Once upon a time, an elopement was all about running away from home in the dead of night to secretly marry without your parents’ consent!
There’d be drama and, of course, heartbreak. But times have changed, and so has the definition of an elopement wedding.
Although some couples still do choose to keep their wedding hush-hush until it is all over, these days, elopement often involves getting married at an intimate gathering in a simpler ceremony. And of course, since an elopement is all about love, your faithful furry companion stands by your side as you say your ‘I do’s’!
If you’re dreaming of a dog-friendly elopement, you’re in luck! Here’s your step-by-step guide to ensure your day is as special as you’ve imagined, with your furry best friend right by your side:
Pull off your Dog-Friendly Elopement with this Step-by-Step Guide:
While a dog-friendly elopement may sound simple, a successful one without any hiccups—or runaway pups, requires a little planning beforehand.
Dog-Friendly Elopement Destination? CHECK!
Start your journey by choosing the perfect dog-friendly elopement venue that welcomes your four-legged guests with open arms.
Fortunately for us pup lovers, Australia can boast of some incredible dog-friendly locations that are pup-friendly and offer great services for you and your pets. The Dryridge Estate in the picturesque Megalong Valley or Seclusions Blue Mountains, with its breathtaking views, is a beautiful dog-friendly elopement venue that offers striking backdrops for your special day!
Many hotels and B&Bs offer accommodation options that will welcome your pet overnight too – some even offer pampering packages so your pup can join in the wedding party preparations!
Prepare Your Dog for the Event
With the venue done, move your attention towards getting your pup ready for the celebration, however small it will be. It’s crucial to ensure your dog is comfortable and ready for the day. Start by familiarising them with the venue. You could take them for walks or visits and allow them to explore the space. That way, they’ll be comfortable and calm on your wedding day. A well-prepared pup means less stress for everyone involved!
Assign a Dog Handler
One of the best-kept secrets to ensuring an unforgettable dog ring bearer experience is hiring a pet wedding attendant and encouraging them to spend time together to bond before your big day.
Alternatively, you could assign a trusted friend or family member the role of dog handler. However, this person may have to look after your dog throughout the ceremony, which may cause them to miss out on your elopement.
If it’s just the two of you, consider keeping them close on a floral lead, but make sure your photographer and celebrant are comfortable with this arrangement.
Suit Up Your Pup
Who says only humans get to dress up for weddings? Add a touch of charm to your dog’s appearance with a cute bow tie, a floral collar, or even a bridal puppy veil. These adorable accessories not only make for great photos but also involve your dog in the celebration.
Imagine the delightful sight of your dog adorned with a floral collar, matching the wedding’s theme perfectly. Want some creative outfit ideas? Check out these 20 dogs in wedding outfits that will melt your heart!
Capture the Day Through Your Dog’s Eyes
Get a ‘dog’s eye’ view of your special day by attaching a GoPro camera to your furry friend. Not only is this a quirky idea; it’s a brilliant way to capture unique moments from a perspective only your dog could offer.
You might not expect Charlie to take over as your main photographer, but the footage they’ll provide will add an unforgettable and fun angle to your elopement memories which you can share with friends and family who weren’t there. Feel free to add a voice-over or narration to add a more personalised touch and humour to the clips!
Bring a Photo or Cardboard Cutout of Your Dog
Uh-oh! Your chosen elopement spot doesn’t allow pets! Well, that’s a bummer.
But don’t let that discourage you. Work around the limitations and include your four-legged family member by bringing a photo or even a cardboard cutout of your dog. This lets you keep them close, even if they can’t be there physically. It’s a sweet and sometimes humorous nod to their presence in your life, ensuring they’re part of your celebration in spirit.
Helpful Tips and Resources
Making sure your dog-friendly elopement goes smoothly involves careful planning, a few extra items, and a bit of attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to help you prepare for a memorable day with your furry friend by your side.
Tip 1: Visit the Destination Beforehand
If possible, scout out your elopement location with your dog in advance. Let them sniff and explore the turf and soak it all in!
This will allow them to become familiar with their surroundings, reducing their stress on the elopement day. It also gives you a chance to identify any potential issues, like restricted areas for dogs, and plan accordingly.
Tip 2: Keep Your Dog Leashed
Never underestimate the importance of a leash.
And for the duration of the ceremony, keep your dog on one, even if they are exceptionally well-behaved. Unfamiliar environments or encounters with wildlife and other dogs can lead to unpredictable situations and a leash ensures their safety and the safety of others.
Tip 3: Hire Wedding Attendants for Your Pets
Unless you wish to tackle doggo duties in your wedding dress, hire a professional pet attendant for your wedding. These handlers can manage your pets during the ceremony, ensuring they are well cared for and can assist in capturing those perfect moments with your pets.
Want your pup to look groomed before he shows up for the elopement photo session? Find a pet wedding attendant who offers grooming services so both you and your pup look your best!
Tip 4: Bring Supplies
Having the right supplies on hand not only ensures your pup’s comfort but also their safety. Pack all the necessary items for your furry friend, particularly if your elopement is outdoors or involves a bit of walking to get there.
Here’s a checklist with a breakdown of the essentials you need to pull off a dog-friendly elopement:
- Outfit: Whether it’s a bow tie, floral collar, or a special wedding day garment, make sure it’s comfortable and safe for your dog.
- Dog grooming brush
- Paw Protection: Boots or a protective balm can prevent damage to their paws from hot surfaces, snow, or rough terrain. Add a first aid kit.
- Favourite Chew Toy: It keeps them entertained and helps relieve stress or anxiety.
- Treats: Ideal for rewards and keeping them focused during photos.
- Bowl: For food and water breaks. Collapsible bowls are great for saving space.
- Food and Bottled Water: This helps to keep your dog hydrated and well-fed, especially if you’ll be out for several hours.
- Leash and Harness/Collar: Opt for neutral colours or those that complement your wedding attire. Slip leashes are preferable for their sleek look in photos and ease of control.
- Poo Bags: Accidents happen and you never know when you might need these.
- Fido Pro Pack: Preparedness is key when adventuring outdoors with your dog. The Fido Pro Pack is an emergency rescue sling that’s simple to use and quick to deploy. It allows you to carry your dog to safety in case of heat exhaustion, a sudden fall, an injured paw, a broken bone, a snake bite, or even a wild animal encounter. Designed and tested for rugged adventures, this gear could be a lifesaver, offering peace of mind even if you’re only a short distance from the trailhead.
5 Elopement Destinations We’re Barking Mad About
Last but not least, when planning a dog-friendly elopement, you need a venue that welcomes your four-legged family members.
Here are some beautiful pet-friendly venues in Australia we adore. From the serene beaches of the Gold Coast to the lush landscapes of the Central Coast and the charming rural settings of Byron Bay and the Mornington Peninsula, here are some gems that deserve a little more attention:
Central Coast: Somersby Gardens
Nestled within a sprawling 50-acre property, Somersby Gardens is a hidden gem for couples seeking a private and intimate wedding venue. With four distinct event spaces to choose from, you will be spoiled for choice in setting the perfect scene for your special day.
Best of all, your furry friends are more than welcome to join in the celebrations, ensuring no family member misses out on the festivities.
Gold Coast: Glenrock Farm
Glenrock Farm presents a tranquil countryside oasis just a stone’s throw from the beach, less than 10km away. This exquisite venue sits on 22 acres of lush dairy land, rising gently above the Carrara Plain.
Its serene setting offers a peaceful retreat from city life, allowing you to craft a unique wedding experience surrounded by nature. The farm’s proximity to the Gold Coast means you can enjoy the best of both worlds—rural charm and city convenience.
Gold Coast Farm House
Discover the idyllic beauty of Gold Coast Farm House in the Numinbah Valley, located just 30 kilometres from Surfers Paradise.
This venue boasts 60 acres of rolling lawns, and native trees, and is framed by the untouched beauty of national parkland. It’s the perfect spot for couples looking for a private, intimate setting that’s still close to the coast.
Byron Bay: Ewingsdale Hall
Heritage-listed Ewingsdale Hall just outside of Byron Bay is a charming venue under a canopy of Moreton Bay Figs, making it an ideal location for a romantic elopement.
The venue’s seclusion and ability to self-cater ensures a serene and intimate atmosphere for your special day, with your dog by your side.
Mornington Peninsula: Tanglewood Estate
Just an hour from Melbourne, Tanglewood Estate is a haven for couples looking for a unique, dog-friendly wedding venue. Featuring a rustic barn, winery, studio, and chapel set amongst 100 acres of secluded natural beauty, Tanglewood Estate offers a variety of picturesque backdrops for your elopement.
And that’s it! With everything ticked off your to-do and to-pack list, you are now ready for a memorable elopement with your best fur-baby in tow.
An avid animal lover and vet nurse-in-training. In my downtime you'll usually find me at my favourite pet-friendly hangouts with my precious dog Jasper sipping puppacinos by my side!
