You can’t imagine your elopement day without your dog – I totally get it. That’s why I’ve written this guide so that you know exactly how to successfully include your dog in your elopement day. 

If reading this has you excited and a little unsure where to start, that’s completely normal. As your elopement photographer, I’m here to help you turn ideas into a clear, stress-free plan.

Decide How You Would Like to Include Your Dog

It’s important to plan your elopement day with intention and care, and the decision of how to include your dog is no exception. Think through if it makes sense to include your dog in the whole day or just part of the day. If you are not including your dog in your whole day, here are some great activities throughout an elopement day in which you could easily include them:

• Hiking
• Vows (in some states, you can even have them sign your marriage license!)
• Portraits
• Adventure (canoeing, kayaking, day on the lake, etc.)

Choose a Dog-Friendly Location for Your Elopement

If you are wanting to include your dog in your ceremony, it’s very important to choose a dog-friendly location. You’ll likely need to avoid nature preserves (dogs usually aren’t allowed) and anything that’s too technical/could be potentially dangerous for a dog. 

You’ll also want to consider your dog’s personality. Are they easily distracted by passersby and other dogs? If so, you’ll want to choose a quieter, less traveled location to avoid disruptions.

And finally, make sure you are also aware of leash laws and other trail regulations about dogs so you don’t risk fines.

You don’t have to have this all figured out. If you want help choosing the right location for your elopement, I’d love to walk you through it as your elopement photographer.

Keep Your Dog’s Needs in Mind

To make sure everything goes smoothly during your elopement, you’ll want to make sure you have your dog’s needs in mind as you are planning. 

Consider things like:

• Trail length and difficulty
• Temperature and terrain
• Breaks for water, snacks, and rest (hey, you need that too!)

If your dog is comfortable, it’ll be easier for the two of you to stay present and relaxed during your elopement.

Keep the Adventure Dog-Friendly

Depending on your dog’s adventure level, it can often be easier to choose simpler hikes for them to accompany you on. For example, if your dog isn’t used to hiking with you in the mountains, your elopement might not be the time to include them in a 6-mile hike there. 

It’s also often a better experience for all involved if you are choosing activities that allow pauses and flexibility. Avoid long, technical, or stressful plans. At the end of the day, what’s most important is having a fun shared experience together.

If you want an elopement photographer who also helps with location ideas, timelines, and logistics, I’d love to connect and see if we’re a good fit.

What to Bring for Your Dog

To help keep your dog comfortable throughout your elopement, I recommend bringing the following items:

• Leash, harness, waste bags
• Collapsible bowl and extra water
• Treats or chews
• Towel for muddy paws

As an elopement photographer, I provide couples with a custom packing list to help take the guess work out of preparing for your elopement.

Getting Extra Support for Your Dog

There are a few instances where it might be a good idea to enlist the support of a friend or local sitter. 

• If you will be including your dog in only part of your day
• If you will be going on longer excursions without your dog and won’t be able to return to your lodging to let your dog out
• If your dog is nervous or high-energy and you need help having someone watch them while you are saying your vows or doing portraits together

This can help relieve stress and ensure things run smoothly during your elopement.

Choose Vendors Who Are Comfortable With Dogs

If you’re including your dog in your elopement day, it’s important to find a photographer who is comfortable with pets and understands how to help you plan for a dog-friendly elopement. 

Here are some things to make sure of:

• Is comfortable with dogs (especially if you have a larger dog)
• Your photographer has experience photographing pets
• Will be patient and unhurried throughout your elopement
• Has experience with dog-friendly elopements

Get Started Planning Your Dog-Friendly Elopement

Elopements with dogs are one of my favorite things about being an elopement photographer. I know how important our pets are, and I love meeting your dogs and helping you include them in your day. If you’re ready to start planning your dog-friendly elopement and want support every step of the way, I’d love to help.