How To Include Your Dog Into Your Wedding

We here at Simply Eloped believe that eloping doesn’t have to be just you and your heart-throb; should you choose, we love it when our couples include their clan. Oftentimes that clan is made up of your parents, friends, extended family but more often than not it includes your fur babies! To learn more about eloping with pets, watch our video on the top five ways to include your pets into your elopement.

Think of this as your stateside guide on which states you can incorporate your dog or cat into your wedding day – we’ll make sure our guide explains all that you need to know. Here, we will outline fun ways to include your pets by state. In the states we are set up in, we will list out venues that you can bring your dogs, cats or pot belly pigs! Scroll to the bottom for our top tips on where to purchase dog, cat and pigbelly outfits for your ceremony (c’mon, you know you want to).

Locations Your Fur Friend Can Act as Your Witness

What is cuter than your your dog or cat bearing witness to you marrying the love of your life? Some states in the US either require no witness or only require one legal witness and therefore that leaves room on your marriage license for your pet to sign as primary or secondary witness. Be sure to bring an ink pad so your pal can paw that license with confidence – as your witness or officiant! 

States that require no or one official witness: 

Alabama
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
DC
Florida
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Maryland
Massachusetts
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Ohio
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
West Virginia

Places Your Pet Can Be Your Officiant or Celebrant

There are some  states throughout the US that allow you to self-solemnize (and therefore does not require you to have an officiant perform your ceremony), and therefore your pet can unofficially be your officiant! If you want to take this really far, dress your dog (or other furry loved one) up as a clergyman or The Pope. You may want to write your own vows in addition as your pet may not have that much to say!

States That Allow Your Pet To Be an Officiant or Celebrant: 

Colorado
DC
Illinois
Kansas
Maine
Nevada
Pennsylvania
Wisconsin

Simply Eloped Venues that Allow Furry Friends

Not all city or national parks allow pets, so we’ve broken down our venues by spots that do indeed allow them. Please note, this does not include all city or national park  in the US that allow pets; just the ones that Simply Eloped currently provides should you choose to use our services. As long as your dog is on a leash, he or she will be allowed in these spots! Be sure to click through the venue for more information overall!

Asheville

Mt. Mitchell
Craggy Gardens
Cataloochee Valley
Triple Falls
Daniel Ridge Falls|
Pink Beds
Tom’s Creek Falls
Roaring Fork Falls
Skinny Dip Falls
Wiseman’s View
Black Balsam Knob
Paint Rock Farms
Chimney Rock / Hickory Nut Falls

Colorado

Sunrise Amphitheater 
Lost Gulch
Chautauqua Park
Sapphire Point
Garden of the Gods 

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook
Ely’s Mill 

Hawaii (Oahu)

Waimanalo Bay Beach
Wai’alae Beach
Papa’iloa Beach
Haleiwa 

Idaho

Kathryn Albertson Park
Bogus Basin
Camel’s Back Park
Sun Valley
Redfish Lake

Lake Tahoe

Tahoe Paradise Park 

New Orleans

City Park
Audubon Park
Pirate Alley
Louis Armstrong Park 

New York City

Wagner Cove
Ladies Pavilion
Treehouse for Dreaming
The Pool
Bethesda Arcade
North Woods
Cop Cot
Bow Bridge
Fort Tryon Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park
​Prospect Park 

Savannah

Chippewa Square
Pulaski Square
Chatham Square
Troup Square
Orleans Square
Forsyth Park 

San Diego

Sunset Cliffs
Balboa Park
Coronado Beach
Ocean Beach Park 

San Francisco

Redwood Regional Park (Oakland)
Presidio Park 

Wine Country

Zephyr Farms Vineyard
Veterans Memorial Park 

Best Online Places to Deck Out Your Paw Pals

Whether or not you include your furry friend in any wedding traditions, should you choose to invite them to your elopement at a minimum they should be dressed appropriately. Whether it’s just an accessory,  like a bowtie or cuffs, or a full out dress or tux, here are our top recommendations for online places to outfit your adorable friend. 

Baxter Boo
Posh Puppy Boutique
Funny Fur
David’s Bridal

Amazon and Etsy also have great gear for your furry friend.

 

We hope that bringing your pets to your big day is a wedding trend that never changes!

For more on tips on how to include your dog in your wedding, watch our video: