Your elopement day is a fun and personal way to celebrate your love with your significant other. What better way to make it even more special and personal than by including your furry best friend! After all, dogs are a part of the family, and it only makes sense that they would be a part of your special day. Including your dog in your elopement can be a fun and unique way to create lasting memories that you'll cherish for years to come. In this blog post, we'll explore some tips and ideas to help make your dog a part of your elopement celebration!

Unique IDeas for how to include your dog in your elopement

• Have them be the ring bearers! You can get a clip to attach your rings to your dogs collars so they can be the ring bearer!

• Have them be a part of the getting ready portraits or do a little cozy couples session with them at your lodging

• Have them sign your marriage license! In states like Colorado you can have your dog sign as your witness for your marriage! In the Pacific Northwest, you can’t do that, but you can have them sign the non-legal paperwork. You can buy dog-safe ink and then have them use a paw print to sign—which is just the cutest thing ever!

IDeas for how to include your dog in your elopement without them being there

While having your dog physically present at your elopement can be a wonderful experience, it might not always be an option! However, there are still plenty of ways to include your furry friend in your special day without them actually being there. One option is to incorporate your dog into your decor or wedding favors. Get creative like the couple below, who got custom socks of their dogs! Another idea is custom cookies with your dogs face on them or a cake topper with the three of you.

Tips for including your dog in your elopement

You want your elopement to be as stress free as possible. Even though its an amazing thought to have your dog with you on your special day, it can add extra stress. But no worries! There are ways we can work through it:

• One way is to make sure you have an extra person there dedicated to taking care of and watching your dog so that you can focus on each other.

• Another great option is to bring a long lasting bone or kong filled with their favorite treats to give them so they are distracted while you take some portraits without them.

• Consider your dogs temperament. If they are wild and rambunctious, it may be better to leave them at home. Another great option (and one I highly recommend), is to plan on having your dog join you for part of your day, but not the whole thing. That way you can still have them be present, but you also get some time where your focus is just on the two of you! A great way to do this is to get a dog-friendly airbnb, where you can get photos with the pups at your airbnb and then leave them behind for your main location.

dog friendly places to elope in washington

Washington State is a dog-friendly destination, offering many options for including your furry friend in your elopement celebration! The I-90 corridor, which stretches across the state, provides access to many scenic areas that are dog-friendly, including Rattlesnake Lake and Mount Si. Mount Baker is filled with trails and campsites, perfect for your dog friendly elopement! For those looking for more remote and adventurous options, wilderness areas such as the Glacier Peak Wilderness and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness offer stunning backdrops for elopements with your dog. With so many options to choose from, Washington State is the perfect place to include your dog in your elopement celebration.

sierra jessup photography | Washington elopement photographer

There are so many fun ways you can incorporate your furry friend on your elopement day. From dog themed decor, to having your pup be the ring bearer! Get creative with your ideas and your elopement will turn out so memorable. If you are planning a Washington elopement, count me in! I would love to capture all of your special moments with you, your significant other, and your dog! Head over to my contact page and we will be in touch!