13 tips for bringing your dog to your elopement

One of the questions we hear most often from couples planning an elopement is “should we include our family?” And we always say the same thing: if they’ll add to the meaning, significance, and celebration of your day, then by all means, do it! The same just so happens to apply to furry members… so we thought we’d put together a wee guide to how to elope with your dog (s). There are a few key practical considerations you’ll need to make if you do decide to bring your furry children along, and we wanted to make sure you’re prepped & ready in advance for a memorable day with your pup! Oh and with your partner, of course…

Should you bring your dog to your elopement?

If you bring a dog to your elopement, here are some important warnings to know beforehand. . .

⚠️ Dave will spend the day befriending your dog

⚠️ You may get 10x more photos of your dog than you

⚠️ We will show you a photo of our dog

⚠️ Your dog will be the main character in your wedding story

(Only joking… kind of!)

For real, we love seeing dogs at elopements! BUT it has to be the right decision for your day. And it’s absolutely fine if you decide that your day will be easier without your furry friend in tow – there’s no pawrent guilt here!

12 tips for eloping with your dog

Here are some tips for eloping with dogs if you decide that your day cannot go ahead without your pooch there…

1. Consider your dog’s energy

Just like you, your dog will need a rest at some point in the day – especially if you’ll be spending quite a bit of time exploring, adventuring, and exerting energy. Consider how you will give your dog downtime if and when they need it on your elopement day: can they be left alone if needed? Can they sit nice in a (cool) car for a wee bit? Naps aren’t just for humans, your pup may want a little time to rest and refresh throughout the day too! Especially after working so hard to give you and your partner all the love, affection, and kisses you so deserve on your special day. 😉

2. Think about the terrain

Safety is key during all parts of your elopement – for both humans and non-humans – especially when it involves exploring lochs, traipsing around glens, or climbing over rocky shores. You will need to think about whether the terrain you’ve chosen for your elopement is suitable for your dog for extended periods of time; will they feel comfortable on the trail you’ve picked? Could the rocky cliffs irritate their wee paws? Is hiking/outdoor exploration something they’re used to, or will it be totally new terrain for them (literally & figuratively)? Make sure that they’ll be okay to wander around with us and won’t feel too overwhelmed by unfamiliar surroundings.

And if you are considering a location that requires a long walk or hike out to it, then you need to be realistic about whether your dog is fit enough enjoy it too!

3. Book dog-friendly accommodations

“Accepts dogs” doesn’t necessarily mean dog-friendly.

So don’t just find a rental that says it’s dog-friendly in the booking description: look up reviews which mention dogs to see just how dog-friendly it really is. Do they offer a food and water station for your pup? Any toys, treats, waste bags, leashes, etc. so you don’t have to pack as many when you travel? Is there a doggie door, backyard, or a good place to walk around nearby? Reviews from real guests are often more telling than a description written by the owner or host of a property, so be sure to dig a little deeper. . . dog pun fully intended. 

4. Assign somebody to look after your dog

I know it’s tough to not have your fur baby by your side at all times (trust me, I get it), but it’s a good idea to consider hiring or asking someone to help you with dog care during your elopement. Having a loved one or professional there to look after your dog after a certain point in the day is so helpful, and allows you two to just focus on each other without worrying.

Wedding dog services (wedding dog chaperones) are available for this exact reason, so that you can trust that your dog will be fully taken care of, well-fed, hydrated, and entertained while you tie the knot, take portraits, etc.!

The Dog Lady (Edinburgh + the Lothians)

Solo Paws (across Scotland)

Pawsh Pets Weddings (Scottish Borders)

5. Consider how the weather may affect them

Think carefully about whether the season/month you choose to elope in is suitable for the breed of dog you have. Some dogs are more sensitive to heat or cold than others. Can you bring accessories to help them cope with temperature fluctuations? Like jumpers, rain coats or cool mats / fans. Don’t forget the sunscreen for some breeds too!

6. Make sure they’re up to date on treatments

All pup parents know that dogs are susceptible to all kinds of bugs and diseases, so make sure that your dog is up to date on their flea and tick treatments before your outdoor elopement—especially in grassy/heather-dense areas. Again, health and safety are our #1 priority here for everyone involved, not just for the humans of the group!

7. Mitigate distractions

Consider how distracting your dog might be, especially during the ceremony. Is there a way to mitigate this? Maybe you invite someone along who your dog is familiar with, to sit with them during your ceremony and keep them company (either near the two of you, or somewhere a little ways away). This way, they don’t feel the need to run up to you for comfort while you’re trying to say your vows, exchange your rings, and focus on the big moment. Treats usually work fairly well, too, when eloping with dogs.

8. Bring enrichment toys and activities

Speaking of treats, they’ll be one of the best ways to keep your dog well-behaved on your elopement day. Bring a pack of their favourites for when they deserve a reward, need a little bribe, or need to be distracted briefly while their parents have a moment to themselves. Any other toys or enrichment activities are great to pack in your elopement bags as well, as there will be downtime when your dog needs something or somebody to play with!

9. Plan for meals and hydration

Just as you’ll need to bring snacks and drinks for yourselves, think about meals for your dog and how you’ll keep them hydrated. When eloping with dogs, it’s often a long day for them like it is for you! There are plenty of portable water and food bowl options out there, and you can even find water bottles that are good for both human and dog use, able to be unfolded or taken apart to turn into a water bowl. When you get hungry or thirsty on your elopement day, chances are your dog will  be as well.

Don’t forget to plan for what comes after that sip of water or bite to eat, too… cleaning up after your dog is an essential part of Leaving No Trace with your outdoor Scottish elopement.

10. Dress them up (or don’t)

Do you want your dog dressed up? If so, consider carefully what they will tolerate wearing. I know it can be wildly tempting to doll them up in cute attire to match your own, but if they’re not used to wearing outfits/accessories or will be unhappy doing so, don’t force them. You want a happy pup who is excited to celebrate with you at your elopement, not one who is silently begging to get out of that miniature tuxedo and bowtie!

11. Think through the travel logistics

Travel will need to be arranged for your dogs as well as the two of you, and it’s important to think about how you can keep them most comfortable. We can offer to take small/medium dogs in our car if you still want the chauffeur experience of having us drive you around, but it’s harder for larger dogs. Ask yourselves if this will affect your experience on the day if you have to drive yourselves and worry about transportation?

You also need to consider whether you intend to leave your dog in the car for any length of time – can you keep them safe and comfortable no matter the weather/temperature?

12. Plan for a little alone time

As much as you may want to keep your dog by your side at every moment, I encourage you to have at least some parts of the day where you are able to leave the dog somewhere safe, or with someone safe so you can focus on yourselves as a couple rather than as dog-pawrents. Just like human children, you need a bit of space to be present with each other and come back to your relationship, separate from the other family members that you still love so much! Even the most well-behaved dog will distract you from having time to be truly present with your partner.

13. Hire a dog-friendly elopement photographer

Finally, remember you are not alone if you hire a dog-friendly elopement photography duo like us – Dave and I are always on hand to help with dog-wrangling as best we can while we work! We know how important your furry friends are so we will always take the time to care for and cherish them as much as we do you. After all, they’re a key part of your family and deserve to be there just as much as your family and friends – if you want them to be.