How to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding Day
A familiar face at your feet. A happy greeting before the ceremony. A photograph that would not feel complete without them. Your dog can have a lovely place in the day, with a plan shaped around their comfort as well as your hopes.
At Shambala Estate, we welcome a conversation about including pets in your wedding. Tell our team early, so we can agree on suitable areas, timing and supervision for your celebration.
Choose the moment that suits your dog
Think about how your dog feels around unfamiliar people, music, children and busy gatherings. An aisle walk may suit one dog; another may be happiest seeing you briefly before the ceremony or joining a quiet garden portrait.
A short visit can carry just as much meaning as a longer appearance. Choose the moment for the connection it gives you, and leave room to change the plan if your dog seems unsettled on the day.
Arrange care with someone they trust
Ask a familiar person or a professional pet attendant to manage your dog’s arrival, water, breaks and departure. Choose someone who is free to focus on them rather than also giving speeches or taking part in key wedding moments.
This is care for your pet, separate from the wedding coordination. Our five coordinators share your wedding plans and can work the agreed pet arrangements into the running plan. The person looking after your dog needs to understand the timing and the alternative plan too.
Keep their role simple
You might walk in together, meet before the ceremony or pause for portraits after the vows. Let your celebrant and photographer know what you are hoping for and how long your dog will be there.
If you are imagining a ring-carrying role, ask your celebrant how to keep the actual rings secure. Use a familiar lead and make sure any clothing or accessories are comfortable. Try them beforehand rather than introducing them for the first time at the ceremony.
Make a clear arrival and departure plan
Confirm where your dog will arrive, where they can wait and which areas are suitable for them. Bring water, a bowl, waste bags and anything familiar that helps them settle. Ask how warm weather or a change of ceremony setting would affect the arrangements.
Plan the journey home as carefully as the arrival. If your dog is staying with you, check the pet-friendly cottage arrangements and booking conditions separately. Wedding attendance and overnight accommodation need their own plans; neither means your dog should be left unattended.
Consider the guests around them
Tell our team about any known allergies, fears or practical concerns so we can discuss positioning and movement. Keep your dog supervised, and talk through the areas used for food service.
For photographs, choose a short window and an uncomplicated location. Ordinary moments—a cuddle, a walk or a quiet greeting—often say more than a carefully staged pose. Follow your dog’s energy rather than trying to achieve every image on a list.
Keep a gentle alternative ready
If your dog is tired, overwhelmed or unable to attend, a photograph on the welcome table, a small illustration or a mention in the ceremony can still give them a place in the story. Agree who can decide to shorten the visit, without needing to interrupt you.
Tell us about your dog, the moments you would love to share and the person who will care for them. We will help you explore a plan that feels personal and comfortable. Read our pet-friendly wedding page and wedding journey guide as you begin.