Written by our rad team member, Kiersten Roy
If there is something we LOVE here at Between the Pine, it’s helping our couples plan dog friendly elopements. But, if you choose to include your pup of honor in your outdoor wedding or elopement, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind. That’s why we’re sharing everything we’ve learned from helping dozens of couples plan dog-friendly elopements. Keep reading for our dog friendly elopement checklist, favorite dog friendly elopement locations, a packing list, Leave No Trace tips and more. We pawsitively could not be more excited to share this resource because there is seriously nothing better than including your best boi or best girl in your best day ever!
Table of Contents
- Your Dog Friendly Elopement Checklist
- The Best Dog Friendly Elopement Locations: Our Top Three Recommendations
- Three Things to Consider When Planning a Dog Friendly Elopement
- Dog Friendly Elopement Ideas: Ways to Include Your Pup of Honor
- What to Pack for Your Dog Friendly Elopement
- What is the Best Time of Year for a Dog Friendly Elopement?
- Practice Makes Perfect: Preparing Your Pup Before the Big Day
- 4 Leave No Trace Tips for Your Dog Friendly Elopement
- Including Your Dog In Your Elopement Without Bringing Them
- Are You Ready to Plan Your Dog Friendly Elopement?
- Meet Your Dog Friendly Elopement Photographers
Your Dog Friendly Elopement Checklist
- Hire a dog friendly elopement photographer (that’s us!)
- Find a dog friendly elopement location and verify regulations
- Consider your dog’s outdoor or hiking experience level
- Decide how you want to include your pup (ceremony, getting ready, all day, etc.)
- Recruit someone to be your dog’s puptaker for the day
- Create your packing list with all the essentials
- Choose the best time of year for your location
- Practice hiking and traveling with your dog beforehand
- Learn about dog friendly Leave No Trace guidelines
- Have the best day ever!
The Best Dog Friendly Elopement Locations: Our Top Three Recommendations
Let’s start with the most important question: where can you actually bring your dog for your elopement? As much as we love them, unfortunately, National Parks are often not very dog friendly. And even if they do allow dogs, they tend to have very strict rules. For example, dogs may only be allowed in parking areas and on sidewalks, or if you’re lucky, on a very small number of trails. This is why we do not recommend planning your elopement with your dog at a National Park (though we can totally celebrate with your pup at your cabin or at locations outside the park boundaries!).
The best dog friendly elopement locations are:
National Forests
National Forests are amazing for dog friendly elopements! Dogs are typically allowed on trails (usually on leash), and there are so many incredible locations throughout Washington and the Pacific Northwest. We’re talking epic mountain views, alpine lakes, and gorgeous old-growth forests!
BLM Land (Bureau of Land Management)
BLM land is another fantastic option for dog friendly elopements. These areas tend to be less crowded and offer some seriously stunning hidden gem locations. Plus, dogs are generally welcome!
State Parks
Not all State Parks are dog friendly, but many are more accommodating than National Parks. Some even have dedicated dog-friendly trails and areas. We covered a handful of the most gorgeous Washington state park wedding venues in this guide if you want to explore these options!
How to Check Trail Regulations
Insider Tip: Download the AllTrails app and filter for dog-friendly hikes to get a feel for possible locations in an area. This is a great starting point! However (and this is important!), AllTrails and other online websites aren’t the official source. Even if AllTrails says dogs are allowed, always verify with whoever manages the land – whether that’s the National Forest Service, BLM, or State Parks. We help all our couples navigate these regulations during the planning process, so you don’t have to stress about it!
Disclaimer: These restrictions are for pets. Service animals are allowed everywhere as they absolutely should be!
Need more inspo to help you choose where to elope? Check out our best places to elope in Washington guide!
Three Things to Consider When Planning a Dog Friendly Elopement
Here are three questions to ask yourself when planning a dog friendly elopement:
Is your elopement destination dog friendly?
First and foremost, you want to make sure the area and the trail you are considering for your elopement is dog friendly. There are so many options for dog friendly adventure wedding locations, but not every park allows dogs. Or, if they do allow dogs, it may only be on a few limited trails or parking areas.
For example, Mount Rainier National Park is not very dog friendly. That said, there are some incredible areas outside of the park with views of Rainier that are dog-friendly. It’s so important to understand the area where you are planning to have your elopement. Or find an elopement photographer who really understands the area so that they can ensure that the location you choose is dog friendly. (Psst.. if you’re looking for an elopement photographer who loves finding the very best dog friendly elopement locations… we know a few gals!)
How much experience does your dog have with hiking?
The next thing to consider when planning your dog friendly elopement is how much experience your dog has with hiking. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Has your dog ever been on a trail?
- If so, what kinds of trails (rocky, sandy, steep)?
- What’s the farthest your dog has ever walked on a trail?
- How does your dog do in snow or hot weather?
- Does your dog have sensitive paws?
It’s really important to think about these things and be honest about your dog’s age and experience level before you choose a trail. What you definitely do not want to happen is to pick a 3-5 mile hike for your day and then find out one mile in that your senior pup can’t continue. Something like this could mean you have to turn back or miss the perfect golden hour at your dream elopement location.
Who will watch the dog during the ceremony?
Having your pup of honor at your elopement can definitely be one of the best things ever! But after helping dozens and dozens of couples plan dog friendly weddings, our top tip is to make sure you have someone who can be your dog’s “puptaker” or assistant for the day.
Here’s why this is so important: even if you’ve been hiking with your dog before, your elopement day is different. You’ll be in wedding attire which is not as easy to move around in. You may find yourself more distracted or slightly more nervous (having nerves on your elopement day is totally normal!) than usual. The last thing you want to worry about the whole time is whether your dog is okay or needs something.
Your Puptaker Options:
Ask a Guest to Help
If you’re having guests at your elopement, find someone who loves animals and ask them to be your dog’s assistant for the day. They can hold the leash during the ceremony, help with water breaks, and make sure your pup is comfortable throughout the day.
Hire a Professional Pet Care Service
If you’re not having any guests or you want your guests to be fully present without dog duties, consider hiring a professional wedding dog care service! There are actually people who specialize in caring for pets during weddings and elopements (how cool is that?!). They’ll handle everything from managing your dog during the ceremony to making sure they get water, treats, and potty breaks. This is an especially great option for just-the-two-of-you elopements or if your dog needs a bit more attention and care.
Either way, having someone dedicated to your dog’s well-being means you can focus on celebrating your love and your greatest adventure without worrying about your furry friend!
Dog Friendly Elopement Ideas: Ways to Include Your Pup of Honor
Do you want to include your dog in your elopement but are not quite sure how? This is something we help many of our couples think through. Here are a few of our favorite ways to include your pup of honor in your celebration!
1. At the Cabin Getting Ready
There are a lot of really cool cabins in the Pacific Northwest, and many of them are dog friendly! (woot woof!!) Even if your dog doesn’t come with you for the hike or adventure part of your elopement, it can still be so special to have your dog there for the cozy morning photos, the getting ready photos, or the first look photos (you could even do a first look with you pup!). whether or not you choose to include them in the day’s festivities, this is a really great way to include your pup! (And if you’re looking for the best airbnbs and cabins, we’ve got you covered with our guide to planning an airbnb elopement!)
2. At Vistas or Overlooks
You can also 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 with just the two of you, while bringing your pup to an overlook beforehand for some adorable portraits. Or you can have them sit by your feet as you say your vows, then have your puptaker take them back to your accommodations while you continue with photos!
3. In the Ceremony as the Pup of Honor
Another great way to include your dog in your elopement is to have them be part of your ceremony as your pup of honor. There are so many fun ways you can do this depending on your personal vibe and your pup’s personality:
Adorable Attire Options:
- Bowtie or tuxedo collar
- Flower collar or floral crown
- Custom bandana with your wedding date
- “Best Dog” or “Pup of Honor” sign
- Ring bearer harness or basket
You could even have your dog be a flower dog with a little basket of flowers (how cute is that?!). Either way, it’s definitely a good idea to have your puptaker nearby to hold onto your pup if or when you and your partner want to hold hands during the ceremony.
4. All Day for the Whole Elopement!
If you have a dog that absolutely loves the outdoors and is experienced hiking, we say heck yes let’s bring them along for the whole adventure and wedding day! Just make sure you’re extra prepared with water, snacks, and all the essentials (more on that below!).
What to Pack for Your Dog Friendly Elopement
If you’re bringing your dog along for your elopement, you will definitely need to pack some extra items to make sure the day is fully dog friendly. Here’s your complete packing list organized by category:
Essentials (The Must-Haves!)
Water & Bowl
Bring extra water for your pup and a collapsible dog bowl (they’re super lightweight and packable!). Your dog will need to stay hydrated, especially if you’re hiking during warmer weather.
Dog Food & Treats
Pack their regular food if you’ll be out all day, plus extra treats! Insider tip: those treats are especially helpful for getting your dog to look at the camera during photos (bribery works, and we’re not sorry about it!).
Poop Bags
Always, always bring plenty of poop bags to clean up and pack out their waste. Leave No Trace applies to our pups too!
Leash
Leashes are required on most trails, and it’s good practice anyway in a new environment. Here’s a game-changing tip: use a carabiner to attach their leash to your backpack’s hipbelt. This frees up your hands to hold your bouquet, dress train, or your partner’s hand!
Comfort & Safety
Paw Protection
If your dog has sensitive paws, consider bringing booties or Musher’s Secret to protect their paw pads from hot pavement, rocky terrain, or snow.
Cooling Vest
If your pup tends to overheat easily, a cooling vest can be a lifesaver (especially during summer elopements or if you’re at lower elevations where it’s warmer).
Dog First Aid Kit
It’s easy to put together or buy a special dog first aid kit (like this Adventure Medical Trail Kit for Dogs) and it can be super helpful if anything unexpected happens to your pup on the trail! To assemble your own doggy first aid kit, check out this AKC resource or article by Outside Online.
Packable Towel & Brush
Throw a small towel and brush in your pack to clean them off before photos if they get wet or muddy. Trust us on this one!
Fun Extras
Something Cute to Wear
Bandanas, bowtie collars, flower collars, or custom signage – how cute are pups all dressed up?! (They can do no wrong!) Here are some adorable options:
- Ruffwear collars and accessories
- Custom bandanas from Etsy
- Floral crowns or collars from your florist
Dog Day Pack
If you have a medium or large dog, consider getting them their own mini backpack (like this Ruffwear Front Range Day Pack). They can carry their own water, treats, and poop bags! This keeps you organized and means you’re not constantly digging through your own pack.
What is the Best Time of Year for a Dog Friendly Elopement?
If you are eloping in the Pacific Northwest, we recommend planning your dog friendly elopement in the summertime for a few reasons. First, the temperatures in the mountains are mostly mild. They tend to stay around 75 degrees, so you are less likely to have issues with dogs overheating (at least in the mountains!). This also depends on the trail and the elevation, since the temperature drops about 5 degrees for every 1000 feet you climb.
Secondly, trails are a bit drier in the summer. This means you’re less likely to have a super muddy dog! And finally, the summer in the PNW has the highest chance of sunshine. Rainy dogs can be a bit stinky and overall wetness can dampen the fun (get it?! lol). So if you are planning a dog friendly elopement, we recommend scheduling it in the summertime (from mid July through mid September).
Practice Makes Perfect: Preparing Your Pup Before the Big Day
Don’t wait until your elopement day to take your dog on their first big adventure! Just like you’d practice your vows, your dog needs some practice too.
Tips for Preparing Your Dog for Your Elopement:
Start with Practice Hikes
If your elopement involves hiking, take your dog on several practice hikes beforehand. Start with shorter, easier trails and gradually work up to the distance and terrain you’re planning for your elopement day. This helps you understand their stamina and comfort level.
Practice in Wedding-Adjacent Attire
Try doing a few walks or short hikes while wearing something slightly fancier than your usual hiking gear. This helps your dog get used to you moving differently and looking different (which can sometimes confuse them!).
Take Practice Trips
If you’re traveling for your elopement, take your dog on a few car trips or short getaways before the big day. This helps them get comfortable with travel and new environments.
Work on Basic Commands
Make sure your dog reliably responds to basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” – especially in exciting, distracting outdoor environments. Your puptaker will thank you!
Bring Familiar Items
Pack your dog’s bed, favorite toys, or blanket from home. Having familiar scents and items helps your dog feel more comfortable and less anxious while exploring new places.
Practice With Treats and Camera
Get your dog used to looking at the camera when you have treats! Practice this at home so they know the drill on your elopement day.
4 Leave No Trace Tips for Your Dog Friendly Elopement
To make sure your dog friendly elopement is also Leave No Trace aware, here are four important principles to follow:
1. Learn About the Regulations
Make sure you plan ahead and prepare by learning about the local regulations at your elopement venue. Different National Forests, BLM lands, or State Parks have different regulations and requirements when it comes to dogs. The two most common rules are that dogs must be on leash and that you must carry out their waste.
2. Carry It Out
Always pick up and carry out your pup’s waste. Not only could it disturb other visitors, but it can also negatively affect the natural flora and fauna. Dog waste doesn’t decompose like wild animal waste does – it can introduce harmful bacteria and excess nutrients that damage ecosystems. So pack those poop bags!
3. Stay on the Trail (Especially in Sensitive Environments!)
Off-leash dogs can disturb the flora, fauna, and other visitors. When it comes to sensitive environments like high alpine meadows or high deserts, dogs can accidentally trample delicate plants and cryptobiotic soil. In the case of cryptobiotic soil, damage can last for hundreds of years just from walking on it! (Crazy, we know!) Keeping your pup on trail helps protect these fragile ecosystems.
4. Respect Other Visitors and Wildlife
Not everyone loves dogs (shocking, we know!), and some people may have allergies or fears. Keep your dog on leash and under control, especially when passing other hikers. Also, dogs can disturb wildlife, so it’s important to keep them close and prevent them from chasing animals or wandering into sensitive habitat areas.
If you couldn’t tell, we are very passionate about Leave No Trace! If you want much, much more of this (or you’re wondering what the heck cryptobiotic soil is), my team and I made a very comprehensive guide to planning a Leave No Trace elopement. (Spoiler: it’s one of the coolest things ever.)
Including Your Dog In Your Elopement Without Bringing Them
Sometimes bringing your dog to your elopement just isn’t practical. Maybe you’re flying across the country, eloping in a location that doesn’t allow dogs, or your pup is a furball of crazy energy that doesn’t do well on trails or in new environments. And that’s totally okay! It doesn’t mean you love them any less. Here are some sweet ways to include your dog in your elopement even if they can’t physically be there:
Video Chat With Your Dog
Set aside time at your Airbnb (with good wifi!) to FaceTime or video chat with your dog sitter or family member who’s watching your pup. We’ve seen the most adorable reactions from dogs on video chats – they often recognize their pawrents even through the screen! It’s such a special moment and can help you feel connected to your fur baby on your best day ever.
Custom Artwork or Wedding Details
Get custom items made to celebrate your dog as part of your elopement:
- Custom illustration of your dog on your invitations or save-the-dates
- A portrait of your dog displayed at your cabin or reception
- Custom cake topper featuring you, your partner, and your pup
- Embroidered handkerchief with your dog’s paw print
- “In loving memory” tribute if you’ve lost a beloved pet
Include Them in Your Vows
Mention your dog in your vows! Talk about the family you’re creating together, which includes your fur baby. It’s a sweet way to honor them even if they’re not physically present.
Bring Them to Your Reception (If You’re Having One)
Some couples host receptions or celebrations after they elope. This is a perfect, more casual time to include your dog! They can hang out with guests, get all the treats and pets, and be part of family photos without the stress of a long hike or remote ceremony location.
Wear Something That Represents Them
Maybe you tie a charm with your dog’s photo to your bouquet, or your partner wears cufflinks with your dog’s paw print. Little touches like this keep your pup close to your heart (literally!).
Are You Ready to Plan Your Dog Friendly Elopement?
Wherever you choose to elope with your pup of honor, we’re here to help you plan your best day ever with the most stunning backdrop (and the cutest four-legged friend!). Contact us if you have questions about dog friendly elopement locations – we’d love to help you choose the perfect destination that works for both you and your dog!
How to Elope with Family and Friends – Perfect if you need help finding a puptaker or want to include loved ones in your elopement celebration!
Summer Elopement at Artist Point – See Dani & Cara’s incredible day with their pup of honor, George!
Washington Fall Wedding at Mt Rainier – See Alex and Brian’s gorgeous fall elopement featuring their pup, Yukon!
Oregon Coast Elopement – Kelly and Scott’s stunning coastal celebration in Oregon with their furry friend, Jasper.
Artist Point Elopement – We will never be over Tiny and Robin’s beautiful Artist Point wedding with their Rudy, their pup of honor!
Meet Your Dog Friendly Elopement Photographers
We feel most at home in the outdoors, so it’s no surprise that is where we gravitate towards as your dog friendly elopement photographers. Between the Pine was founded by Mollie in 2018 and she has hiked hundreds of miles all over the Pacific Northwest and Kauai, to capture couples (and their pups!) during their best day ever. Since 2018, we’ve grown our team and continue to hire even more incredible photographers!
Our team at Between the Pine is passionate about our jobs and adventuring to the most beautiful locations to document your best day ever. We know the Pacific Northwest like the back of our hands and are dying for a reason to head back to the mountains, forest, and everything in between (especially if there are dogs involveD)! Click here to learn more about the Between the Pine team, your dog friendly elopement photographers!
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