When Brad and Ellie were planning their wedding, there was one thing they agreed on instantly: their sheepadoodle, Newton, had to be involved. "We decided pretty much straight away that he was going to be our ring bearer," Brad told BBC's Morning Live. "He had to be involved in some way." For the couple, Newton's presence was non-negotiable, and he ended up playing several roles beyond carrying the rings—he greeted guests, posed for family portraits, and, perhaps most importantly, brought a sense of joy and comfort to the day. "He brought so much joy being there. It felt so nice to go over to him and give him a cuddle," Brad said. Ellie chimed in, "He was just amazing."
Brad and Ellie’s story is far from unique. Across the UK, more couples are finding creative ways to include their beloved dogs in wedding ceremonies. According to a recent survey by the charity Dog's Trust, nearly nine in ten people consider their dog their best friend, and 89% say their dog provides emotional support. With such strong bonds, it’s hardly surprising that dogs are being given starring roles at weddings, from ring bearers and flower girls to bridesmaids and even guest greeters.
This trend has sparked a boom in specialized services designed to help couples seamlessly include their pets in their nuptials. Emma and Ade Cartlich, based in Staffordshire, run Precious Pets Weddings, a dog chaperone service that has recently expanded to Wales and London due to soaring demand. Their approach is meticulous: "You have to find out all the temperaments, the couple's ideas, how well this would match and then put your plan together," Emma explained. The process begins with a consultation call, followed by an in-person meeting to get to know the dog’s personality and preferences.
On the big day, the Cartlichs handle everything from transporting the dog to the venue and walking them around, to rehearsing their special role. They even provide a mini groom, spritz of doggy perfume, and dress the dog in a tuxedo or floral accessories to match the wedding theme. "And then normally most dogs will be at the meet and greet as the guests are arriving," Emma added. The result? A polished, happy pup who’s ready for their close-up and their moment in the spotlight.
Jane and Darryl Marsh, who run Paws2Party in Solihull, have seen such a surge in bookings that they’re now considering franchising their business. Their experience echoes that of Precious Pets Weddings. "Every wedding is different, we're guided by the dog and their behaviour," Jane told the BBC. "The dog usually steals the show, everybody ends up taking pictures of the dog and not the bride and groom." Dogs have taken on a range of roles at these ceremonies, from ring bearers to flower girls and even bridesmaids. The Marshes’ flexible approach ensures the pet’s comfort and happiness always comes first.
For Bethan and Charlie, another couple swept up in the dog-friendly wedding trend, including their dog Fergus was a non-negotiable part of their August 22, 2025, celebration. "Having Fergus at the wedding was the only thing we were absolutely certain about from the get-go," Bethan said. Fergus’s role was more than ceremonial—he participated in a "first look" with Bethan, making him the first to see her in her wedding dress. "By the time I arrived at the church, he was waiting for me. It was really nice to pull up and see him there," she recalled. Fergus wasn’t just a guest; he was entrusted with the rings, making the moment even more special. "It was lovely being able to have Fergus as part of the day, but having him as part of the actual wedding ceremony was really special."
Social media is amplifying this trend, with thousands of couples sharing photos of their canine companions in wedding attire. "I'm absolutely obsessed with Fergus, and so is Charlie, so I don't think anybody would have expected him not to feature on our wedding day. Anybody who has a dog knows they are literally like having a child," Bethan said, echoing the sentiment of many dog owners who see their pets as integral family members.
For some, having a dog at the wedding is not just a sentimental choice, but a necessity. Angharad, who is visually impaired, was accompanied down the aisle by her guide dog, Tudor. Matched with her in 2018 by the charity Guide Dogs, Tudor has been a fundamental part of her life ever since. "There were four guests with guide dogs at our wedding. Tudor got really excited because his favourite people were in the room," Angharad recalled. But she also highlighted the logistical challenges involved: "Finding a venue that was at the scale we wanted it to be at and was wheelchair friendly, accessible for stairs and dogs was actually very difficult." Her experience underscores the importance of accessibility and careful planning for couples with service animals.
With the growing popularity of dog-friendly weddings, experts and chaperone services have compiled a list of tips for couples considering including their pets. First and foremost, ensure the wedding venue is dog-friendly—some spaces may have restrictions or safety concerns. It’s also wise to check that the photographer is comfortable working with dogs, especially if you want your pet featured in key shots. Understanding your dog’s temperament is crucial; not every dog will thrive in a busy, noisy environment, so it’s important to assign a role that matches their personality and comfort level.
Choosing the right outfit for your dog can be both fun and practical. Harnesses, for example, are recommended as they prevent dogs from jumping up at guests. When it comes to flowers, do your research—some varieties can be poisonous to dogs. Finally, let your guests know in advance that dogs will be present, as some people may have allergies or fears.
As dog chaperone services like Precious Pets Weddings and Paws2Party continue to expand to meet demand, it’s clear that the role of dogs in weddings is more than a passing trend. For many, these four-legged friends are not just pets, but cherished family members whose presence makes a special day truly unforgettable.
Whether they’re walking down the aisle, carrying the rings, or simply offering a comforting nuzzle, dogs are leaving paw prints on wedding traditions—one joyful celebration at a time.
