Including your dog in wedding photos is one of those moments that turns ordinary pictures into storybook memories. Wedding photography with dogs captures personality, emotion, and the little unscripted moments that make your wedding uniquely yours. If you’re imagining your pup sitting proudly in a bow tie or trotting down the aisle as a ring bearer, this guide will walk you – step by step and in a friendly, easy-to-read way – through everything you need to prepare your dog so your wedding photos feel relaxed, joyful, and photo-ready.

Below I’ll cover planning, training, rehearsal, day-of logistics, safety, posing ideas that actually work, and how to get the best final images using professional editing (including how my team at aitinsider can help with image editing to make those dog-filled photos shine). I’ll also point to trusted resources for specific tips and services. Let’s get your pup ready for the spotlight.

Why include your dog in wedding photography with dogs?

Dogs are family, and wedding photography with dogs lets you celebrate that bond on a day that already means so much. Photographing your dog alongside you and your partner creates emotional, candid images that will be treasured for a lifetime. Dogs bring warmth, humor, and a relaxed energy that often helps couples feel more natural in front of the camera. Beyond the cuteness factor, including a dog can help anchor memories of the day: when you look back at the photos, you’ll remember how your dog smelled, how they nudged you for affection, or that ridiculous head tilt that made everyone laugh.

That said, including a dog takes planning. This isn’t just about tucking a leash into a pocket and hoping for the best. Wedding photography with dogs works best when you think ahead about temperament, logistics, training, and safety. The good news is that with a little preparation you can have gorgeous, stress-free photos that highlight everyone’s happiest moments.

Start planning early – weeks, not days

Successful wedding photography with dogs starts early. Ideally, begin planning several months before the wedding. Use this time to check the venue’s pet policy, communicate with your photographer, and build a simple rehearsal routine with your dog. Venues sometimes have strict rules about animals, so get permission in writing and confirm any leash or restricted-area rules. It also gives you time to arrange for a handler, whether a trusted friend or a professional pet concierge, who can manage your dog on the day so you don’t have to. The American Kennel Club and other reputable sources emphasize making sure venues are on board and planning roles that suit your dog’s temperament. American Kennel Club+1

Use early planning to decide when your dog will appear: during portraits, the ceremony, or just for a short portrait session. Some couples choose an engagement session with their dog first – it’s an excellent low-pressure way to test how your pup behaves during a shoot and helps your dog get used to a camera and new people.

Talk to your photographer about dog experience and expectations

Not every photographer is comfortable working with animals. When you hire your photographer, ask whether they have experience with pets and, specifically, wedding photography with dogs. Photographers who’ve worked with pups will understand pacing, how to get dogs’ attention, and how to capture emotion while staying safe. Discuss a realistic shot list: which images are must-haves, and which are optional. Make sure your photographer knows the dog’s temperament, what cues the dog responds to, and whether the dog is comfortable with strangers or crowded spaces.

If your photographer suggests a short “dog window” during portraits – a planned slot of 10–20 minutes where the dog is present – that often creates beautiful, focused shots without overwhelming the dog or disrupting the timeline. Discuss fallback plans too: if the dog gets stressed, where will they retreat? Who takes them home or to a quiet room? Clear expectations with your photographer mean fewer surprises on the day.

Train and rehearse – basic commands save photos

A dog that understands basic commands is a huge advantage for wedding photography with dogs. Simple cues like sit, stay, lie down, and come can transform a chaotic scene into a calm portrait session. If your dog isn’t reliably responsive to these commands, consider a few private training sessions in the months leading up to the wedding. Even short, focused training every day – five to ten minutes – can help.

Rehearse the sequence you plan to use during the shoot. If your dog will walk with the wedding party, practice that procession at home or in a quiet outdoor area. If the dog will be a ring bearer, do a few mock runs with the ring pillow (without the real rings) so they associate the job with treats and praise, not stress. Local trainers and obedience classes are great resources to sharpen these skills. Many couples also find that a low-key engagement session with the photographer works wonders – it’s a rehearsal for both the dog and the humans and helps everyone learn how to move and pose together. Tampa Bay Times+1

Designate a handler or hire a professional pet concierge

On the wedding day you’ll be busy – you shouldn’t be the one worrying about feeding, bathroom breaks, or calming your dog. Assign a trusted friend or family member to be the handler, or hire a professional pet handler or wedding pet concierge service. These services specialize in bringing dogs to the venue, managing their needs between photos, and returning them home afterward. The handler’s responsibilities should include keeping your dog out of harm’s way, having fresh water and treats on hand, and helping the photographer position the dog for photos. Using a handler means you can be fully present in your wedding photos rather than trying to juggle both roles. Services like pet concierge teams and day-of handlers have become common for couples who want to include pets but prefer a hands-off approach. akc.tv+1

Think about temperament, energy level, and timing

When planning wedding photography with dogs, match the dog’s temperament and energy to the type of photos you want. A mellow older dog may be ideal for formal portraits, while an energetic puppy may be better in candid, movement-focused images where play and motion are part of the charm. Plan to do dog-centric photos at times when your dog is naturally calm – for many dogs this is shortly after a walk or play session, when they’re content and ready to relax. If your dog has lots of energy, give them a good exercise session right before portraits so they’re less likely to bounce off the set and more likely to chill for that picture-perfect moment. Forbes and animal welfare organizations highlight matching plans to pet temperament and designating quiet spaces for breaks.

Grooming, attire, and safety considerations

Groom your dog in advance, but avoid a fresh, all-day bath on the wedding day – you want them clean, but not slick and nervous from being handled by unfamiliar groomers the same day. Trim nails a few days to a week before the wedding to reduce noise on hard floors. If you plan dog accessories – a floral collar, bow tie, or tiny veil – try them on during rehearsal so your dog isn’t surprised on the day. Don’t use tight costumes or anything that might irritate your dog’s skin or restrict movement.

Safety is the top priority. Keep allergies and weather in mind. If your venue is warm, ensure shade and water are readily available; if it’s chilly, provide a warm place the dog can retreat to. Keep toxic plants, fireworks, or loud speakers away from your dog’s space. If you’re traveling for a destination wedding, vet your travel plan and accommodations well in advance.

Build a photo-friendly timeline

Work with your photographer and planner to build a timeline that includes a dedicated window for dog photos. Avoid scheduling the dog into every part of the day; instead, choose a few meaningful moments – perhaps portraits after the ceremony, a few shots at the vows, and a family portrait during cocktail hour. Keeping the dog’s appearance limited to a manageable number of appearances reduces stress for the animal and ensures that each shot gets the attention it deserves.

Be sure to include buffer time for unexpected moments: a lot of the best wedding photography with dogs comes from unplanned, candid interactions, so allow a few extra minutes in the timeline for those unscripted gems.

Posing ideas that actually work – keep it natural

The best photos with dogs often look natural rather than overly posed. Kneeling down to the dog’s level, sitting on a bench with your pup between you, or walking together for a motion shot are classic, effective ideas. Let the photographer take a variety of frames: close-up portraits that capture faces and eyes, full-body shots with your dog as part of the group, and environmental photos showing movement or interaction.

If posing seems stressful, prioritize a few simple, guaranteed shots: a close-up portrait with the dog and both partners, a candid of the dog licking a hand or watching the ceremony, and a single “full family” portrait. These simple images are often the most cherished, and they’re easier for dogs to perform repeatedly. Photographers experienced with pets often recommend getting down to the dog’s eye level for more engaging images and using toys or soft sounds to elicit interest when needed. Terri J Photography+1

Keep the mood calm and the praise high

Dogs pick up on human energy. If you’re tense about photos, your dog probably will be too. Keep the shoot low-key and full of positive reinforcement. Use treats, favorite toys, and lots of calm praise to reward the dog for desired behavior. Ask your handler to hide treats out of the photos’ sight lines so the dog maintains interest without breaking the visual composition.

If the dog becomes distracted or overwhelmed, step back. It’s better to pause and reset than to push a stressed animal into a photo. The pet handler can take the dog to a quiet spot for a short break, then return fresh and ready for a successful session.

Plan for bathroom breaks and hydration

Dogs need breaks. Schedule short times for bathroom breaks, water, and a sniff around so they stay comfortable. When possible, send the handler outside the venue to give the dog a chance to relieve themselves and decompress. Keeping the dog hydrated and giving them quick, discreet breaks prevents accidents and keeps them cooperative for more photos.

Travel and accommodations for destination weddings

If you’re traveling, plan the logistics carefully. Research pet-friendly hotels, bring an overnight bag with familiar items (blanket, toys, food, and any medications), and schedule a vet check if your dog will be in a different climate or exposed to new pests. Make sure transportation is safe – if you’ll be driving, bring a secure crate or seat harness; if flying, understand airline rules for in-cabin pets. Advance planning removes a lot of the day-of uncertainty that can affect both your and your dog’s mood.

Handling unexpected behavior: stay flexible

Even the best-trained dogs have off days. If your dog suddenly gets spooked or won’t cooperate, have a backup plan. This could be a friend who can hold the dog out of frame and swap them back in for a quick shot, or simply pivoting to portraits without the dog for a while. Keep the atmosphere playful and patient, and remember that some of the most memorable wedding photography with dogs is the imperfect, candid stuff – a paw on a lap, a goofy tongue-out grin, or a sleepy snuggle during the reception.

Post-processing: how editing helps your wedding dog photos shine

Once the shoot is done, the real magic continues in editing. Dogs can cause motion blur, muddy colors from grass or fur tones close to the background, or small distractions like a leash or stray twig. This is where professional image editing makes a difference. Skilled retouchers can remove leashes when appropriate, clean stray fur, correct exposure, and ensure the final image keeps the authenticity of the moment while looking polished.

If you want your dog-filled photos to pop, consider sending your best images to a specialized image editing service. At aitinsider we offer photo retouching and editing tailored to wedding photography with dogs – from subtle fur smoothing and color balance to removing distracting elements and preparing images for print. Professional editing can transform a lovely snapshot into a frame-worthy portrait without losing the emotion of the moment.

Working with your wedding party and guests

Tell your wedding party and photographers in advance that a dog will be present. Ask guests to avoid sudden movements and to respect the handler’s directions. Kids often adore dogs, which can be entertaining but also disruptive; consider having a couple of designated people who can manage guest interactions with the dog so the shoot stays on track.

If the dog will be present during the ceremony, keep the ceremony short and designate a person to take the dog out if they get nervous. A quiet space for the dog to rest between appearances is a huge help.

When not to include your dog

As much as we all want our dogs at the wedding, sometimes it isn’t the right choice. If your dog is severely anxious around large crowds, reactive to strangers, or hates new environments despite training, then skipping full-day inclusion might be kinder. Instead, consider an engagement session or a few portraits at home to capture those meaningful dog-and-couple images, or include pet-friendly elements like photos of your dog in a framed frame on a table where guests can visit.

Creative ideas for dog-friendly wedding photography with dogs

Think beyond a single pose. Let your dog be part of storytelling: walking away with you down a tree-lined lane, sitting next to your wedding cake (a safe, dog-friendly mock cake works well), or sharing a quiet snuggle on a bench. Consider a “dog cameo” during cocktail hour where guests can meet the dog for a few minutes. Use props thoughtfully – a bandana with the wedding date, a flower collar, or a sign that says “Here comes the bride (and the dog)” – but always prioritize comfort and safety.

Real-life examples and inspiration

Many couples find inspiration by browsing portfolios of photographers who specialize in pet-friendly weddings. You’ll see gorgeous examples where the dog’s personality is front and center, and you’ll pick up practical ideas for composition and timing. If you’re working with vendors, ask for references from couples who included pets in their weddings – hearing real stories about what worked (and what didn’t) is incredibly helpful.

Final checklist for wedding photography with dogs

In the weeks before the wedding, run through a simple checklist: confirm venue pet policy, finalize your photographer’s plan for including the dog, book a handler if needed, schedule any last-minute training or rehearsal, pack a dog day-of kit with food, water, leash, treats, and a favorite blanket, and designate a quiet rest area for your dog at the venue. These small steps add up to a much smoother experience and better photos.

After the wedding: preserving and sharing dog-filled memories

After the big day, select favorite images that highlight your dog and consider professional prints, an album, or a framed portrait. If an image needs cleanup – a distracting background element or a leash – pro editing can make the photo display-ready. At aitinsider we can help create beautiful edits that preserve emotions while improving clarity and composition so the photos look their absolute best in prints, albums, or online galleries.

Trusted resources and next steps

For venue and safety guidance, the American Kennel Club and local animal welfare organizations offer practical advice on bringing pets to events and best practices for pet care at weddings. If you need hands-on help, pet concierge services and professional handlers are more common than ever and can be a game-changer for couples who want their pup involved without the worry. American Kennel Club

Parting thoughts – make it joyful, not perfect

The most beautiful wedding photos are the ones that feel honest. When you include your dog, aim for joy, safety, and comfort. With a little planning – training, a calm handler, the right timing, and thoughtful editing – wedding photography with dogs becomes a highlight of your album. Your pup might not follow every cue perfectly, but those imperfect, candid moments often become your favorite images.

If you’d like help polishing the final images, from removing stray leashes to color grading and print-ready retouching, my team at aitinsider specializes in wedding image editing, including photos with dogs. We know how to preserve the emotion of the moment while giving your photos professional finishing touches.

Thanks for reading – and congrats on including your furry family member in such an important day. If you want, tell me about your dog (age, breed, temperament) and I’ll give two or three quick, personalized tips for preparing them for your shoot.