Your wedding day is a celebration of love, and for many couples, that includes their furry, four-legged family members. Including pets in your wedding photos can add an extra layer of joy and personality to your special day, but it also requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some dos and don'ts for incorporating pets into your wedding photos:


Dos:

  1. Plan Ahead: Incorporating pets into your wedding photos requires careful planning and coordination. Discuss your intentions with your photographer well in advance to ensure they're prepared to capture memorable moments with your furry friends.
  2. Choose Pet-Friendly Vendors: Select pet-friendly vendors who are comfortable working with animals. This includes your venue, photographer, and any other vendors involved in your wedding day. Make sure they're aware of your plans to include pets in your photoshoots and discuss any special accommodations that may be needed.
  3. Include Them in Pre-Ceremony Photos: Capture candid moments with your pets during the pre-ceremony festivities, such as getting ready or the first look. These moments are often less hectic and provide an opportunity for intimate and playful photos with your furry friends.
  4. Incorporate Props and Accessories: Dress up your pets in adorable accessories that complement your wedding theme and color scheme. Whether it's a floral collar, a bow tie, or a cute sign announcing their role in the wedding, these props add charm and personality to your photos.
  5. Assign a Handler: Designate a trusted friend or family member to act as a pet handler on your wedding day. This person can ensure that your pets are well-behaved, comfortable, and safe throughout the photoshoots, allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day.

Don'ts:

  1. Force Participation: While you may have grand visions of your pets walking down the aisle or posing for photos, it's important to respect their comfort level and temperament. If your pets seem stressed or anxious, it's best to keep them out of the spotlight and focus on their well-being instead.
  2. Overlook Safety Precautions: Make safety a top priority when including pets in your wedding photos. Avoid placing them in potentially dangerous situations or environments, such as near open flames, loud noises, or crowded areas. Keep them on a leash or harness at all times to prevent them from wandering off.
  3. Expect Perfection: Pets can be unpredictable, and it's important to embrace the spontaneity and imperfection that comes with including them in your wedding photos. Some of the most memorable and heartwarming shots are those that capture the natural charm and personality of your furry companions, quirks and all.
  4. Forget to Communicate with Your Photographer: Keep the lines of communication open with your photographer throughout the planning process. Share any specific ideas or requests you have for including your pets in your photoshoots, and trust their expertise in capturing beautiful moments with your furry friends.


Incorporating pets into your wedding photos can add an extra layer of love and joy to your special day. By following these dos and don'ts, you can ensure a fun and memorable experience for you, your pets, and your wedding guests.