Include Pets in Wedding Photos: Cute Ideas for 2025

Why pet weddings have gotten bigger every year

Your wedding day should reflect everything you love — and for a growing number of couples, that includes the pet that was there first. Dogs, cats, horses, even the occasional pig in a bowtie. In 2025, pet-in-frame wedding photography is a trend that isn't going anywhere.

At Precious Pics we've shot weddings with pets from New York rooftops to Texas barns. Below are ten ideas that actually work — plus the planning moves that keep your pet (and your day) calm.

1. First look with your pet

Before seeing your partner, do a first look with your dog in the dressing room. The pet going nuts when they see their human in a wedding dress is a frame that's hard to replicate with any other first look — and it's an emotional warmup that takes the edge off ceremony nerves.

2. Dressed-up pets (but comfortably)

Tulle tutus, bow ties, flower collars, mini tuxedos. Match your color scheme loosely, not rigidly — overly-matched pet outfits read staged. And a rule that doesn't make it into enough articles: if the outfit isn't something the pet is comfortable in for 20 minutes straight, skip it. A miserable dog in a tux is not the frame you want.

3. Ring bearers and sign holders

With a handler to lead them, dogs can walk down the aisle carrying a small ring pouch or a sign ("Here comes my humans" — or better: "Mom & Dad promised treats if I'm good"). The handler holds the leash out of frame. The photographer gets a front-facing shot as the pet approaches. Works beautifully 8 out of 10 times. The other two times are their own kind of great.

4. Pets in formal portraits

Include them in the family portrait set, not as a side shoot. The pet sits between the couple in the group frame, or between the couple and the officiant. Keep the session under 10 minutes — any longer and the pet starts disengaging.

5. Candid playful moments

The frames that always outperform the posed ones: the pet licking the bride mid-portrait, pawing at the veil, curling up on the groom's shoes, falling asleep during the vows. Tell the photographer to watch for these moments and not interrupt. Candids beat posed every time.

6. Choose a pet-friendly venue first

Before you fall in love with a venue, ask about pet policy. Most indoor ballrooms and formal dining rooms say no. Barns, wineries, private estates, and outdoor ceremony spaces are usually yes — but require advance notice, sometimes with a small cleaning deposit. Some venues allow pets for the ceremony and portraits only, not the reception. That's often the right compromise anyway.

7. Assign a dedicated pet handler

A trusted friend, a family member who's willing to skip part of the day, or a professional pet handler. Their job: feeding, watering, walking, bathroom breaks, and calm-down time. You cannot be the pet handler and the person getting married. Whoever takes this role should skip the vows or the first dance — the pet needs steady oversight, not a part-time minder.

Professional pet handlers run $75–$200 for 2–4 hours. Worth every dollar if your pet is reactive to crowds.

8. Bring treats, toys, and water

Simple logistics that nobody remembers on the day. A portable water bowl, a favorite squeaky toy (which doubles as a way to get the pet to look toward the camera), high-value treats for the portrait session, and a blanket for the breaks. Put it all in a bag with the handler the night before.

9. Time it right

Low-stress windows for pet photos: before the ceremony (during getting-ready or first look), right after the ceremony exit (before the receiving line), or at the start of cocktail hour before guests get loud. Avoid: during the reception, during dance-floor hours, or anywhere there's live music above 85dB. Dogs and loud rooms don't mix.

10. Know your pet's personality

Some dogs thrive in busy crowds. Others will shut down. A high-energy puppy is a different shoot than a senior lab who mostly wants to nap. Tell your photographer in advance — we've worked with shy cats who refused to come out of their carriers, golden retrievers who tried to catch the bouquet, and one particularly confident pig in a bowtie. All of them produced great frames. The shoot just looked different in each case.

Real weddings with pets in the gallery

A few we've filmed across the US:

• New York rooftop intimate wedding with a French bulldog in a tux, going down the aisle ahead of the bride
• Texas barn wedding with two golden retrievers walking the bride down the aisle together, holding a small sign between them
• California vineyard ceremony with a rescue dog holding a "Mom & Dad Just Got Married!" sign during the recessional
• Florida beach wedding with the couple's parrot perched on the groom's shoulder during the vows (everyone held their breath; the bird held perfectly still)

Wherever you're getting married, we'll help include your pet safely.

If you can't bring your pet to the wedding

Sometimes it's not practical — long travel, reactive pet, strict venue, a cat that would rather die than attend any event. Ways to honor them anyway:

• Engagement photos with your pet (schedule outdoors, at a place they're comfortable)
• A photo of them on the welcome table at the reception
• Custom cufflinks, lapel pins, or a charm bracelet with their face
• Pet-themed signature cocktail named after them (our all-time favorite: a dog named Biscuit inspiring a smoked-paprika margarita)
• A cake topper or napkin design featuring their silhouette

Frequently asked questions

Pets are family. Plan the day around their comfort, not your ambition, and you'll get frames you'll print. Start a conversation here if you're ready to include yours.