How to Elope With Your Dog, From your elopement photographer

From a fellow dog lover and your elopement expert, read here for how to elope with your dog:

Your elopement is all about celebrating love in the most personal and meaningful way—so why wouldn’t you want to bring your four-legged best friend along for the adventure? Whether you’re planning a mountaintop ceremony, a cozy woodland vow exchange, or a seaside elopement, including your dog in your special day can make it even more memorable.

But let’s be real—dogs bring joy, excitement, and sometimes a little chaos! That’s why planning ahead is key. If you’re wondering how to elope with your dog successfully, here are some tried-and-true dog-friendly elopement tips to make sure the day runs smoothly for both you and your pup.

1. Pick a Dog-Friendly Elopement Location

Not all elopement spots are created equal when it comes to accommodating dogs. Before settling on a location, check for:
✔️ Pet-friendly trails and venues – Many national parks and private venues have specific dog policies.
✔️ Ease of access – Consider if your pup can handle the hike, beach terrain, or rocky pathways.
✔️ Safety factors – Avoid areas with steep cliffs, extreme weather, or hazards like prickly plants or strong tides.

Some amazing dog-friendly elopement locations include secluded mountain trails, state parks, and open meadows where your pup can roam safely by your side.

2. Prep Your Pup for the Big Day

Even if your dog is a total adventure pro, they’ll need some preparation before your elopement.

🐾 Get them used to their outfit – If they’re rocking a floral collar or bowtie, let them wear it a few times before the big day.
🐾 Practice posing – Dogs are unpredictable! A few practice runs with your photographer can help them get comfortable with the camera.
🐾 Update their tags – Make sure they have up-to-date ID tags in case they decide to go on their own adventure.

If your pup isn’t great at off-leash commands, consider using a stylish, neutral-colored leash to keep them close without it distracting from your photos.

3. Bring a Designated Dog Handler

Your elopement day is about you—which means you don’t want to be worrying about bathroom breaks or keeping your dog from chasing a squirrel mid-ceremony. Having a trusted friend, family member, or hired pet handler on-site can make things so much easier. They can:

✔️ Hold your pup during moments when you need your hands free.
✔️ Keep them entertained while you take romantic couple portraits.
✔️ Make sure they have food, water, and breaks throughout the day.

If you’re bringing your dog to your elopement but want a bit of flexibility, having a handler allows you to have the best of both worlds!

4. Plan for Weather & Comfort

Your dog’s comfort is just as important as yours on your elopement day!

🐶 Hot weather – Bring plenty of water, a cooling bandana, and find shade to keep them from overheating.
🐶 Cold weather – Consider a cozy jacket, paw protection, and check for snow/ice that could make walking uncomfortable.
🐶 Rainy days – A waterproof blanket or towel can help keep your pup dry between photos.

No matter the season, be sure to pack extra treats, a portable water bowl, and poop bags to keep everything clean and stress-free.

5. Incorporate Your Dog in the Ceremony & Photos

One of the best parts of including your pup in your elopement is capturing those unforgettable moments! Here are a few fun ways to include them:

📸 Walking down the aisle – Have your dog accompany one of you to the ceremony spot.
📸 Ring bearer duties – Secure the rings to their collar (just make sure they don’t run off!).
📸 Snuggles during vows – Let them sit beside you as you exchange vows.
📸 First family portrait – Capture a photo with your pup as your first family moment after saying “I do.”

Your photographer will also have some creative ideas to highlight your pup in a way that feels fun, natural, and totally you.

6. Have a Post-Ceremony Plan for Your Pup (before you elope)

Once you’ve said your vows and taken those dreamy portraits, think about what’s next for your dog. If you’re heading out to a fancy dinner or taking some solo newlywed photos, arrange for someone to take them back to your lodging or pet-sit for the evening.

This ensures your dog has a comfortable place to rest while you celebrate the rest of your wedding day stress-free!

Final Thoughts on How to Elope with Your Dog

Bringing your pup along for your elopement is such a special way to honor the bond you share. With a little preparation and some dog-friendly planning, you’ll be able to include them in a way that feels effortless and fun! Hopefully now you feel more in control of how to elope with your dog.

Looking for a dog-loving elopement photographer who understands how important your furry friend is? Let’s chat! I’d love to help you create an elopement day that’s stress-free, full of joy, and completely tailored to you (and your pup!).

Rock on, and happy eloping! 🐾✨

Need more inspiration? Check out my elopement client guide, with dog training tips to prep for the big day (Read here)

Need some more inspiration? check out my other blogs here