Little Paws, Big Love: Meaningful Ways to Include Your Pets in Your Elopement
When couples start planning their elopement, one question often comes up: “But what about our pets?”.
Our furry (or feathery!) friends are family, they’re part of your story, your daily life, and often even part of how your love grew. So, it’s only natural to want them included in such a meaningful day.
Whether you’re bringing them along or finding creative ways to make them feel close from afar, here are our favorite ideas for incorporating your pets into your elopement day.
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1. Bring Them Along for the Adventure
If your travel plans & elopement spot allow, bring your pets along for the day. Let them join your ceremony, be part of your portraits, or even walk down the “aisle” with you in nature.
Just make sure your pet is comfortable outdoors and bring water, snacks, and a cozy blanket for them to rest on.
Few things are more heart-melting than seeing your dog for example trotting down the path with a little ring pouch attached to their collar. It’s adorable, emotional, and unforgettable - just make sure the rings are secured and that someone’s ready to help if your furry ring bearer gets distracted by all the smells.
2. Add a Personal Touch to Your Outfits
There are so many subtle and meaningful ways to include your pet in your look:
Custom cufflinks engraved with their face or name
A small paw print embroidered inside your jacket, your tie or veil
Custom socks with your pet’s face - they’ll make you smile every time you look down
Custom Slippers for your getting ready
3. Customize Your Accessories
Tiny details carry so much heart. Here are our favorite ideas:
A photo or charm tied to your bouquet
Their name or paw print engraved inside your rings or your ringbox
Miniature figurines of your pets that you can use as cake topper
Add their photo to your vow books
A signature scent or perfume inspired by your home or your pet’s favorite spot
An elopement sign tied to your backpack or their harness for a playful touch in photos
If your dog can be present on the day itself, consider a bandana with a funny or cute phrase like ‘Elopement Crew’ or ‘Ring Security’ or bow ties and floral collars to match your elopement theme.
4. Bring a Cardboard Cutout or Photo Standee
If your pet can’t travel due to distance or regulations, bring a printed standee or photo board instead! We’ve seen couples take portraits ‘with’ their pets this way! It’s funny, adorable, and surprisingly touching.
5. Schedule a Video Call With Them
If your pet is at home, schedule a quick video call after the ceremony (with the help of your pet sitter or family). It’s such a fun moment - couples often laugh and tear up seeing their furry friend’s face pop up on screen after saying ‘I Do’.
6. Tattoos That Last Forever
If your pet has been your lifelong companion, a small tattoo is a beautiful tribute. Some couples even choose to get matching tattoos on their elopement day - maybe their paw print, name, or a symbol that represents them.
7. Add a Fun Twist to Your Celebration
Even if your pets can’t attend, you can raise a glass to them:
Mix your own signature cocktails and name them after your pets (like ‘Luna’s Lemon Fizz’)
Use custom drink stirrers or napkins with their face printed on them
Or include them into your elopement playlist - if you have a song that reminds you of your pet, add it to the mix
8. Let Them Write You a ‘Letter’
Yes, really! Ask a friend or family member to write a letter from your pet’s perspective for you to read on your elopement day. It’s guaranteed to make you laugh, and probably cry a little, too.
No matter how you include them, your pets bring an extra layer of love and authenticity to your elopement day. Whether they’re wagging their tails beside you or watching from home, their presence - physical or symbolic - makes your story even more uniquely yours.
Because in the end, elopements are all about creating a day that truly reflects who you are. And if your story includes muddy paws, wagging tails, or tiny whiskers… that’s pure magic!