Written by Raquel Pires in collaboration with Michelle Dowse
From choosing the right moments to creating timeless memories, we asked international wedding photographer Raquel Pires to share her favourite advice for couples planning a dog-friendly wedding.
As a devoted dog lover and an international wedding photographer based in Sydney, Raquel Pires has photographed countless celebrations where pets played a special role.
Here, she shares her favourite tips for including your dog in your wedding day while creating beautiful, relaxed and meaningful memories you'll treasure forever.
Fionn, Layla Rose & Elias
What do you love most about photographing weddings with dogs?
Little Gypsy, Raquel’s doggy!First of all, I'm a huge pet lover myself. My little Jack Russell, Gypsy, has been by my side through so many of life's biggest adventures. He's never just been a pet – he's my best friend. Looking back, he has been part of many of the most meaningful chapters of my life, and I know that if I were getting married, having him there would be a dream come true.
That's why I feel such a genuine connection with couples who choose to include their dogs in their wedding day. I see a shared way of looking at the world. They don't see their dog as an accessory or simply another detail to organise they see them as an irreplaceable member of the family.
That connection makes me even more excited to photograph their wedding because I know exactly how meaningful those moments are. I love capturing the way their dogs look at them, almost as if they understand they're witnessing something special. The quiet companionship, the unwavering loyalty, and the unconditional love they share often become some of the most emotional moments of the day.
I photograph those memories the way I would want my own to be captured: with patience, emotion, and an eye for the little interactions that often become the most treasured photographs of all. Dogs bring authenticity, spontaneity and a kind of joy that simply can't be staged and those are the moments I love documenting most.
What are the biggest mistakes couples make when including their dog in their wedding?
The biggest mistake is expecting too much from them. Weddings can be overwhelming, with new people, loud music and unfamiliar environments. I always recommend having a trusted dog handler, bringing plenty of water and treats, and planning for your dog to participate during the ceremony and portraits before heading home to rest.
It also makes a huge difference if the person looking after your dog is someone they already know and trust such as a close friend, a family member or even their regular trainer.
Having a familiar face nearby helps your dog feel calm, safe and secure, rather than constantly trying to find you throughout the day. If your dog has worked with a trainer before, having them there can be an excellent option, especially if they're helping with walking down the aisle or other special moments.
A relaxed dog creates much more beautiful and natural photographs than one who is tired, anxious or overstimulated. The happier your dog feels, the more genuine those memories will be.
Ana Carina & Vitor
"Dogs bring authenticity, spontaneity and a kind of joy that simply can't be staged and those are the moments I love documenting most."
Raquel Pires
INTERNATIONAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
What are your favourite moments to photograph when a dog is involved?
Some of my favourite moments are when dogs have an important role in the ceremony, especially when they're trusted with carrying the wedding rings. It's always such a sweet and heartwarming moment because they're usually so excited to see their humans, and their enthusiasm is contagious.
I also love setting aside a few quiet minutes with just the couple and their dog. Away from the guests, dogs naturally become more relaxed and engaged with their owners, which creates beautiful, genuine interactions.
It gives the couple a chance to slow down, be fully present and simply play, cuddle or walk together.
Those moments become more than just photographs – they become real memories of time intentionally shared with a beloved family member.
And of course, I love the spontaneity that unfolds when dogs are free to wander during the celebration, greeting guests, stealing cuddles and creating unexpected moments. Those little interactions are often the images couples cherish most because they're impossible to plan and perfectly reflect the joy of the day.
What advice would you give couples planning a dog-friendly wedding?
My biggest piece of advice is to plan your wedding around your dog's personality, not the other way around. Every dog is different, and there's no rule saying they have to be part of every moment of the day to make your wedding feel complete.
Start by choosing a pet-friendly venue and asking about their specific requirements so you know exactly what to expect. Then, think about which parts of the day genuinely suit your dog. Some dogs are confident enough to walk down the aisle or mingle with guests, while others will be much happier joining you for the getting ready or portraits before heading home to relax.
One of my favourite options is incorporating your dog into the getting ready. Imagine spending those quiet moments together before the ceremony, then capturing a few beautiful portraits as a little family. It creates meaningful memories without putting unnecessary pressure on your pet.
Ana Carina & Vitor’s wedding - getting ready photos.
If your dog is joining the ceremony or reception, make sure they're set up for success. Bring water, treats and appoint someone they already know and trust – a close friend, family member or even their trainer to look after them throughout the day. They'll also need toilet breaks, time to rest and moments away from the excitement.
The goal isn't to have your dog present all day; it's to include them in a way that feels natural, comfortable and enjoyable for them. When they're happy and relaxed, the photographs become effortless and those are often the moments you'll treasure most.
Is there a memorable story you'll never forget?
One wedding will always stay with me because it was such a beautiful reminder that including your dog isn't always about having them there physically, it’s about celebrating the role they play in your family.
The couple chose to get married at The Cove in Jervis Bay, a stunning nature reserve where pets aren't permitted in order to protect the local wildlife. It was the perfect location for their weekend wedding, but it also meant their beloved dog, Coco, couldn't be there.
Instead of giving up on the idea of including her, Kirsty's daughter came up with the most creative solution: she made a life-sized cardboard cut-out of Coco.
I absolutely loved it.
Before long, I found myself carrying "paper Coco" around throughout the day, inviting guests to pose with her. Everyone embraced the idea, laughing and creating the most unexpected moments. One of my favourite photographs is of the guests pretending to share a beer with Coco, it still makes me smile.
What touched me most was the intention behind it. Coco wasn't just a pet they had to leave at home; she was an important member of the family, and they found a joyful, meaningful way to make her part of the celebration anyway.
That wedding reminded me that there are always creative ways to honour the pets we love. Sometimes they're by your side, and sometimes they're represented in a way that brings just as much emotion, laughter and connection. Those are the stories that stay with you long after the wedding is over.
Coco for Kirsty & Scott's wedding - the paper dog.
Raquel Pires is an international wedding photographer based in Sydney, Australia, specialising in heartfelt, editorial-style celebrations across Australia and Europe.
With a background in psychology and over a decade of experience photographing love stories, she is known for creating imagery that feels both elegant and deeply authentic.
A devoted dog lover herself, Raquel believes that our pets are family, and few things bring her more joy than capturing the unique bond between couples and their four-legged companions on one of the most meaningful days of their lives.
Laura and Kieran
