Meet Stacey Morris: Sunshine Coast celebrant interview

When it comes to creating wedding ceremonies that feel genuine, relaxed and full of personality, Sunshine Coast celebrant Stacey Morris has built a reputation for helping couples celebrate their love in a way that feels completely their own.

Known for her warm, bubbly nature and heartfelt storytelling, Stacey combines years of experience with a calm and organised approach that helps couples feel supported every step of the way.

In this interview, we chat with Stacey about her journey as a celebrant, what inspires her ceremonies, and her advice for couples planning one of the most important moments of their lives.

1. What inspired you to become a dog-friendly wedding celebrant?

This is easy… I’m a dog lover from WAY back! As a proud owner of two border collies, if they weren’t so energetic and always wanting to herd everything that moves, I’d love to train them as ring bearers and have them at ALL my weddings!

But in all seriousness, I've always believed a wedding ceremony should reflect the couple getting married and for so many couples, their dog isn't just a pet, they're family or their fur-baby. Their furry friends are often there through life's biggest moments, from moving in together and weekend adventures to engagement celebrations and everything in between.

It felt completely natural for me to welcome dogs into ceremonies because if they're an important part of a couple's story, they deserve a place in the celebration too. I love creating ceremonies that feel authentic and personal and including a beloved dog is often one of the easiest and most meaningful ways to do exactly that.

2. What role can dogs realistically play during a wedding ceremony?

The beauty of including a furry friend is that their role can be as big or as small as the couple wants. Some dogs proudly walk down the aisle as ring bearers, while others accompany their owners during the ceremony, greet guests before the ceremony begins or simply appear in photographs later during the day.

Sometimes their most important role is simply being present. The key is choosing a role that suits the dog's personality rather than expecting them to perform a perfectly rehearsed task. Just like children, weddings are much more enjoyable when we let dogs be dogs (no matter how crazy their antics may be)!

3. What are your favourite ways to include dogs in a ceremony?

I love when dogs walk down the aisle with a family member or wedding party member because it always brings a smile to everyone's face but I think being ring bearer is my favourite way to include them.

I adore incorporating them into the couple's love story during the ceremony. For many couples, their dog has played a significant role in their relationship journey and guests love hearing those little stories and anecdotes.

There's something incredibly special about having a dog sitting nearby while their humans exchange vows too and the little dresses and tuxedo’s couples dress them in are adorable!

4. Have you had any particularly funny, emotional or unforgettable experiences involving a wedding dog?

One thing I've learned is that dogs rarely follow the script and that's often where the magic happens.

I've seen dogs decide halfway down the aisle that greeting guests is far more interesting than heading toward the ceremony space. I've seen them steal the spotlight during heartfelt moments (rolling around, licking unmentionables) and I've seen them settle quietly at their owners' feet as if they understood exactly how important the occasion was.

The moments guests remember most are usually the unscripted ones or even the gross ones, like the time an adorable staffy – dressed to impress in his tuxedo, vomited and then ate it while our couple were sharing their vows!

Dogs have a wonderful way of bringing authenticity, laughter and a little unpredictability to a wedding day and that's often what makes those memories truly unforgettable!

5. What advice would you give couples who want to include their dog on the day but are feeling nervous about it?

Lower your expectations and raise your sense of humour! Your dog doesn't need to perform perfectly to be part of your wedding. In fact, the moments that don't go exactly to plan are often the ones people talk about long afterwards (like above story about the vomit).

If your dog happily walks down the aisle, wonderful. If they stop for pats, get distracted by guests or decide they'd rather sit down halfway, that's wonderful too. The goal isn't perfection. It's creating a celebration that feels like you.

6. How do you help keep ceremonies relaxed and stress-free when dogs are involved?

The biggest thing is building flexibility into the ceremony from the beginning. I always remind couples that dogs are not wedding professionals. They're living, breathing members of the family with their own personalities and ideas about how the day should unfold.

They have their own personalities, likes and dislikes. Some dogs are social, some are a little timid at first. By planning for a little unpredictability and creating a relaxed atmosphere, everyone (including the dog) feels more comfortable.

When couples know there's no pressure for everything to be perfect, they're able to enjoy the experience rather than worry about it.

7. Are there certain dog personalities or temperaments that work best at weddings?

The best wedding dogs aren't necessarily the most obedient ones, they're the dogs who feel comfortable around people and in new environments. A confident, social dog who enjoys being around others will generally find the experience easier than a dog who becomes anxious in crowds or unfamiliar settings.

That said, every dog is different. Even a shy dog can be included in meaningful ways, whether that's appearing in photographs, being present before the ceremony, or joining the celebration for a short period of time.

8. What should couples organise ahead of time to make sure their dog is comfortable and happy on the wedding day?

Having a dedicated support person for your dog is one of the best investments you can make! Delegate! Whether it's a professional wedding dog chaperone or a trusted friend, having someone responsible for walks, water, toilet breaks, treats and transport allows the couple to focus on enjoying their day.

It's also important to think about your dog's routine, energy levels and comfort. Bringing familiar items, scheduling breaks and avoiding overwhelming situations can make a huge difference.

9. How do you work alongside wedding dog chaperones, photographers and venues during dog-friendly weddings?

First and foremost, collaboration! I love working with professional dog chaperones because they're experts at managing logistics and keeping dogs happy and comfortable throughout the day.

Photographers are also fantastic at capturing those spontaneous moments that happen when dogs are involved. I contact all vendors involved with the dogs well before the wedding day to ensure we’re working as a team on the day.

Good communication ensures everyone understands the dog's role, where they'll be positioned and what backup plans are in place if needed. When everyone is on the same page, the day runs smoothly and the couple can simply enjoy the experience.

10. What's one thing couples often overlook when planning a dog-friendly wedding ceremony?

Many couples spend time planning how their dog will arrive but forget to plan what happens afterwards. Once the ceremony finishes, dogs can quickly become tired, overstimulated or simply ready for a nap.

Having a plan for who will care for them during the reception or whether they'll head home after photos can make the entire day more enjoyable for everyone involved.

The best dog-friendly weddings aren't the ones where the dog stays for every moment. They're the ones where the dog's wellbeing is considered throughout the day and their involvement is tailored to what will make them happiest.

A great celebrant does much more than officiate a ceremony — they help set the tone for one of the most memorable moments of a couple’s wedding day.

Stacey’s passion for creating personalised, light-hearted and meaningful ceremonies shines through in everything she does, making it easy to see why so many couples choose her to be part of their celebration.

We’d like to thank Stacey for taking the time to share her insights and experiences including dogs in weddings, and we look forward to seeing many more beautiful love stories brought to life through her ceremonies.

Stacey Morris is a Sunshine Coast celebrant known for bringing warmth, fun and heartfelt storytelling to every ceremony. With 18 years of experience, she'll guide you through the entire process with plenty of support, expert advice and a calm, organised approach, so you can relax knowing everything is taken care of.

Credit: Images by Lou

Credit: Nicole Laufer Photography