For many of us, our pets aren’t just animals,  they’re family.

They’ve been there through life’s biggest moments, offered unconditional love, celebrated our happiest days and quietly comforted us through the hardest ones. So, it’s only natural that many couples dream of including them in their wedding celebrations.

As an animal lover myself, I completely understand that feeling.

While some venues happily welcome dogs (and occasionally other furry family members!), the reality is that it isn’t always possible. Travel, venue restrictions, busy environments, long days, hot weather, or simply your pet’s personality may mean it’s kinder for them to stay at home.

And that’s absolutely okay.

Choosing what’s best for your pet is one of the greatest acts of love you can show them.

The good news is there are countless creative ways to make them part of your day, even if they aren’t physically by your side.

Name a Signature Drink After Them

If you’re serving welcome drinks or evening cocktails, why not give them a personal twist?

Perhaps your guests could enjoy:

The Bella Bellini

Murphy’s Mojito

Luna Lemonade

Bailey’s Bark Brew

It’s a fun conversation starter and a lovely way to celebrate a much-loved companion.

Include Them on Your Cake

Cake makers can create incredible sugar models or edible illustrations based on photographs of your pets.

Whether they’re sitting beside you on the cake topper or peeking out from a lower tier, it’s a beautiful personal touch that often brings a smile to guests’ faces.

Cardboard Cut-Outs

This has become increasingly popular, and for good reason!

Life-sized cut-outs of your pet can appear in photographs, greet guests, or even “join” the evening celebrations. They often become one of the most photographed features of the day.

Create a Pet Memory or Photo Display

Dedicate a small table or area to photographs of the pets who have shared your journey.

This can include current companions as well as much-loved pets who are no longer with you. It’s a gentle way to acknowledge the important role they’ve played in your lives.

Include Them in Your Photography

If bringing them to the venue isn’t practical, consider arranging a short photo session before or after your wedding day.

Some couples get ready at home with their dog by their side before heading off to the ceremony. Others plan a relaxed post-wedding shoot somewhere their pet loves, such as a favourite woodland walk or beach.

These often become some of the most treasured photographs.

Mention Them During Your Ceremony

One of the wonderful things about a Humanist ceremony is that there are no rigid scripts or templates to follow.

Your ceremony is built around your story, celebrating the people, moments, and yes, even the pets, that have shaped your lives together.

If your four-legged companion has been there from the beginning of your relationship, has witnessed your proposal, curled up beside you through life’s ups and downs, or simply become a much-loved member of your family, we’d be delighted to weave them naturally into your ceremony. Whether it’s a heartfelt mention in your love story, a light-hearted anecdote that brings a smile to your guests, or acknowledging the important role they play in your lives, these small touches often become some of the most memorable moments of the ceremony.

As a team of devoted animal lovers, we completely understand the special bond people share with their pets.

In fact, we’ve previously introduced you to the pets behind our Celebrants in one of our blogs, celebrating the furry friends who brighten our own lives every day.

We know first-hand that pets are family, and we’d love to help make sure they’re part of your celebration in whatever way feels right for you, even if they can’t be there in person.

Read “Love Is Like Owning a Dog”

An adapted version of Taylor Mali’s poem Love Is Like Owning a Dog has become a favourite with many couples.

It’s humorous, touching and celebrates loyalty, companionship and unconditional love in a way that often resonates with animal lovers. It can make a lovely reading during a Humanist ceremony.

Add Their Paw Print to Your Stationery

From invitations and order of service booklets to table plans and place names, a subtle paw print motif or illustrated portrait can weave your pet into the whole look and feel of your wedding.

Give Your Guests a Little Reminder

Small wedding favours inspired by your pet, such as biscuits shaped like paws, personalised bookmarks, or even a charity donation in support of an animal rescue organisation, can be a lovely finishing touch.

If They Are Coming…

If your venue does welcome pets, think about what’s best for them too.

Consider:

• having a trusted family member or professional pet chaperone responsible for them

• bringing water, treats and somewhere quiet to rest

• planning for them to attend only part of the day rather than the entire celebration

• avoiding situations that might cause stress or overwhelm.

Remember, your pet doesn’t know it’s your wedding, they simply know they’re with the people they love.

They’re Part of Your Story

Whether your pet walks down the aisle, features on your cake, appears in your photographs or is simply mentioned during your ceremony, what matters most is that your wedding reflects your story.

There’s no pressure to include every idea, and equally no need to feel guilty if your pet can’t attend in person.

Sometimes, loving them means leaving them somewhere they feel safe, relaxed and happy, while still finding meaningful ways to celebrate the special place they hold in your family.

After all, weddings are about celebrating love in all its forms… and for many couples, that love has four paws.

About the Author

Morag Webster is a Humanist Celebrant, Director of Fuze Ceremonies and Chair of The Fuze Foundation.

Passionate about creating meaningful, personal ceremonies, she loves helping couples celebrate their unique stories in ways that truly reflect who they are.

Away from ceremonies, Morag is a proud dog mum to Marshall and firmly believes that pets are family. Whether they’re walking down the aisle, featuring on a wedding cake or simply inspiring a special mention during the ceremony, she understands just how important our four-legged companions are. Her aim is to help couples find thoughtful and creative ways to include every member of their family, paws included.