How to Include Your Dog or Other Pets in Your Wedding

Do you want to include your furry friends in your wedding? As a dog-friendly wedding venue, we love when couples choose to have their dogs in their wedding! Here are a few of our favorite ways to feature pets in your big day, and a few ground rules to consider as you make your plans.

How to include pets in your wedding: 

INCLUDE YOUR DOG IN WEDDING PORTRAITS

Pets make the most adorable addition to your wedding portraits! Whether sitting by your feet or in your arms, it wouldn’t be a complete family photo without them. If you want special photos with your pets, be sure to discuss those with your photographer when you’re creating your shot list, so they can factor that into your timeline!

Tip: If you’re holding someone furry, make sure someone has a lint roller on hand!

HAVE A DOG RING BEARER, FLOWER GIRL, OR ATTENDANT

Your ceremony is an adorable opportunity to show off your pets! Dress them up in a bow tie or flower collar and have someone walk them down the aisle as a part of your procession. This is a great job for a junior bridesmaid or groomsman. Just make sure nobody swallows any rings!

FEATURE YOUR DOG IN WEDDING SIGNS, INVITES, OR OTHER DETAILS

Even if your pets can’t be at your wedding in person, they can still make an appearance on special details like invitations or signs! Consider naming your signature drinks after them for the fun of hearing your guests order “The Finch” or “The Harper” like at Angela and Andrew’s wedding!

How to Have a Smooth Wedding Day with your Dog

At 48 Fields, we have pet policies to ensure the smoothest day possible and to protect your pet, your guests, and our property:

MAKE SURE THEY HAVE ALL THEIR SHOTS

For the safety of your guests and our staff, we require that you provide a copy of your pet’s up-to-date vaccination records.

DON’T LET THEM WANDER

Your pet must remain leashed at all times while they are at 48 Fields. Pets are welcome as a part of your ceremony (in the lower level of the barn, if needed), but otherwise should remain outside. They are not allowed inside any getting ready spaces (such as the farm house), the reception space, or near any food prep areas for allergy and food safety reasons.

CHOOSE A DESIGNATED PUP HANDLER & CHAUFFEUR

You’ll have enough going on on your wedding day without worrying about whether Fido needs a potty break! We require that pets have a designated handler (other than you or your partner) who is responsible for looking after their safety, care, and clean up. 48 Fields allows pets on the property for your ceremony and formal portrait photos.

All pets must be taken home by their designated handler after the ceremony or formal portrait photos. For their safety, they may not remain on site in a crate or in a car. If you don’t have a friend or family member who can take this on (or don’t want to ask someone to leave the party), consider hiring a specialty pet sitter!

BE REALISTIC ABOUT YOUR PETS’ BEHAVIOR

We know they’re all good boys (and girls), but some pets are better equipped for flower crowns and photo sessions than others. You know your pet and what’s best for them! Does your pet get anxious around large groups of people or have accidents at inconvenient times? If so, they might be happier staying home on your wedding day. The last thing you want is a barking dog or a case of the zoomies when you’re trying to say your vows!

BONUS TIP: THINK OUTSIDE THE KENNEL

Animals at weddings don’t have to be your own pets! Christina and Chris had alpacas at their wedding, which made for the most amazing photos!

With all that said, we are big lovers of dogs at 48 Fields! We promise we will resist trying to keep yours as our own! It will be hard, especially if you dress them in an adorable bow tie or flower collar!

48 Fields Farm is a Leesburg VA barn wedding venue for celebrations of all sizes.
Our countryside barn and vast fields are peacefully set in the heart of Northern Virginia wine country.

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