Picture paw-fect

Your wedding day is filled with moments you’ll want to remember forever – and if your dog is part of your wedding, they deserve a place in those memories too.

From the excitement of getting ready in the morning to quiet cuddles at sunset, having your dog involved creates countless opportunities for beautiful, funny and completely personal photographs and video.

Your dog doesn’t need to be perfectly posed or perfectly behaved to make your wedding photos special. In fact, some of the best images are often the unexpected ones – a happy tail wag, a curious sniff, a big doggy grin or the moment your pup spots you in your wedding outfit for the first time.

Whether your dog is taking on an official role or simply spending some time with you on the day, here are plenty of ideas to inspire your wedding photographer and videographer.

Start with the getting-ready moments

Some of the most intimate wedding photographs happen before the ceremony even begins.

If your dog is staying with you while you get ready, ask your photographer to capture those quieter moments. Your pup might be curled up on the bed while you have your hair and makeup done, sitting beside you while you put on your jewellery or simply watching all the activity around them.

There are plenty of little details that can make lovely photographs:

• Your dog sitting beside your wedding shoes
• A close-up of their nose investigating your bouquet
• Your dog wearing a special collar while you get ready
• A quiet cuddle before you leave for the ceremony
• Your dog resting beside your wedding dress
• A photo of your hands holding your dog's paws
• Your pup looking on while you put on your veil or accessories

These photographs help tell the story of the whole day rather than just documenting the main events.

Capture your dog's reaction to seeing you

A first look doesn't have to be just between the couple.

If your dog has a particularly close relationship with one of you, consider creating a special first-look moment between you and your pup.

Imagine your dog waiting in the garden or another quiet location before you appear in your wedding outfit. Their reaction might be subtle – a curious look or a gentle tail wag – or you might get an enthusiastic greeting complete with jumping, kisses and excitement.

Even if your dog doesn't understand that you're getting married, the photographs can capture the genuine relationship between you.

Ask your photographer to take a mixture of wider shots and close-ups so you can see both the moment itself and your dog's reaction.

Don't forget the little details

Wedding photography isn't only about people.

Your dog's accessories can become beautiful details in your wedding album, particularly if you've chosen something that complements your wedding style.

You could photograph their:

• Special collar or lead
• Bow tie
• Floral accessory
• Personalised tag
• Bandana
• Dog-of-honour outfit
• Ring bearer accessories
• Special wedding-day toy

A flat-lay photograph can also bring together some of the smaller wedding details, such as your invitation, rings, flowers and your dog's collar or tag.

These little photographs can help tie your dog into the overall story of your wedding day.

Let your dog's personality shine through

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when photographing your dog is trying too hard to make them pose.

Some dogs love the camera. Others would rather be investigating something interesting in the garden.

Instead of expecting your dog to sit perfectly for every photograph, let your photographer capture their personality.

• If your dog is playful, capture the zoomies.
• If they're affectionate, capture the cuddles.
• If they're curious, photograph them exploring their surroundings.
• If they're a professional napper, don't be afraid to include a photograph of them asleep while everyone else is celebrating.

Those personality-filled images are often the ones you'll treasure most because they show your dog as they really are.

Create a beautiful portrait of your dog

Your wedding album can include a few photographs where your dog is the star.

Ask your photographer to set aside a few minutes for some individual portraits. This could be somewhere quiet at your venue, preferably away from too many people and distractions.

A beautiful portrait could be as simple as your dog sitting naturally against the backdrop of your venue.

You might also capture a close-up of their face, their paws, their collar or their expression while looking towards you.

If your dog has a particularly recognisable personality or feature, ask your photographer to capture it. Those small details can become incredibly meaningful when you're looking back at the photographs years later.

Make the most of your wedding venue

Your dog can also help showcase your wedding venue.

If you've chosen a beautiful garden, country property, beachside location or other outdoor setting, photographs of your dog exploring the surroundings can add another layer to your wedding story.

Ask your photographer about incorporating some wider environmental photographs.

Your dog might be sitting beneath a large tree, walking through the gardens, standing beside an impressive entrance or relaxing with you against a beautiful landscape.

These photographs don't have to be heavily posed. Sometimes simply allowing your dog to explore while the photographer observes produces the most natural results.

Capture the connection between you and your dog

Some of the most emotional dog wedding photographs aren't about what your dog is doing – they're about the relationship between you.

Think about the small ways you interact with your dog every day.

• Maybe your dog rests their head against your leg.
• Maybe you always hold their face in your hands.
• Maybe they sit on your lap.
• Maybe they follow you everywhere.

Bring those familiar interactions into your wedding photography.

A photograph of you sitting on the ground with your dog, holding their face or simply looking at each other can be much more meaningful than a perfectly posed photograph.

The aim is to capture the relationship you already have rather than creating something that doesn't feel natural.

Plan your wedding day, your way

Every couple is different, and so is every dog. Take a look around, explore our guides, and discover the best ways to celebrate your love – together with your furry family.

PLANNING A DOG FRIENDLY WEDDING

Get down to their level

A simple change in camera angle can make a huge difference to photographs of your dog.

Ask your photographer to get down to your dog's eye level rather than photographing them from above.

This can create much more engaging portraits and helps put the viewer into your dog's world.

Close-up photographs of their face, eyes, nose and paws can also make beautiful additions to your wedding album.

Don't forget to photograph those little expressions too. Dogs can communicate so much through their eyes and body language.

Capture the unexpected moments

Some of the best wedding photographs aren't planned.

• Your dog might decide to investigate the wedding cake.
• They might suddenly appear in the middle of a photograph.
• They might give someone a kiss.
• They might lie down while everyone else is busy.
• They might spot another dog in the distance.
• They might get excited when they hear your voice.

Ask your photographer to keep an eye out for these moments rather than concentrating exclusively on the planned photographs.

You can't recreate a genuinely unexpected moment, which is exactly what makes these photographs so special.

Include your dog in your wedding portraits

If your dog is comfortable around groups of people, don't forget to include them in some of your wedding portraits.

This could be a photograph with your immediate family, your wedding party or the people who have played an important role in your relationship.

Rather than making every group photograph formal, ask your photographer to take a few relaxed versions as well.

For example, everyone could gather around your dog for a cuddle, sit together on the grass or simply interact naturally.

Your dog doesn't necessarily need to sit perfectly still. A photograph where everyone is laughing because your pup has decided to wander off can be far more memorable than a perfectly symmetrical pose.

Take some photographs away from the crowd

Weddings can be overwhelming for dogs, particularly when there are lots of unfamiliar people, noise and activity.

If your dog is becoming tired or overstimulated, give them some quiet time away from the crowd.

This can actually create some beautiful photography opportunities.

A quiet walk with your partner and your dog can produce relaxed, natural photographs without the pressure of a formal pose.

You could walk along a garden path, through the grounds of your venue or along the beach if your location allows.

These photographs can feel completely different from the more structured images taken earlier in the day.

Golden hour is perfect for dog photos

If your photographer is planning a golden-hour portrait session, consider taking your dog along.

The soft light around sunset can create beautiful, warm photographs and is particularly well suited to relaxed outdoor images.

Rather than standing and posing, take your dog for a short walk with your partner.

Hold hands, let your dog walk beside you and allow the photographer to capture what happens naturally.

Some of the resulting photographs might show your whole group against the landscape, while others could focus on smaller details such as your hands, your dog's lead or your pup looking back towards you.

  
Don't forget the reception

If your dog is staying for part of the reception, there can be plenty of opportunities for fun photographs.

Your photographer might capture your dog relaxing under the bridal table, greeting guests, enjoying attention from family members or simply taking a well-earned rest after a busy day.

If your dog is comfortable around dancing and noise, you could even capture a few fun reception photographs with them nearby.

Just remember that your dog's comfort should come first. If the reception becomes too loud or busy, it may be time for their wedding chaperone to take them somewhere quiet.

Give your videographer some dog-worthy moments

Dogs can add some fantastic movement and personality to wedding video.

While photographs capture individual moments, video lets you remember the sounds and movement of the day – the jingling of their collar, their excited tail wagging, their little trot towards you or the sound of everyone laughing when they do something unexpected.

Ask your videographer to capture a mixture of planned and candid footage.

Some ideas include:

• Your dog getting ready with you
• Their reaction when they see you
• Walking alongside you
• Exploring the venue
• Greeting family and friends
• Running or playing outdoors
• Quiet cuddles
• Your dog's expression during the day
• A sunset walk
• Your dog relaxing at the end of the celebrations

A few seconds of your dog can become one of the most memorable parts of your wedding film.

Consider a doggy point-of-view video

For something a little different, you could experiment with a small action camera attached securely to your dog's harness.

This can provide a fun point-of-view perspective of the wedding day – almost as though you're seeing the celebration through your dog's eyes.

However, this should only be considered if your dog is completely comfortable wearing the equipment.

Test it well before the wedding and make sure the camera, harness and attachment are secure. If your dog seems uncomfortable, distracted or bothered by it, skip the idea.

Your dog enjoying the day is much more important than getting a unique video angle.

Try some black-and-white photographs

Black-and-white photography can give your dog photographs a completely different feel.

A close-up portrait of your dog's face, a photograph of their paws beside your wedding shoes or a quiet cuddle can look particularly beautiful in black and white.

Ask your photographer whether they can provide a few black-and-white versions of your favourite dog photographs.

You don't need to make your entire album black and white. A handful of carefully chosen images can provide a lovely contrast to your colourful wedding photographs.

Create a signature photograph

Is there something that represents your dog and your relationship?

• Maybe your dog has a favourite toy.
• Perhaps they always sit beside you on the couch.
• Maybe they have a funny habit that everyone knows.
• Or perhaps you have a special location where you regularly walk together.

Think about incorporating something personal into one of your wedding photographs.

You could photograph your dog with your wedding shoes, beside your bouquet, sitting between you and your partner or relaxing in a location that has special meaning.

The more personal the photograph, the more likely it is to become one you'll want to display.

Plan a dog photo shot list

With so much happening on a wedding day, it's easy to forget some of the photographs you'd hoped to capture.

Before your wedding, create a short list of dog-specific photographs you'd particularly love.

Share this with your photographer and videographer so they understand which moments are important to you.

Your list could include:

• A portrait of your dog
• A photograph with your dog and your partner
• Your dog's first look
• Getting-ready photographs
• Details of their wedding accessories
• Your dog exploring the venue
• A photograph with your wedding party
• A family photograph
• A quiet cuddle
• A fun or silly photograph
• Golden-hour photographs
• A favourite candid moment

You don't need to capture every idea on the list. Think of it as inspiration rather than a strict schedule.

Choose a photographer who understands dogs

Not every photographer will have experience working with animals, so it's worth discussing your plans before booking.

Ask to see examples of photographs they've taken involving dogs or other animals.

A photographer who understands dogs will know that they may need a little more patience and flexibility. They should also be comfortable photographing moments that aren't perfectly posed.

Your photographer should understand that your dog is a member of your family, while also recognising when your dog needs a break.

Browse our directory to find a dog-friendly photographer near you >>

Give your photographer a little warning

Even if your dog is normally very well behaved, wedding days are different.

There are flowers, food, unfamiliar people, music, cameras, strange smells and plenty of excitement.

Tell your photographer about your dog's personality before the wedding.

Let them know whether your dog is nervous, energetic, easily distracted, uncomfortable around crowds or particularly food motivated.

This gives them a better idea of how to approach the photographs and what situations might work best.

Have someone looking after your dog

One of the easiest ways to make dog photography more relaxed is to have a dedicated person responsible for your dog.

A dog chaperone or trusted friend can keep an eye on your pup while you're busy with other parts of the wedding.

They can bring your dog in for photographs when needed, provide water and treats, take them for a walk and recognise when they've had enough.

This means you don't have to spend your wedding day worrying about where your dog is or whether they're comfortable.

Remember that the imperfect photographs can be the best ones

Your dog may not sit where you want them to.

They may look in the wrong direction.

They may wander away halfway through a photograph.

They may lick your face.

They may shake their ears at exactly the wrong moment.

They may decide that your wedding outfit smells fascinating.

And that's okay.

Your dog's personality is part of what makes having them at your wedding so special.

Years from now, you may find yourself smiling at the photograph where your dog completely ignored the camera because it captures exactly who they were.

Make your wedding album tell the whole story

When you're choosing your favourite photographs after the wedding, don't only look for the perfectly posed images.

Choose photographs that show your dog's personality and your relationship with them.

Include the quiet moments, the funny moments, the beautiful portraits and the completely unexpected ones.

Together, these images will tell the story of what it was really like to have your dog there.

Because your wedding isn't simply about having a few cute photographs of your dog.

It's about remembering that they were there.

They were part of the excitement, the laughter, the nerves, the celebrations and one of the most important days of your life.

And when you look back through your wedding album years later, those photographs can bring back not just how your wedding looked, but how it felt to have your best friend beside you.

Ready to capture your dog's big day?

A little planning can make sure your dog doesn't disappear from the wedding photographs once the formal photos are over.

Talk to your photographer and videographer before the wedding about the role your dog will play, choose a few must-have shots and then leave plenty of room for the unexpected.

The best dog wedding photographs aren't necessarily the ones you carefully plan.

Sometimes they're the ones where your dog simply does what dogs do best – being themselves.

Looking for even more inspiration?

Explore our ultimate dog wedding photo shot list for ideas you can discuss with your photographer before the big day.

Need ideas, inspiration or practical planning tips?

Browse our other articles to find the best way to include your dog in your wedding, from ceremony roles to outfits, safety tips and more.

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