Your wedding day is a celebration of love, and it’s only natural to want to include everyone who is important to you—including your furry best friends! Whether it’s your dog walking down the aisle, your cat posing for photos, or simply incorporating their presence into your decor, pets can add a special touch to your wedding day. However, including pets in your wedding or engagement photos can sometimes come with added challenges.

At A.R. Davis Media, we’ve worked with many southern Indiana couples who wanted to feature their pets in their photos, and we’re here to help you plan for a stress-free experience. Follow these tips to make sure your pet’s big moment is just as picture-perfect as the rest of your day!

1. Bring Along a Buddy for Your Pet

Having an extra set of hands to care for your pet during your photos or wedding ceremony can make all the difference. Ask a friend, family member, or professional pet sitter to tag along and help. This allows you to focus on the moment without worrying about how your pet is behaving. After all, you’ll want some photos with just the two of you, too!

2. Plan Poses That Include Your Pet

Research and plan poses ahead of time that involve your pet. Whether it’s a candid shot of your dog looking up at you or a fun pose with your cat in your arms, having a vision for these photos will make things run much smoother. Pre-planning reduces stress and ensures you capture the moments you’re dreaming of!

3. Check Venue Policies

If you’re taking photos at your wedding venue or any other location, confirm ahead of time that pets are allowed. Many southern Indiana wedding venues are pet-friendly, but some have specific restrictions. Getting approval early ensures there are no surprises on the day of your shoot or wedding.

4. Arrange for a Pet Sitter

If your pet will be part of the wedding ceremony, consider hiring a pet sitter for the remainder of the day. Even the most well-behaved pets may feel overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of a wedding. Having someone to take them home or care for them after the ceremony will allow you to relax and enjoy the rest of the celebration without worry.

5. Inform Your Photographer

Let your photographer know ahead of time that you’ll be including your pet in your photos. At A.R. Davis Media, we love photographing pets and can come prepared with treats or creative ideas to help get the best shots. Having a heads-up will allow us to plan for poses, locations, and even potential challenges.

6. Find Creative Ways to Include Your Pet Without Them Being There

If your pet isn’t comfortable in crowds or you’re worried they might not behave on the big day, consider honoring them in other ways:

Include them in your engagement photos and display those pictures at the wedding.
Name a specialty cocktail after them. ("The Bella-tini," anyone?)
Use a mini version of your pet as a cake topper or decor element.

These creative touches still let your furry friend be a part of your celebration, without the added stress of having them physically present.

7. Choose Pet-Friendly Vendors and Venues

If pets will be a significant part of your wedding day, work with vendors who can accommodate them. Many southern Indiana pet-friendly wedding venues are happy to include furry guests, and local pet-friendly services can provide everything from floral leashes to day-of pet care.

Need help finding pet-friendly vendors? Reach out to our sister company, First Class Designs, for help with full-service wedding planning, floral design, and event coordination.

Why Include Pets in Your Wedding?

Including your pet in your wedding or engagement photos is a wonderful way to celebrate your bond with them. Your pets are part of your family, and featuring them on such a special day adds a personal and heartwarming touch to your memories.

At A.R. Davis Media, we understand how much you love your pets and are here to help you create beautiful, stress-free photos that include your furry friends. Whether you’re planning for 2025 or need help with engagement photos today, we’re here to capture those precious moments.

Book Your Pet-Friendly Wedding Photographer Today

Still searching for a photographer who will embrace your vision—including your pets? Contact A.R. Davis Media today to book your session! From candid moments to creative poses, we’ll work with you to make your day as memorable as possible.

Looking for wedding planning, catering, or content creation services? Our sister companies can help: