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Pets are part of the family, and when it comes to your wedding, you might be wondering how to include your four-legged family members in your special day. Many couples share a deep bond with their dogs, cats, or other pets—some even say their fur babies have been with them longer than their partners! So, it makes sense to want to involve them in your wedding.

At Kate Holt Photography, we’ve had the pleasure of working with many couples who have pets that hold a special place in their hearts. If you're wondering how to include your dog, cat, or other furry friends in your wedding day, we've got some creative tips to make your day even more memorable! 🐾💍

Here are our top tips for incorporating your fur baby into your wedding day. And hey, if you end up using any of these, send us a pic of your pet—we'd LOVE to see them!

Tip #1: Assign a Pet Wrangler for Your Fur Baby

On your wedding day, you’ll be busy! From getting into your dress to posing for a thousand photos, there’s no shortage of things to do. But what about your pet? You’ll want to ensure they’re well cared for, so having a "pet wrangler" is essential.

A pet wrangler is someone who will take care of your pet’s transportation, feeding, and overall care during the day. It’s important to choose someone who is familiar with your pet (so they’ll feel comfortable) and isn’t part of your wedding party. That way, they can focus on your pet while everyone else enjoys the ceremony.

Be sure to provide your wrangler with your pet's essentials—collar, leash, carrier, treats, food, and water—either the night before or first thing in the morning. This allows your wrangler to handle everything smoothly and gives you peace of mind!

Tip #2: Plan Pet Portraits at the Start of Your Wedding Photos

The best time to include your pet in your wedding photos is right at the start. If you're planning a First Look with your partner, plan for your pet to join in for a few portraits afterward. Afterward, your pet can be taken back to a comfortable space for a break while you continue with family and bridal party photos.

If you’re sticking with a more traditional timeline, have your pet join you right after the ceremony for portraits before you sign your marriage license. This way, you won’t have to worry about your pet being left alone during the post-ceremony hustle.

By incorporating your pet early in the day, you ensure they’re part of the moment while keeping things stress-free. And, you’ll have time for your wrangler to take your pet to a safe, quiet place so you can enjoy the rest of the reception!

Tip #3: Use Treats or Toys for the Perfect Pet Portrait

We all know how hard it can be to get the perfect shot of our pets. So, don’t be afraid to bring along a treat or toy to catch their attention during portraits! Whether you're hoping for a posed shot or a candid moment, a little incentive goes a long way in getting your fur baby to look at the camera.

Treats or toys are a great way to make sure your pet behaves during portraits. Your photographer will appreciate it too, as it can help keep your pet calm and engaged for the best shots possible.

Tip #4: Honor Your Pet If Your Venue Doesn’t Allow Animals

If your chosen venue doesn’t allow pets, don’t worry—you can still include your fur baby in your wedding through other creative touches! For example, consider incorporating their image into your wedding décor.

One couple had custom porcelain cat figurines dressed in wedding attire to represent their indoor cats, who couldn’t attend their coastal wedding. Another couple used a wooden cake topper with their dogs curled up at their feet. These personalized touches made their pets a meaningful part of their celebration.

Whether through photos, figurines, or personalized jewelry, there are countless ways to honor your pet on your wedding day—even if they can’t physically attend.

Tip #5: Have Your Pet Be the Ring Bearer!

Got a pup who comes when you call? Why not let them bring your rings down the aisle as your ring bearer? You can tie a small box to your dog’s collar and have your "pet wrangler" stand nearby to guide them down the aisle at the right moment.

This can also be done with a trusted friend or family member who can walk your pet down the aisle if you’re not planning to have them participate directly. It’s a fun and sweet way to involve your fur baby in the ceremony!

Bonus Tip: Include Your Fur Baby in Your Engagement Photos

If your pet isn’t quite ready for wedding day duties or you’re worried about them disrupting the ceremony, why not include them in your engagement photos instead? Engagement shoots are a perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful moments with your pet without worrying about ceremony logistics.

Bring a “pet wrangler” along to handle your pet during the shoot, allowing you to get those cute pet photos done at the start of the session. Then, your wrangler can take your pet home while you and your partner enjoy the rest of your engagement shoot.