Dog friendly wedding venues
Though there is no hard definition for what is deemed “dog-friendly” for wedding venues, there are many dog-friendly gems to be found in the wedding world.
If you are presently on the hunt for the perfect wedding venue and you know having your dog present is a must - use the following to help navigate the discussion surrounding how “dog-friendly” a wedding venue is with their representatives and planners. Make sure to sharpen your pencil - take notes and get policies in writing!
Ask your potential wedding venue:
Where are dogs permitted on the property?
Are dogs permitted outdoors exclusively?
Does the venue have access to air-conditioning or shelter available to your dog during various points of the wedding day?
What is the inclement weather policy for wedding ceremonies and photography? Will your dog be accommodated into the alternate ceremony space or indoor photography location in the event of inclement weather?
Venues with overnight accommodations: bed and breakfasts, hotels and resorts
Are dogs permitted in the guest rooms? Is there a policy in effect that dogs need to be supervised at all times?
Are dog-sitting services available, do they have a preferred list of professional dog care providers? Is it possible to arrange on-site dog care during the times you are out tending to wedding plans (example, rehearsal night or during your wedding reception)?
Is there a weight limit or size restrictions on dogs in guest rooms and are you required to provide your dog’s vaccination records prior to your stay? Does the hotel have an additional fee for dogs?
What dog-friendly amenities will you and your dog have access to? Dog treats at check-in, dog beds and bowls in the suite, dog sitting services and dog room service (yes - it does exist!)
Evaluate the area surrounding the B&B/hotel/resort - are there trails or good walking routes nearby?
Planning and preparation: If you intend on hosting a wedding rehearsal in advance of your wedding day, will the venue permit your dog to be present during the rehearsal time? Additionally, if you have a dog that is more of an introvert, will the venue and planning team welcome your dog to attend venue meetings a couple of times to help your dog adjust and become acclimated to the surroundings?
Wedding venue layout and scale: The overall size and layout of the venue should be considered when touring potential venues depending on the life stage and size of your dog. Inquire about spaces at the venue where your dog can have undisturbed quiet time but still be in close proximity to you and the wedding party before and after the ceremony.
Evaluate or ask about the following:
Is the ceremony space far away from where cocktail hour or reception is hosted and will you have to venture out to a completely different area of the venue for photos? Will your dog be comfortable with getting a lot of steps in on the wedding day?
In addition to checking out the beautiful landscape of the property, evaluate outdoor access for dog relief breaks. Pay extra attention to the footing (are the grassy spaces particularly wet or soft, are woodchip-covered areas clear of additional debris or garbage), are hard surfaces made of concrete, asphalt, or another material?
Consider hard surfaces in relation to the time of year you are getting married, in the hot summer, these surfaces can quickly cause damage and burn your dog’s paws - yikes!
For indoor layouts and surfaces - will your dog have to scale a lot of stairs or slick floors (like marble) or perhaps transition from walking on carpets to tile?
Overall make sure to take your time and walk around the property and let your imagination run wild with how it will feel with family and wedding guests in the entire space while also prioritizing where your dog will be stationed throughout the flow of the day.
Want more helpful tips, tricks, and advice to prepare your pup for your wedding day? Check out our resource page (it’s our fancy version of a blog) and sign up for our weekly newsletter!
