How to Have a Dog-Friendly Elopement

So you want to bring your sweet fur babies to your elopement or intimate wedding? 

DO IT. I always encourage my couples to bring their doggos if it’s a priority to include them. Plus, it means I get to pretend I have a dog for the day. While it’s fun and cute to have them as part of your day, there are some things to consider if you want to have a dog-friendly elopement. 

Temperament 

How does your babes behave around others? What are they like in public spaces? It’s really important to understand their anxiety levels so we can make the best plan for your day. If you know your dog is a little skiddish around people or other dogs, we can make intentional plans that allow them to be part of your day without putting them in uncomfortable situations. 

Bring a Bestie 

I HIGHLY recommend bringing along a trusted family member or friend to keep track of your pup during your special day. I tell all my couples to bring extra hands to make sure their fur babies are taken care of. If you want a super private dog-friendly elopement with only the two of you, we can definitely make it work, but it’s so much easier when there’s help coming with! Can you imagine being in the middle of your emotional vows, and then suddenly your dog takes off after a squirrel and creates chaos? Having help makes all the difference for a smooth day. 

Pack to be Prepared 

Bring treats and food, plenty of water, comfort items or a favorite toy, leashes, and poop bags. Some of these are great to use for a little bribery or during break times to keep them entertained. For leashes, I recommend simple, non-distracting colors so they blend in with your photos. And the poop bags! You’re going to need those to take care of their business, regardless of where we are. Leave No Trace. 

Location 

For my couples bringing along doggos, I try my best to recommend dog-friendly elopement locations that have lots of space and aren’t crowded. Certain parks, like Rocky Mountain National Park, are not super dog friendly, so always check out a location’s rules before deciding on a spot. At RMNP, there’s a ton of wildlife, so dogs are only allowed in certain areas of the park and are prohibited from trails and meadows. 

Did you know your dog can sign your marriage license?