Dog friendly elopement at Lake Wenatchee

About Dog-Friendly Elopements

If you and your partner are planning an elopement and are also proud dog owners, including your furry friend in your special day can make it even more memorable. I may be biased (yes, we eloped with our dogs there too!), but it is amazing when you can have your dogs be present for your wedding day. Having a dog-friendly elopement allows you to celebrate your love while involving your beloved pet in a safe way. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

1. Choose a Dog-Friendly Elopement Location

When planning your elopement, consider selecting a venue or location that is dog-friendly. Although eloping at the National Parks around the United States is very common and will reward you with epic views, most, if not all National Parks do not allow dogs outside of the parking lots or designated campgrounds. One tip is to consider eloping in the National Forests, or State Parks instead. You’ll have similar views, less crowds, and are guaranteed to be able to include your dogs for your wedding day. I recommend doing some research beforehand to be safe. Some great websites to check out include WTA and looking at hike reports and whether or not dogs are allowed. If you’re looking for dog-friendly elopement locations in Washington, let’s chat! As a dog owner and lover myself, you can bet I have some of my favorite dog-friendly elopement spot recommendations for you.

2. Prepare Your Dog

Before the big day, ensure that your dog is well-prepared and comfortable with the event. Familiarize them with the elopement location by taking them for walks or brief visits prior to the ceremony. One thing that we did prior to our elopement was going on walks and hikes to that location prior. Alternatively, having the pup arrive a bit tired and have someone else take them for a long walk or hike before your elopement or wedding day can be helpful.

3. Assign a Dog Handler

Designate a responsible person to act as your dog handler during the elopement. If it is just the two of you, perhaps bring a long lead and tie it around a nearby area, or better yet, give the leash to your elopement photographer to help capture some of those photos of just the two of you. If you are bringing a few friends or close family members to your dog-friendly elopement wedding, have them hold onto your dog as needed. Pro tip: choose someone who is familiar with your dog's behavior and will ensure their comfort and safety throughout the day. If you have a dog like ours who has a high stranger-danger factor, ensure your dog handler is someone they are comfortable with. All in all, having a dedicated dog handler allows you and your partner to focus on your vows and enjoy the moment without worrying about your pet.

4. Incorporate Your Dog into the Ceremony

Create a meaningful role for your dog in your elopement ceremony. This could involve including them in the processional or having them deliver the rings. Assign a specific cue, such as a command or a signal, to involve your dog at the right moment. Practice these cues beforehand to ensure a smooth and seamless inclusion of your pet in the ceremony. Consider providing a comfortable space for your dog to rest during the ceremony if needed. Our dog Finn was our ring bearer and he did such a great job!

dog friendly elopement location at Deception Pass State park

5. Capture the Dog's Participation

Find a your elopement professional who is comfortably with dogs (me, pick me!) and who will bring treats that are safe for them to eat (also me!) to make sure that your dog can look the best during your wedding day.

6. Dog Wedding Attire

Consider dressing your dog in a special outfit for the occasion to match the wedding theme or your attire. You can find a variety of dog-friendly wedding outfits online or from pet boutiques. Just make sure that the outfit is comfortable, well-fitted, and doesn't restrict your dog's movement or senses. We bought a bow tie with a ring clip so our dog Finn could hold our rings on his collar for the wedding ceremony.

8. Safety First

Always prioritize your dog's safety during the elopement. Please always follow Leave no Trace at all times. That means keeping your dog on designated trails, picking up after your dog, and keeping them on leash at all times to prevent them from veering and damaging the wildlife. Follow leash laws and be respectful to others so we can all enjoy the outdoors safely.

Photo of Dog friendly Washington elopement at Leavenworth Washington

By following these tips, you can have a dog-friendly elopement that includes your beloved pet in the celebration of your love. Remember to plan ahead, be flexible, and embrace the joy that comes with having your faithful companion by your side on your special wedding day.

Meet your Adventure Elopement Photographer!

Hey! My name is Doug, your Adventure Elopement Photographer! Based in Washington State, but here capturing your adventure elopements throughout Washington, Oregon, or anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. I truly believe that couples should get married in a way that is truly authentic to them in a place that speaks to their heart. If you are ready to have a dreamy elopement or intimate wedding but are unsure of where to start, start with reaching out to me and let’s chat about how I can help make your wedding dreams come to life. Let me make your wedding dream come true from start to finish so you have one less thing to worry about. Feel free to email me at info@seatosummitphotos.com or fill out the contact form below. I can’t wait to hear from you!