Photo & Video Inspiration

Weddings with dogs: Photo and video inspiration
Capture the moments you'll want to remember

Your wedding photographs and video will become some of the most treasured reminders of your day – and if your dog is part of your wedding, you'll want to make sure they feature in those memories too.

From the excitement of getting ready to the quiet moments after the ceremony, there are plenty of opportunities to capture your dog naturally without turning the day into a constant photo shoot.

The best photographs often aren't the perfectly posed ones. They're the moments that show your dog's personality and the relationship you share with them.

A little planning before the wedding can help your dog-friendly wedding photographer and videographer know which moments matter most, while making sure your dog isn't expected to pose for hours.

Start with the photographs that matter most

Before your wedding day, think about the photographs you absolutely want to have with your dog.

You might want a beautiful portrait of the three of you, a photograph of your dog walking down the aisle or a candid moment of your dog sitting beside you after the ceremony.

Making a shot list is helpful because your photographer can build these photographs into the day's schedule.

Some ideas include:

• You and your dog getting ready together
• Your dog arriving at the venue
• A first look with your dog
• Your dog walking down the aisle
• Your dog beside you during the ceremony
• Your first photograph together as newlyweds
• Family photographs including your dog
• Your dog with the wedding party
• Candid photographs of your dog with guests
• A quiet portrait of your dog on their own
• Photographs with your dog's chaperone
• Your dog enjoying the venue's gardens or outdoor spaces

You don't need to do all of these. Choose the moments that feel meaningful to you.

Getting ready with your dog

If your accommodation or venue allows your dog to be there while you're getting ready, this can provide some wonderfully natural photographs.

Your photographer could capture your dog:

• Sitting beside you while you're getting ready
• Watching the activity around them
• Having a cuddle with you
• Wearing their wedding-day accessories
• Spending time with your partner before the ceremony
• Being introduced to the wedding party

These photographs can be particularly special because they're less formal than the photographs taken during the ceremony.

If your dog becomes overwhelmed by the activity, however, don't feel that they need to stay in the room simply for the sake of photographs.

A first look with your dog

First-look photographs don't have to involve just the couple.

You could have a special first look with your dog, particularly if you've been apart while getting ready.

Your photographer can capture the moment your dog sees you in your wedding outfit, whether they greet you with excitement, curiosity or their usual "What's for dinner?" expression!

These moments are often best captured naturally rather than trying to make your dog sit perfectly for the camera.

Your dog walking down the aisle

If your dog has a role in your ceremony, the aisle provides an obvious opportunity for photographs.

Your photographer can capture your dog:

• Waiting for their turn
• Walking towards you
• Looking at you as they approach
• Being guided by a member of the wedding party
• Reaching the front of the ceremony
• Greeting you once they arrive

If your dog is nervous or easily distracted, don't worry about getting the perfect shot.

The moment your dog looks up and sees you may be far more meaningful than a perfectly composed photograph.

Don't forget the ceremony itself

If your dog is staying for your ceremony, ask your photographer to capture some quieter moments too.

A photograph of your dog sitting beside you, looking towards you during your vows or simply relaxing near the ceremony can tell a much bigger story than a posed photograph.

Your photographer should also know when to step back.

The ceremony is about you getting married, not about keeping your dog camera-ready every second.

Create time for dedicated dog photographs

One of the easiest ways to make sure you get beautiful photographs with your dog is to schedule a short dedicated photo session.

It doesn't need to take long.

Even 10–15 minutes can give your photographer time to capture a mixture of posed and candid photographs without making your dog spend hours waiting around.

Choose somewhere your dog will be comfortable, preferably away from loud music, large groups and lots of distractions.

A garden, quiet section of the venue or nearby outdoor location can work beautifully.

Let your dog be themselves

Some of the best wedding photographs happen when you stop trying to make your dog pose.

• Let them sniff.
• Let them look around.
• Let them walk.
• Let them interact with you naturally.

Your photographer can capture those moments as they happen.

A photograph of your dog looking directly at the camera can be lovely, but a photograph of them looking up at you or happily exploring beside you may tell a much more personal story.

Include your dog in family photographs

If your dog is an important part of your family, it makes sense to include them in some of your family photographs too.

You could have photographs with your immediate family, wedding party or children alongside your dog.

Just remember that a large group of people can be overwhelming for some dogs.

Your dog wedding chaperone can help keep your dog settled and bring them into the photographs when they're needed.

Photograph the little details

Your photographer doesn't only need to photograph your dog themselves.

Ask them to capture some of the details that connect your dog to the wedding.

For example:

• Their wedding collar
• Their bow tie or bandana
• Their personalised accessories
• Their place in the wedding party
• Their ring-bearing role
• Their lead or harness
• Their flowers
• Their name on the wedding stationery
• A special keepsake featuring your dog

These smaller details can become lovely parts of your complete wedding album.

Candid photographs with your guests

If your dog enjoys meeting people, candid photographs of them interacting with your guests can be wonderful.

You might capture your dog receiving attention from your parents, greeting friends or relaxing beside someone during the celebrations.

However, don't assume that your dog needs to spend the entire reception meeting everyone.

Give them plenty of opportunities to take a break and let your dog wedding chaperone manage their involvement if necessary.

Photograph your dog with the wedding party

Your dog can also be included in photographs with your bridesmaids, groomsmen or other members of your wedding party.

This works particularly well if your dog has been given an honorary role.

You could recreate a traditional wedding-party photograph with your dog included or keep things more relaxed with everyone sitting or standing together outdoors.

Again, keeping these photographs relatively quick can help your dog stay comfortable.

Don't forget the unexpected moments

Tell your photographer that you want them to capture the unexpected moments involving your dog too.

Maybe your dog gets excited when they see you.

Maybe they decide to lie down during the ceremony.

Maybe they give you a big lick immediately after you exchange your vows.

Maybe they spend the afternoon happily wandering around with their chaperone.

These aren't things you can plan – but they're often the moments you'll laugh about and remember for years.

Wedding video and your dog

Your wedding video gives you something photographs can't: movement and sound.

Hearing your dog's nails on the floor as they walk towards you, seeing their excitement when they spot you or watching them interact with your guests can bring those memories back in a completely different way.

Talk to your wedding videographer before the day about how important your dog's involvement is to you.

They can then look for natural opportunities to include them throughout the day.

Video moments worth capturing

Some ideas for your wedding video include:

• Your dog arriving at the venue
• Your dog walking down the aisle
• Their reaction when they see you
• Your dog carrying or accompanying the rings
• Your dog sitting near you during the ceremony
• Candid interactions with the wedding party
• Your dog greeting guests
• Walking with your dog around the venue
• Your dog's reaction to the newly married couple
• Quiet moments between you and your dog
• Your dog leaving with their chaperone at the end of their involvement

You don't need to stage these moments. Let your videographer capture them naturally as the day unfolds.

Think about the sound as well as the pictures

One of the lovely things about wedding video is that you can capture the sounds of the day.

Your dog's excited little noises, their collar jingling as they walk, the laughter of your guests or the way you speak to your dog can all become part of the memory.

If your dog has a special role in your ceremony, your videographer may also be able to capture the reactions of your guests as they make their appearance.

Don't make your dog perform for the camera

It's worth remembering that your dog doesn't understand that you're trying to create the perfect wedding photograph.

If they're tired, distracted or uncomfortable, give them a break.

A professional photographer who is comfortable working with dogs should be able to work around your dog's behaviour rather than expecting them to behave like a human model.

This is one reason it's so valuable to choose a dog-friendly wedding photographer who understands that animals don't always follow the planned shot list!

Plan the photography around your dog's needs

Your dog may not need to be available for every photograph.

Instead, create a simple schedule for when they'll be involved.

For example:

• Before the ceremony
• Getting-ready photographs and a few portraits.
• During the ceremony
• Your dog's special role.
• Immediately afterwards
• Family and wedding-party photographs.
• After photographs
• Your dog heads home or takes a break with their chaperone.

This can give you plenty of beautiful memories without expecting your dog to cope with the excitement of your wedding all day.

Work with your dog wedding chaperone

A professional dog wedding chaperone can be invaluable when you're trying to capture photographs and video.

They can bring your dog into the photographs when they're needed, keep them safe between shots and take them somewhere quiet when they've finished.

This means you don't need to rely on a bridesmaid, family member or friend to miss parts of your wedding because they're looking after your dog.

Your chaperone can also communicate with your photographer and videographer, making it easier to get your dog ready for particular photographs.

Your dog doesn't need to be perfect

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that your dog's wedding photographs don't need to be perfect.

They don't need to sit perfectly still.
They don't need to look at the camera.
They don't need to walk down the aisle exactly as planned.
They're your dog – and their personality is part of what makes the photographs special.

Years from now, you may care far more about the photograph where your dog is looking up at you with that familiar expression than the perfectly posed portrait.

Finding the right wedding photographer for your dog

If your dog is going to be an important part of your wedding day, choosing a photographer who is comfortable working with dogs can make the experience much easier.

Look for someone who understands how to capture natural moments, is patient around animals and is happy to work with your dog's needs rather than expecting them to behave perfectly.

You can browse our directory of dog-friendly wedding photographers to find photographers who understand that your dog is an important part of the wedding too.

More dog-friendly wedding planning ideas

You might also enjoy:

Roles for your dog: creative ways to include your dog in your wedding
Dressing your dog: wedding outfit inspiration and accessories
Everything you need to know about having a dog in your wedding party
How to include your dog in your wedding
Should you hire a wedding dog chaperone?
Tips for choosing a wedding venue that welcomes dogs
What makes a venue truly dog-friendly? A wedding venue checklist