Tips for a Dog-Friendly Elopement or Wedding
When your dog is part of your family, it can be hard to imagine getting married without them. They’re your companion, trail buddy, and have been by your side through thick and thin, so having a Dog-friendly elopement just makes sense. Plus, having your fur-baby with you on your special day makes the experience even more meaningful and way more you. That said, bringing your pup along does take a little extra planning to make sure everyone stays happy, safe, and stress-free.
As an elopement photographer, Certified Vet Tech, and lifelong pet parent, I’ve helped many couples plan wedding days that truly work for them and their dogs. Below, you’ll find practical advice on where to elope with your dog, how to prepare them for the day, and how to build a wedding timeline that feels calm, flexible, and genuinely enjoyable for all of you. First written in 2021, this guide has been fully updated with new locations, planning insights, and real-world experience from my years of photographing pet-friendly elopements across the West Coast.
Important note: While this guide focuses on dogs, many of these tips can also apply to cats, horses, and other companion animals as well!
Should I Include My Dog in My Elopement?
Your dog is part of your everyday life, your routines, and your sense of home, so, for a lot of couples, including them in your elopement makes total sense! Plus, having them there adds another layer of comfort and significance to your day.
At the same time, a dog-friendly elopement naturally comes with added logistics. Before deciding, it’s worth taking an honest look at your dog’s needs and your own expectations for the day.
If you can’t imagine getting married without your pup, then bring them along!
If you think having your dog there would create more stress than joy though, that’s okay too. You can always include them for part of the day (like during getting-ready photos or a first look), then have them relax with a handler later on.
If they aren’t able to be physically with you, you can incorporate their spirit through meaningful details, personalized attire, or ceremony elements.
When it comes to eloping with pets, There’s really no wrong decision. The right choice is the one that allows you to stay present and actually enjoy your wedding day.
What Are the Best Dog-Friendly Elopement Locations on the West Coast?
Once you’ve decided your pup is coming along, the next step is picking the perfect spot that suits both you and your dog.
From experience, national parks are rarely the best fit, as most only allow pets in developed areas near roads, which can limit both privacy and flexibility.
BLM land, national forests, and many state parks tend to be far more dog-friendly and are often way less crowded. You’ll still want to check regulations for your specific location, but these land types usually offer the best balance of access, scenery, and freedom.
Below I’m sharing a few of my tried and true dog-friendly elopement locations on the West Coast!
Portland, Oregon
Portland is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country, making it a natural choice if you want a balance of urban energy and easy access to nature for your elopement! The city is full of dog parks, pet-friendly restaurants, and accommodations that welcome four-legged guests. Nearby trails like Tryon Creek State Natural Area and Powell Butte also offer forested escapes without leaving the area.
For more ideas on where to elope with your dog, check out my full dog-friendly Portland guide.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Just east of Portland, sits the Columbia River Gorge, an area that combines dramatic scenery with convenient, pet-friendly amenities. Many of the lush forest trails and jaw-dropping waterfalls in this area allow dogs, including favorites like Wahclella Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. When you’re ready to head into town, there are lots of breweries, restaurants, and wineries that welcome dogs, making it easy to include your pet in your whole day!
Mount Hood, Oregon
Mount Hood National Forest is full of dog-friendly hikes and scenic Elopement spots! Trillium Lake offers shoreline access with iconic mountain views, and the 3.5-mile Tamanawas Falls Trail is a favorite for couples who want a waterfall backdrop. There’s a wide range of options here, which makes it easy to tailor the day to you and your dog’s comfort levels.
Central Oregon Coast
If you’re drawn to the coast, the central Oregon shoreline is one of the most dog-friendly places for an elopement. Unless otherwise posted, dogs are allowed off-leash, and crowds tend to be lighter than along the northern coast. That extra space can make a big difference for dogs who need room to move, sniff, and settle into new environments. Plus, with fewer people roaming around, you get a much more intimate elopement experience!
Mount Baker, Washington
Mount Baker is a great choice if you’re drawn to mountain views paired with dense, moody forests. Since it sits within Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest, you’ll find plenty of dog-friendly trails and scenic pull-offs to work with.
A few favorites include the 2.4-mile Horseshoe Bend Trail along the North Fork of the Nooksack River and the 6.5-mile Chain Lakes Loop, which offers wide-open views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan (plus a handful of alpine lakes along the route). Table Mountain is the only trail in this area that doesn’t allow dogs, so eloping here means you have plenty of solid options to choose from!
Alabama Hills, California
If you’re drawn to desert landscapes with a mountain backdrop, the Alabama Hills in California is a solid option. The area is managed by the BLM, which means dogs are allowed off-leash, and there’s plenty of space to explore without feeling boxed in. The proximity to the Sierra Nevada makes it easy to combine desert scenery with alpine views, all in one location. Fall is an especially good time to elope here, with cooler temps and smaller crowds.
How Do I Prep My Dog For My Elopement?
Once you’ve picked your dream location, it’s time to get your dog ready for the big day. A little prep here goes a long way in keeping your pup safe, happy, and stress-free.
Properly Train and Exercise Your Dog Before Your Elopement
Your wedding day isn’t just a big day for you; it’s a big day for your pet, too. Even healthy, well-behaved dogs can benefit from some training and conditioning in the weeks leading up to the elopement.
For example, I once photographed a couple whose dog was nervous and anxious. With a few weeks of pre-elopement training (including short visits from me) she was confident, calm, and fully engaged during the ceremony. It made a huge difference in both the photos and the couple’s stress levels.
Training ahead of time can include simple commands, leash practice, or getting your dog used to wearing a harness or outfit if you plan to dress them up. As a bonus, this preparation goes beyond your elopement day into your everyday life, from hikes to visits with friends and family!
Bring the Proper Supplies
A well-packed dog bag can make your elopement day way smoother. Here are some essentials to bring:
- Food, water, and portable bowls
- Treats for encouragement
- Paw protection for rocky trails or hot surfaces
- Leash and harness or collar
- Waste bags
- Fun accessories: bow ties, floral collars, bandanas, or even a tiny veil
For photos, I recommend keeping leashes neutral or matched to your outfits. Slip leashes are ideal, as they’re easy to manage and low-profile in pictures, unlike retractable leashes that can look bulky.
Consider Visiting the Vet
Before traveling, take your pet to the vet for a check-up to make sure they’re healthy and current on vaccines. If they have any health issues, this is a good chance to get guidance on keeping them safe and comfortable during your elopement.
It’s also smart to pack a mini emergency kit, including first aid supplies, any meds they need, and something to protect their paws on rough trails or hot sand. That way, should anything happen you’ll be able to easily handle it.
What Will My Day-of Timeline Look Like for my Dog-Friendly Elopement?
The beauty of an elopement is that you can build the day exactly how you want. Still, adding a dog, cat, horse, or other pet into the mix requires a bit of intentional planning. For an idea of what your day can look like, check out a sample timeline below.
- 8:00 am – Cook breakfast together
- 9:30 am – take a walk/play fetch
- 10:30 am – Getting ready
- 11:30 am – Create a first look with you and your dog
- 1:00 pm – Enjoy a picnic + kayaking
- 5:00 pm – ceremony
- 5:30 pm – Sunset portraits
- 7:30 pm – End with a private chef catering
I’m always happy to help you craft an elopement timeline that works for you and for your pooch. As a dog owner and certified vet tech, I know the little details that make having a dog at your wedding smooth, stress-free, and fun for everyone!
Pet-Friendly Elopement Photography Tips
To make sure your dog enjoys your elopement as much as you do, I like to start the planning process with a quick chat about how involved you want them to be. Some pups do best staying at home, so we can get photos at your Airbnb or hotel while you get ready. Others love being part of the whole day! There’s no right or wrong, but it’s helpful to have a plan for how you want your dog included.
During your elopement, I always recommend you bring along toys and treats so your pup has something to focus on. Not only does it make the day more fun for them, but it usually leads to better photos, too. I always bring backups, but every dog has their preferences, so bringing their favorites ensures they get exactly what they love.
Finally, no matter how much your dog is involved, I recommend carving out at least an hour of portraits with just the two of you. You can leave your dog with a trusted friend or guest, or have them wait safely in the car if it’s not too hot. This way, you get a little time to soak in the day together.
Assign a Pet Handler Beforehand
Even the best-behaved pet can benefit from a dedicated handler on your elopement day. Having someone watch over your furry friend means you don’t have to worry about them all the time, and you get the freedom to enjoy a few hours with just the two of you. Your handler can be a friend, family member, or a professional, whatever works best for you.
Wags & Garland Spotlight
If you are considering hiring a professional pup sitter for your elopement, I can’t recommend Wags & Garland enough!
Wags & Garland is the Pacific Northwest’s first wedding-day pet care company, and they’re all about making your pup’s day just as special as yours. They offer full-service support, including transportation to and from your elopement, help with photo posing, watching your dog throughout the day, and even capturing photos and videos from your dog’s perspective. All handlers are insured, so you can relax knowing your dog is in good hands!
Safety and Contingency Planning
When you’re eloping with your dog (or any other pet), the focus is on creating a day that feels safe, calm, and enjoyable for everyone. We’ll approach things with intention, plan thoughtfully, and stay flexible if the day asks us to pivot.
That means being paying attention to the terrain and wildlife, especially if your plans include hiking or exploring more remote areas. We’ll also take an honest look at what your dog can comfortably handle throughout the day, and keep them on a leash unless signage clearly allows otherwise. If at any point your pet seems stressed or off, we can slow down or adjust plans to keep them comfortable.
Even with the best preparation, things don’t always go as planned. Having a simple plan B in place (just in case your pet needs a break) ensures you can still enjoy your day to the fullest.
What are Creative Ways to Include My Dog in my Elopement?
There are so many fun ways to include your pet in your elopement! A few ideas to get you thinking:
- Do a first look with your pet
- Dress them up in a fun wedding outfits, bow ties, or floral collars
- Have them be a Ring bearer or flower pup for your ceremony
- incorporate their Paw prints into your vows or invitations
- Personalize their leashes, tags, or attire
Even if your dog can’t be there in person, you can still honor them with small, meaningful touches, like a piece of your attire, a detail in your decor, or a little remembrance setup if they have passed.
Some states even let dogs be official witnesses! Currently, 23 states, including California and Colorado, allow your dog to “pawprint” your wedding certificate.
What Budget Considerations Do I Need to Make For a Dog-Friendly Elopement?
Eloping with your furry friend can come with a few extra costs, so it’s good to know what to expect ahead of time.
The biggest challenge is usually lodging. Make sure you find a pet-friendly spot, whether that’s an Airbnb or a hotel that welcomes dogs. Give yourself plenty of time for this, in case you need to be picky or pivot to a different location.
Also, stock up on emergency gear, food, toys, and plan for a pet handler in advance. A little prep really helps make your day smooth and stress-free.
Kind Words From Couples Eloping With Their Dog
I’ve had the pleasure of helping couples include their dogs in their elopements, and it’s been so rewarding. Here’s a little of what people have shared about their experience!
“Sharlee was the absolute best we could have ever asked for. In the build up to our elopement, her communication was super clear and all of her resources were instrumental in our planning.
On the day of our elopement, Sharlee’s presence helped us feel so at ease. We are not used to being photographed, and she helped us all day with posing and finding the natural moments.
Her experience with animals was also an incredible addition! Having someone who was unbothered by barking and was knowledgeable about animal safety freed us from any extra stress throughout the day.
My wife and I got married just the two of us, our dog, and Sharlee. She helped our day feel so special, gave us the space and time we needed, and delivered the most beautiful images! Absolutely recommend!!!”
Planning a dog-friendly elopement can feel a little overwhelming, but having your pup by your side makes it more than worth it. They’re part of your family, and including them will make your whole experience even more memorable.
I’d love to help you create a personalized pet-friendly elopement experience! Check out my portfolio to see some past adventures I’ve documented with couples and their pets, or reach out via the contact form below to start planning your own. I can’t wait to help bring your pet-friendly elopement to life!
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