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When you get married, you want your favorite people by your side… and sometimes, the most important guest has four legs.

Dogs are truly the best kind of friend. They are part of your routines, your adventures, and the life you have built together, so it makes complete sense to want them with you when you get married. Your dog may make the logistics a little more interesting, but they can also make your elopement feel even more like you.

Whether your pup joins you for the entire adventure, hangs out while you get ready, or makes a brief appearance for your ceremony and portraits, there are so many ways to include them. The goal is to create an experience that feels exciting for you without asking your dog to do more than they are comfortable with.

Here are some of my favorite dog wedding ideas, along with everything you need to consider when planning a dog-friendly elopement.

How to include your dog in your elopement

Your dog can be part of your elopement in whatever way works best for you and for them. A dog who spends every weekend on the trail may be thrilled to hike beside you all day. Another may be much happier helping you get ready, joining you for your ceremony, and then heading back to your lodging for a nap.

They do not have to participate in every moment to be a meaningful part of the experience.

Here are a few ways to include your dog:

• Have your dog act as your best man, maid of honor, or dog of honor.
• Let them hang out with you while you get ready.
• Have them carry the rings or walk down the aisle as your flower pup.
• Dress them in a wedding bandana, bow tie, flower collar, or greenery wreath.
• Attach a GoPro to a comfortable, properly fitted harness so you can see part of the day from their perspective.
• Add a doggie cake topper to your cake.
• Choose a new leash or collar that coordinates with your flowers or wedding colors.
• Mention them in your vows.
• Bring a favorite toy and plan a little time to play together.
• Celebrate afterward at a dog-friendly brewery or patio. BringFido can help you begin your search, but always confirm the current pet policy directly with the business before arriving.

Your dog’s role does not need to be elaborate. Honestly, some of the best moments happen when they completely ignore the plan, bark during your vows, roll in something questionable, or decide your bouquet looks delicious.

If bringing your dog to the ceremony is not possible, you can still include them in getting-ready photos, plan a private first look with them, add their image to your vows or details, bring a small keepsake, or use a custom illustration or cake topper. They can still be part of the story without being physically present for the entire day.

Dog accessories for your elopement

If your furry best friend plans to dress up for the occasion, there are some ridiculously cute options:

• Custom dog wedding koozies
• Dog bow ties
• Dog flower collars or greenery collars
• Dog of honor tags– These are so cute!
• Dog wedding bandanas

Whatever you choose, let your dog try it on before the wedding. Make sure it fits properly, does not restrict their breathing or movement, and cannot easily catch on branches or brush. If you want to use fresh flowers or greenery, ask your florist to confirm that every plant included is safe for dogs.

And if your dog clearly hates their outfit? Let it go. They will still look excellent without a flower crown.

Can your dog sign your marriage certificate?

Maybe, but you need to ask the county issuing your license before putting an ink-covered paw anywhere near the official document.

Colorado allows couples to solemnize their own marriage, which means an officiant and witnesses are not legally required. That has made it popular for couples to add their dog’s paw print to the witness section as a symbolic signature.

However, your dog is not serving as a legal witness, and paw-print acceptance varies by county. Some Colorado counties allow it, while others, including Denver and El Paso County, specifically prohibit paw prints on official marriage licenses because they can interfere with recording and scanning the document.

If this is something you would love to do, contact the clerk and recorder’s office where you plan to obtain and return your marriage license. Ask whether a paw print is permitted and exactly where it may be placed. Do not add anything to the official license until you receive instructions from that office.

If the county does not allow it, have your dog “sign” a decorative copy instead. You still get the paw print to frame without creating a problem with your legal paperwork.

How to find a dog-friendly elopement location

Finding a beautiful elopement location that also allows dogs can take a little digging. The rules may change from one park, trail, beach, or forest to the next, and “dog-friendly” does not necessarily mean your dog can go everywhere or be off leash.

This is where I can help. Location research is part of how I support my couples, and I have experience finding places where dogs can safely join the adventure. I look beyond whether dogs are technically allowed and consider the terrain, weather, wildlife, crowds, leash rules, and how much time your dog will realistically enjoy spending outside.

Once we narrow down the possibilities, you will confirm the current regulations and complete any required reservations or permit applications with the agency managing the location.

Here are a few places to begin:

• Do not immediately rule out every National Park, but check the exact park rules. Many National Parks allow pets in developed areas, campgrounds, parking areas, and along certain roads, but access to trails and backcountry areas is often limited. Every park has its own rules, so check the park’s current pet information through the National Park Service.
• Look at state parks and state forests. Many offer dog-friendly options, although leash requirements, seasonal restrictions, and trail access vary by location.
• Explore National Forest and BLM-managed land. Dogs are welcome on many BLM-managed trails, but the rules are not identical everywhere. Check the specific location and contact the local office if anything is unclear.
• Use AllTrails as a starting point. The dog-friendly filter on AllTrails can help you discover possible hikes, but it should not be your final source for current regulations. Always verify the rules with the agency managing the land.

When considering a location, think honestly about your dog’s personality and experience. A busy trail, long hike, steep scramble, hot desert, or wildlife-heavy area may not be the right choice for every dog. The best location is one where all three of you can actually enjoy being there.

What to pack for your dog on your elopement day

Bringing your dog along requires a little extra preparation. You can give them their own doggy backpack if they are already comfortable carrying one, or reserve some space in yours.

Pack:

• Plenty of water and a collapsible bowl
• Their usual food
• High-value treats
• A sturdy collar or harness
• A leash that follows the location’s length requirements
• Waste bags and a sealed container for packing out used bags
• Wedding attire and accessories
• Paw protection when the terrain or temperature requires it
• A towel for mud, rain, sand, or an unexpected swim
• Any medications they need
• A small pet first-aid kit
• A favorite toy
• An extra leash
• Current identification tags
• Proof of vaccinations if required by your lodging, venue, or activity provider

Check the weather and trail conditions before leaving. Hot pavement, sharp rock, snow, ice, and long stretches without water can completely change what your dog needs. Depending on the region and season, you may also need to prepare for ticks, foxtails, snakes, rough vegetation, or encounters with wildlife.

Rain, on the other hand, may be your dog’s personal invitation to find the nearest mud puddle.

Tips for eloping with your dog

Eloping with your dog can be incredibly fun, but it adds another moving piece to the day. A little preparation gives everyone more room to relax and enjoy the experience.

• Choose lodging that genuinely welcomes your dog. You can search for pet-friendly stays on Airbnb, but always read the complete house rules. Some hosts limit the number, size, or breed of pets, charge an additional fee, or do not allow dogs to be left alone in the property. Message the host directly if anything is unclear.
• Bring something that gets their attention. A favorite toy, squeaker, or high-value treat can be very helpful when it is time for a few photographs.
• Invite a dog handler. A trusted friend or family member can hold the leash during your ceremony, take your dog for a walk, offer water, or bring them back to your lodging when they have had enough. If you want a completely private ceremony, you can also hire a professional pet attendant.
• Give your dog breaks. They do not need to pose, hike, or socialize all day. Make room in the timeline for water, food, rest, and a chance to decompress.
• Be honest about what your dog enjoys. If your dog becomes anxious around strangers, wildlife, loud noises, other dogs, or long car rides, we can build their involvement around what feels good for them. Including your dog should make the day more meaningful, not create an experience they have to endure.
• Follow every leash rule. Even a dog with excellent recall can chase wildlife, approach another dog, or become frightened in an unfamiliar environment. Those rules protect your dog, wildlife, and everyone else using the land.
• Pack out all dog waste. I have completed Leave No Trace education, and my couples and I follow the seven Leave No Trace principles throughout the elopement. That includes packing out filled waste bags rather than leaving them beside the trail to collect later.
• Know where to find help. Before heading somewhere remote, save the contact information and directions for the nearest veterinarian or emergency animal hospital. You may not have reliable cell service once you arrive.
• Make a backup plan. Weather, trail conditions, wildlife activity, illness, anxiety, or changing land regulations could make the original plan uncomfortable or unsafe for your dog. Decide in advance who can take over, where your dog can rest, and how you will include them differently if they cannot join the full adventure.

A backup plan does not mean you expect something to go wrong. It means you can make the kindest decision for your dog without having to figure everything out in the middle of your wedding day.

Your elopement photographer & dog portrait photographer

Your dog may sit beautifully beside you while you exchange vows. They may also wrap the leash around your legs, shake rainwater all over your wedding clothes, or stare directly at the treats in my hand instead of the camera.

All of that belongs in the story.

I would love to meet you and your best friend and help you create an elopement that makes room for both of you. If you need help finding a dog-friendly location, building a timeline, or deciding how your pup fits into the experience, send me a message.

Tell me what you want to experience together and, obviously, your dog’s name.