10 Stunning Dog-Friendly Wedding Venues for Your Big Day

If you want your wedding guest list to include furry friends, just any reception location won’t do. You need to seek dog-friendly wedding venues, meaning they have no issue hosting your adorable pup. 

However, even if you book pet-friendly wedding venues, it’s crucial to be responsible and ensure your dog’s comfort and safety. So, if you’re looking for dog-friendly wedding ideas, this article includes the best practices to prepare. Furthermore, we offer some suggestions on how to incorporate your pet into the wedding ceremony or reception. After all, you want your little friend to feel included and have a chance to share in the joy of their favorite people!

Should you look for wedding venues that allow dogs or other pets?

Booking dog-friendly wedding locations gives you the green light to bring your pets. However, while imagining this charming guest with a little bow tie is cute, the reality is that not all dogs appreciate these gestures. Some dogs feel restless and anxious in unfamiliar settings or near crowded, loud places. 

So, whether you should focus on scouting for dog-friendly wedding venues highly depends on your precious friend. And since you can’t exactly ask their opinion, you should make the decision based on their character and sensitivity to different triggers. 

Things to consider when looking for pet-inclusive wedding venues 

If you’re going forward with the idea of having your dog at the wedding, it’s not enough to explore wedding venues that allow dogs. In addition to accepting these guests, venue providers should feature particular necessities for your pet to feel secure and comfortable:

• The venue should have a suitable sheltered spot for your dog to relax and escape the crowd. If you’re hosting an outdoor reception, it’s essential to provide shade for your dogs. 

• Consider the proximity to veterinary clinics or your home in case your furry friend does something unexpected or shows signs of stress.

• Look for wedding venues with pet accommodations, which means they have a designated space for pets to rest. Additionally, they might also provide an outdoor space for the dog to run around.

• When visiting the venue, consider the possibility that your dog may run away. So, the perimeter should be escape-proof, such as surrounded by a high fence and closed gates.

• Examine the policy of the dog-friendly wedding venues. Do they allow one or multiple dogs? Do they require insurance for the person walking the dog? What is the approach in case your dog chews or breaks something? All of these situations should be covered in your contract. 

• Some dog-friendly reception venues also require a non-refundable deposit for bringing pets, which you must pay before the event. 

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Rules and guidelines for bringing dogs to a wedding venue

Dog-friendly wedding locations require you to ensure the safety and well-being of all your guests, including your canine companions. Generally, you can expect the following guidelines to be provided to you. Even if they are not, the following list covers most of the rules to abide by: 

• Dogs must be up-to-date with all their vaccines and other treatments (such as tick prevention). Besides protecting your puppy, it also ensures the safety of all guests and staff.

• Assigning or hiring a person to watch over your dog is the most crucial aspect. There’s little chance that you’ll have enough time to check their bowls and walk them during the wedding craze. Family members are also not the best options, as they will likely want to participate in the festivities. Regular walkers or sitters are the most likely candidates to ensure your dog feels happy and content. 

• Even dog-friendly wedding venues will have restricted areas for your dog. The dog’s companion should ensure they stay within their designated space.

• Generally, the dog must be friendly, social, and well-behaved. In other cases, it’s best to leave your best friend at home to avoid stress and unpleasant situations.

• Plan for the unexpected when it comes to your little friend. Even usually calm and well-behaved pets could react to a wedding ceremony or reception with excessive barking or even aggression. So, have a plan B to take your pet home if this happens.

• Consider your guests who might be allergic to dogs. It is your responsibility to check with guests to prevent any severe reactions.

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Should you bring bowls, food, and other amenities for the dog to venues?

Some dog-friendly reception venues provide pet waste bags, bowls, beds, and leashes. However, establish what will be supplied in advance to avoid any surprises. 

Another fun idea is for pet-friendly wedding venues to offer in-house catering featuring some pup-friendly treats or special dishes. While tempting, ensure that this food suits your dog, especially if they have any health issues. Introducing something new to your pet in an unfamiliar setting may not be the best choice. 

In most cases, we advise bringing your food and supplies, especially when dealing with territorial dogs. The familiar smell of their bed and toys will make them feel more at ease. 

How to find dog-friendly wedding venues: 10 options for you 

With more couples wishing to include their pets in their wedding, many wedding venues that allow dogs, cats, or other pets specify it clearly. However, you may need to resort to reading reviews or contacting the venue directly for more information. So, even if some spots don’t advertise as pet-inclusive wedding venues, they may agree to it under certain conditions. 

For example, Breezit indicates whether a wedding venue allows pets in its listings. Thus, you will immediately know if a venue hosts them. Other venue finders don’t include this information unless specified in the vendors’ presentation. In some cases, you might notice that venues allow pets under specific conditions. Then, it’s best to contact the provider to learn the rules and requirements.

1. The Dana on Mission Bay

The Dana on Mission Bay is one of the pet-inclusive wedding venues that your dog will love. It operates a highly professional service to ensure your pet receives the best conditions. The venue features spacious outdoor grounds, allowing the dog handler to take your pup for a long walk. 

Additionally, the venue offers special dog treats and cuisine, custom keepsake water bowls, and information about nearby pet hospitals. Furthermore, it is also one of the wedding venues with pet accommodations, meaning they will have a safe space to stay before, during, or after the ceremony.

2. The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe

When it comes to dog-friendly wedding venues, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe also supports your idea to bring your fluffy friend. Yet, it does have some conditions, such as hosting two dogs per one accommodation, and they cannot weigh more than 50 lbs. 

The venue also offers special gifts for your pet, including water bowls, food, and beds. The dogs must always have their handlers by their side and must be leashed when exploring the premises. Furthermore, it is one of the ideal outdoor wedding venues for dogs, thanks to its spacious gardens.

3. Savanna Rooftop

Savanna Rooftop is also one of the wedding venues that allow dogs and other pets. However, a pet-friendly venue like this may not provide additional services tailored specifically to your adorable friend. Additionally, the venue has an indoor space and an outdoor patio. 

Pets are likely allowed in both areas. However, since there is no access to a garden or courtyard, your dog handler will need to take your dog outside the building for walks. The venue may provide bowls and other dog amenities; however, please contact them directly to confirm. 

4. Olympic Valley Stables

Olympic Valley Stables earns points as one of the most inclusive venues for weddings with pets. You can bring dogs, cats, birds, or even horses to attend your special day. The venue allows you to host a dog-friendly wedding ceremony, with your pet accompanying you to the altar or standing by you during the vows.

The Olympic Valley Stables features open space for pets to roam, numerous shaded areas, and more serene spots for relaxation. You also receive access to stables if you bring animals, such as horses. Thus, it’s one of the best outdoor wedding venues for dogs or slightly bigger companions.

5. The Prado at Balboa Park

The Prado at Balboa Park also accepts dogs, but the general guidelines indicate that pets are allowed on prior agreement and depend on different conditions. So, you do need to negotiate with the venue provider. However, couples have enjoyed weddings with their best friends. The pets will likely be allowed in outdoor areas. 

6. La Ventura Event Center

La Ventura Event Center also accepts pets, but specific conditions are not specified on their official page. Yet, since it includes outdoor spaces, your pet will likely find a spot ready for them. Furthermore, they showcase their affection for dogs on their Instagram account, encouraging couples to include them in their wedding celebrations. Additionally, they recommend keeping the pet visit short, offering to have them visit local puppy spas. 

7. Big Dog Vineyards

Big Dog Vineyards welcomes pets, too, and previous guests have shown a fond attitude towards them at weddings. They can stay in the venue’s outdoor patio (with shade provided). The grandiose natural surroundings also offer plenty of opportunities to take pets for walks.

8. The Walnut Grove

The Walnut Grove is another option for dog-friendly wedding venues. However, there may be certain conditions, as the permission can depend on your particular case. Yet, the beautiful grounds at this venue are vast, and your pet will enjoy walks and the natural surroundings.

9. The Vintage Rose

The Vintage Rose also allows you to bring your dog if they participate in the ceremony. Of course, like most dog-friendly wedding venues, it also requires specific planning. For example, you need to give prior notice and specify appropriate accommodations made after the ceremony. Furthermore, your little (or big) friend must be leashed the entire time. 

10. Bel‑Air Bay Club

Finally, Bel-Air Bay Club specifies that pets are allowed under specific conditions. Similar conditions must be met, such as having your pet leashed and controlling their access to different areas.

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How can you include your dog in your wedding ceremony? 

We're delighted to share a few dog-friendly wedding ideas for incorporating your pet into the festivities. 

• Your dog or any pet can be a precious addition to your wedding photos. 

• Have your pet accompany you to the altar or serve as a ring bearer. Remember that a person should always accompany a dog while walking to the altar. 

• Have them sit next to you and your wedding party during the wedding ceremony and mention them in your vows. 

• You can find adorable bow-tie dog collars to dress up your pet for the occasion. Mini outfits for your pets are also an option, but they should be comfortable enough for your pet to wear.

Even if your pet can’t be physically present at the venue, there are ways to include them! Name a cocktail after them, display their fun picture at the welcome table, design cupcakes with their likeness, or create cutouts for some witty guest photos. 

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Conclusion

Finding venues for weddings with pets is no longer as challenging: many providers cater to animal lovers! The services provided can vary, with some offering pet-friendly accommodations while others simply allow pets in outdoor areas. Yet, having a dog-friendly wedding ceremony can mean you assign your dog some exciting responsibilities, such as looking cute next to you or delivering the rings to the altar. 

We emphasize the importance of ensuring your dog feels comfortable and secure during the celebration. If your pets’ temperament or anxiety could prevent them from enjoying this sometimes chaotic event, it’s best to leave them safely at home. If you do decide to book wedding venues that allow dogs and make your pet a guest of honor, ensure that they have an assigned handler to stay with them at all times.