I am so excited to help you plan a dog-friendly elopement. Some of my couples choose to include their dogs as part of their wedding day. So I created this blog to share my top tips and recommendations. I know how much your fur babies mean to you. So I’m here to make bringing your dog to your elopement a stress-free and fun experience.
Dog-Friendly Elopement Locations
Most of my favorite elopement locations are dog-friendly, meaning you can bring your pups along for the adventure. Dogs for the most part are allowed on hiking trails in National Forests and wilderness areas like Mt. Baker. I absolutely love seeing the joy dogs bring to my couples on their elopement day and love when I get a chance to take them on an amazing hike.
How to Check Trail Regulations
You can also find locations using the AllTrails app and filtering for dog-friendly hikes. Which is a really great way to get a feel for possible locations. It’s important to note that AllTrails or other online websites are not in charge of these locations. So even if AllTrails says it’s allowed, it’s best to see what the regulations are with whoever manages the land (like BLM land or a National Forest). This is just a great way to check an area to see how many dog-friendly hikes are available and see if it’s a good fit for your day.
National Park Dog Rules
I should mention that most National Parks do not allow dogs on hiking trails. Depending on the National Park, they can be on paved sidewalks, near visitor centers, etc. But if you’re eloping in a National Park, it’s usually easiest to celebrate with your dog at your cabin or a trail/location outside of the National Park boundaries. I’ll let you know what to expect in the planning process and help you make the most out of your time celebrating with your pup.
Dog-Friendly Wedding Tips
I have seen quite a few dog-friendly weddings and elopements. So I know how to make this a smooth process. I want to help you include your dog while keeping your day stress-free. So here are my favorite dog-friendly elopement tips:
- Bring A Dog Caretaker: When possible, it’s really helpful to have a sibling, friend, or a family member be an “assistant” to help take care of your dog. It can help you stay present in the moment together rather than running around trying to wrangle them.
- Practice Beforehand: Don’t wait until your trip to travel with your dog or hike with them for the first time. Dogs will do a lot better if they’re familiar with traveling and being on public trails.
- Bring Treats for Photos: Be sure to bring their favorite dog treats to get them to look at the camera. You probably want to bring their treats anyway. But it’s especially helpful for photos.
- Make Your Dog Feel at Home: If you can bring their doggy bed, favorite toys, or other items, it’ll help your dog feel more comfortable and less anxious exploring new places.
Hiking and Trail Essentials for Your Dog
If you already take your dog out on trail, you probably already have everything you need for your elopement day. But for those of you bringing your dog out on the trail for the first time, I put together a list of helpful things to bring for your pup.
Dog Leash: Leashes are required on most trails. It’s good practice anyway for your dog in a completely new environment. And on your elopement or wedding day, you’ll be more focused on each other and celebrating where it’s more challenging to manage your dog offleash. Tip: tie their leash (or use a carabiner) to your backpack’s hipbelt to free up your hands to hold other items like bouquet, dress, etc.
Dog Bowl (water & food): Make sure to bring enough water and food for your dog if you are planning on taking them out on the trail. You can bring a lightweight dog bowl to make it easier to take care of them too.
- Ruffwear Dog Bowl (cute design)
- Collapsible Dog Bowl
First Aid Kit for Dogs: Bring a first aid kit (like this Adventure Medical Trail Kit for Dogs) in case your dog gets a cut on their paw or anything else. It’s always good to be prepared so we don’t have to turn around on a trail.
Dog Poop Bags: Always make sure to have plenty of dog poop bags to clean up and pack out their waste.
Dog Day Pack: If you have a medium or large size dog, it can be especially helpful to have them wear their own mini backpack (like this Ruffwear Front Range Day Pack). This helps couples stay organized so they’re not digging through their own backpack to find their dog food or other items.
Here’s a great blog post on Essential Hiking Gear for Dogs
Ways to Include Your Dog
If you decide to bring your dog, I have lots of ways to include them. I know how excited your dog (and you both) are to go on a fun trip and sniff all the new places. Okay, maybe that last part is only true for your dog. Either way, here are some great ways to include your pup.
At Your Airbnb
Even if your hiking location isn’t dog-friendly, it doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate at your Airbnb. Celebrating at your Airbnb also might be less stressful and give you more flexibility for trails and plans for the day. It’s also nice to have their water, food, treats, and everything else all in one place. This is the easiest way to include your dog without prepping to take them on the trail.
Signing Your Marriage License
This recommendation is unique to Colorado. But you can actually have your dog sign their paw print and be a legal witness of your marriage. Pretty cool, right? You’ll want to have dog-friendly ink to do this and it would be a good idea to practice beforehand.
At Vistas or Overlooks
You can also decide to bring your dog to an easy walk-out location or for just part of your day. Maybe it’s easiest to have sunset dedicated to vows and photos alone–while going to an overlook with your dog beforehand. Or you can have them sit by your feet as you say your vows then have a friend/family member take them back to your accommodations while you continue taking photos.
Out On The Trail
Maybe you have a high-energy dog and routinely take them on hikes. Some dogs do really well hiking and exploring with their parents. If that sounds like you, we can keep your dog with us all day. Usually, this just means being extra prepared with food, a water bowl, dog treats, and anything else you might need. The couples that have done this with me, usually go on hikes frequently with their dog and know what to expect.
Including Your Dog (without bringing them)
Truth be told, you can include your dog without even bringing them! If your dog is a furball of crazy energy and doesn’t do well in public, maybe it’s a sign to leave them at home. You might also be flying all the way across the country where bringing your dog isn’t practical. Don’t worry though. We can still include your doggo in your elopement.
Video chat with your dog on your day. Set aside time at your Airbnb with good Wifi to Facetime your dog sitter or family member. We’ve seen really cute reactions from dogs on video chats and it feels so special for my couples.
Get custom artwork or wedding details made to celebrate your dog as part of your elopement or wedding. Here are a few custom items I’ve seen:
Bring them to your reception (if you’re planning one). Some couples host receptions after they elope, which would be a convenient way to include your dog. And if you’re planning a wedding at a venue already, your reception is a more casual time to take photos with your dogs and let them explore and sniff everything.
Wedding Attire (for your pup)
In other states where that’s not an option to have them sign your marriage license, you can have your dog be your ring-bearer, get them a cute dog tuxedo or tie, or even get them their own doggy floral crown/necklace.
Collars
Bandanas
Why I Love Dog-Friendly Weddings and Elopements
If you didn’t know this about me, I love love love dogs. So interacting with my couple’s dogs is such a cathartic experience for me. Helping couples plan dog-friendly weddings and elopements is so special for me. Not only because I selfishly get to spend time with dogs, but also because I have lots of advice and experience on making your elopement or wedding day a stress-free and fun experience.
