11 adorable pets at weddings

To celebrate National Pet Day, here are some of the furry friends we have featured from real life weddings

Last year in the UK, it was estimated that 45% of households have pets, with dogs ranking as the nation’s favourite (in 26% of households) with an estimated nine million of the canine companions in our homes. 

As a special part of the family for many, more couples want to include their beloved pet in their wedding day. 

Image: Peppermint Love Photography

Amanda Fraser-Fish, owner of East Anglia-based dog chaperone wedding service, Amanda’s Ark, says: “Our dogs are part of the family and it therefore follows that couples would want to include them in their wedding day. However, many often find that the logistics of incorporating their beloved dog into their big day can be difficult and more venues requesting a dog chaperone service for couples wanting to include their dogs. 

“If you want to include your pet, keep it simple. You know your dog better than anyone and if you think they would be too stressed or over-excited to be given the role of ring-bearer, then follow your instincts and keep their involvement to photos only.”

Image: Sara Beaumont Photography

Animal lover Amy Mace married Stephen Boothroyd at The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth. “When I found out that The Donkey Sanctuary did weddings I was ecstatic,” says Amy. “However, only one donkey sanctuary did weddings and that was in Sidmouth, Devon, 285 miles from our home in Carlinghow, Batley.  Once Stephen and I had taken a trip down to see the venue, the animals combined with the Sidmouth seafront were simply a match made in heaven. On the day The Donkey Sanctuary was beautifully decorated and the donkeys, including Bramble who we chose to be our donkey bridesmaid, were mostly well-behaved.” Amy was also joined by her parent’s beloved dogs, Bobby and Charlie, on her special day. 

Images: Passion 4 Photos Photography 

Zoe Cooper married Steve Ferries at her family farm in Wiltshire. Among the 140 guests was Doug the dog, a Rhodesian Ridgeback belonging to Zoe’s parents, Nicola and Anthony Cooper. “We are such an animal-loving family and Doug is part of the family, so not to have him there on our special day was never an option,” Zoe explains. “He was just supposed to come to the churchyard after the service but unbeknown to us he was at the back of the church throughout the service.” 

Image: Natasha Jay Photography 

Emma Long married Jerry Varney at the The Elephant Hotel, Pangbourne, Reading. Emma says: "We included Peppa the Pug, our flower girl, and Henry the Papillion, our usher. Being surrounded by everyone that I knew and loved doing my hair and make up and having my pug, Peppa by my side made it a great morning."

Image: Mike Crowshaw Photography

Joanna Brooks married Michael Scott at The Moonraker Hotel in Wiltshire. “We chose our venue as it was perfect in every way,” Joanna explains. “It had the rustic country feel we were looking for and they welcomed pets so our two beautiful spaniel pups, Willow and Chester, could join us on our special day.” 

Image: Joab Woodger-Smith Photography

Rebecca Trainer married Martyn Simpson at St Mary's Lenham Village Church followed by a reception at Britcher Farm, Egerton. 

Image: Natalie D Photography

Amee Holland married Paul Tomkins at Holiday Inn East at Newport Pagnell. Amee says: “My most memorable moment was when my dogs turned up. I was on such a high from a beautiful day so to have them there just completed it for me. We served our dogs a ‘doggy wedding breakfast’ of Nature's Menu on the day as they all attended the wedding. We included them all in the official photographs in white ‘I do’ bandanas and matching leads.” 

Images: Roxanne Bergman Photography

Rebecca Garson married Steve Roper Athelhampton House in Dorset. Rebecca says: “We have a beloved miniature dachshund called Dusty; we knew we wanted her to feature throughout, and so sausage dogs were our theme.”

Image: Peppermint Love Photography

Louise Swaries married Philip Pristernik at Fowey Hall in Cornwall. 

Image: Ross Talling Photography

Sophie Allam married Chris Sharpe at The Tithe Barn at Ufton Court, Reading. Sophie says: “Our dog, Mabel, was our rather excitable ring-bearer and looked adorable in her flower collar.”

Image: Shane Webber Photography