlyweds' pup was the finishing touch to this couple's confection.

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Add a Sign to the Cake Topper

A cake topper with your pet's seal of approval is a definite crowd-pleaser.

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Make the Cake (and the Wedding) a Family Affair

Cake toppers — Julie Wilhite Photography

A couple displayed cute miniature wooden figurines of their pet family on their buttercream-frosted cake.