Including Your Dog in Your Wedding Day (Kent Wedding Photography Tips)

If you’ve got a dog, you’ve probably already thought about it… should they come to the wedding?

For a lot of couples, the answer is a big yes. They’re part of your everyday life, so it only feels right to have them there on one of the most important days too.

As someone who works in Kent wedding photography, I can honestly say—dogs always bring something special. They help people relax, they create natural moments, and they often end up stealing the show (in the best way).

Here’s a simple guide to including your dog in your wedding, without stress, and with plenty of lovely photo opportunities along the way.

Why Have Your Dog at Your Wedding?

It’s pretty simple—they’re family.

Having your dog there adds a really personal feel to the day. It also helps keep things relaxed. I’ve seen nervous couples completely calm down just by having their dog nearby.

From a photography point of view, it also means more real moments. Less posing, more genuine smiles.

Including your dog in your big day 🐾 Natural, relaxed moments captured through Kent wedding photography

A Few Things to Think About First

Before making plans, there are a couple of practical things worth sorting early:

Is Your Venue Dog-Friendly?

Some Kent venues are great with dogs, especially countryside barns and outdoor spaces. Others aren’t, so it’s always best to check.

Have Someone in Charge of Your Dog

This makes a huge difference. Ask a friend, family member, or even hire a dog chaperone. They can handle walks, feeding, and taking your dog home when needed.

Be Honest About Your Dog’s Personality

Some dogs love people and noise. Others… not so much. If your dog might find it overwhelming, you can still include them in a quieter part of the day instead.

Your wedding, your story—dogs included 🤍 Beautiful countryside moments with Kent wedding photography

Easy Ways to Include Your Dog

You don’t have to do anything complicated. Even small moments can feel really special.

Walk Down the Aisle

This is always a favourite. Your dog can walk with a bridesmaid, groomsman, or whoever they’re most comfortable with.

Be Part of Your Photos

This is where Kent wedding photography really shines—especially with all the open countryside around. A few relaxed photos with your dog can end up being some of your favourites.

Get Ready Together

Having your dog around while you’re getting ready can be a really calm, happy part of the morning. It also makes for some lovely, natural photos.

Ring Bearer (Sort Of!)

Some couples attach a little pouch to the collar—but it’s usually best to keep the real rings with a human, just in case!

Planning a dog-friendly wedding in Kent? 🐾 Don’t forget those relaxed, candid moments with your Kent wedding photographer

Sweet Little Touches

If you want to go a bit further, there are lots of simple ways to include your dog in the details:

• A collar or bandana that matches your colours

• A little bow tie or floral piece

• Their name on a sign or order of service

• Naming a drink after them

Nothing over the top—just small touches that make it feel personal.

Keeping Things Stress-Free (Especially for Photos)

Working with dogs is always a bit unpredictable—but that’s part of the fun.

A few tips that help:

• Keep photo time short and relaxed

• Bring treats (very important!)

• Don’t expect perfection

• Let things happen naturally

Some of the best photos come from the in-between moments anyway.

If Your Dog Can’t Be There

Sometimes it just doesn’t work out—and that’s okay.

You can still include them in ways like:

• A photo on display

• A small charm on your bouquet

• A custom illustration on your stationery

• Including them in your engagement shoot instead

They’re still part of the story, even if they’re not physically there.

Real moments, real emotions, and your dog right by your side 🐾 Captured with natural Kent wedding photography

Final Thoughts

There’s no right or wrong way to do this.

Whether your dog is walking down the aisle, popping into a few photos, or just included in small details, it all adds something really meaningful to the day.

And from a Kent wedding photography perspective, those moments with your dog are often the ones couples look back on the most.

They’re real, a bit messy sometimes, but always full of feeling—which is exactly what a wedding should be.

Planning Your Wedding in Kent?

If you’re looking for relaxed, natural Kent wedding photography—and you want your dog to be part of it—I’d love to hear about your plans.

Tell me about your day, your venue… and of course, your dog 🐾