Dog Friendly Elopement Locations

I’ll be the first one to say that my dog is my best friend – his name is Denver and I’ll include a photo of him at the bottom haha! That being said, I know how much dogs mean to us. And being able to include them in our lives is so important, especially on a day like your wedding day!

Figuring out what it can look like to include your pup takes a little extra planning. We have to navigate areas like locations, lodging, and activities while keeping them in mind. Ultimately you want to make sure that you have an amazing day, while also making sure your dog is also safe and happy!

So if you are considering including your fur baby in your plans, let’s dive into some dog friendly elopement locations and tips to help make the experience amazing for all of you!

5 Tips for Bringing Your Dog to your Elopement

Eloping with your dog is such a beautiful way to include them in this exciting new chapter, and is so worth the few extra steps to make it smooth and seamless!

I’ve photographed countless weddings and sessions with dogs, and here are some of my top tips.

Bring A Helper

Even if your day is centered around your pup, it can sometimes be nice to take a break and share a moment with just the two of you. Or, maybe you have an experience you want to do that isn’t dog-friendly but you still want your pup there for the rest of it. Whatever the reason, having some help is great! You get the perk of sharing these moments with your furry loved one, while also being able to take a break if needed.

Pack Treats

Bring along some of their favorite, high value treats to your wedding day to help keep their attention! You can share some with your photographer, or just keep some on you to keep them nearby!

Be Mindful of their Accessories

Some people dress their dog up with flower collars, little tuxedos, you name it! And that’s such a cute option if that fits your vision. But if that’s not your thing, I still recommend choosing what they’ll be wearing mindfully. Try to keep collars and harnesses to a color that fits your vibe, or at least isn’t too distracting! Leashes, too!!

Tire Them Out Beforehand (if Possible)

If your pup is tired, they’re more likely to be calm when needed as the day goes on! So if you have the opportunity to take them for a walk, run, play fetch, etc before your day – you’re setting yourself up for success!

Pack Extras

We talked about packing treats already, but it’s good to always be prepared! Depending on your day, some other good things to pack could include:

Towel
Water / Bowl
Food
Favorite Toys
Poop Bags
Spare Leash
Bug Spray
Brush
Wipes

Where to Elope with your Dog

Deciding where to elope is one of the biggest choices you make when it comes to your wedding! And finding a dog friendly elopement location can take a little extra thought. Many places are dog friendly, but many spots aren’t (like many National Parks)!

An important thing to keep in mind for choosing a dog friendly elopement location is your dog’s activity level. Make sure that whatever spots you have in mind, your pup can safely access them without getting hurt or overdoing it! Or if high levels of activity isn’t in the cards for your pup, consider an easier access location.

Many states (including my home state Michigan) are super dog friendly, with most areas allowing access in some manor for your pup. Let’s dive into some specific areas, both in Michigan and outside of Michigan to elope at with your dog! Keep in mind there are of course many more, these are just some favorites!

Dog friendly Elopement Locations in Michigan

Miner’s Beach – Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Empire Bluff Trail – Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Hogback Mountain – Marquette, MI

Mackinac Island – Mackinac Island, MI

Saugatuck Dunes State Park – Saugatuck, MI

Tahquamenon Falls State Park – Paradise, MI

Lake of the Clouds – Ontanogan, MI

Hunter’s Point Park – Copper Harbor, MI

Silver Lake Sand Dunes – Mears, MI

Nordhouse Dunes – Free Soil, MI

Dog Friendly Elopement Locations Outside of Michigan

Acadia National Park – Mt. Desert, ME

Black Balsam Knob – Asheville, NC

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore – Bayfield, WI

Hocking Hills State Park – Logan, OH

Black Beach Park – Silver Bay, MN

Grotto Falls Trail – Bozeman, MT

Hope Lake – Telluride, CO

Ruby Beach – Olympic Peninsula, WA

Smith Rock State Park – Crooked River, OR

Elopement Ideas With Your Dog

There are so many fun ways to incorporate your dog into your elopement! Whether you want to do a full day with them, an adventure with them, or just have them a part of your day – if you can dream it up, we can make it happen.

Because the possibilities are endless, let’s talk about some specific ideas. Here are some ideas of things you can do on your elopement day with your pup!

Have your Dog Sign your Marriage License

Each state has its own rules about what is needed to officially get married. Some states count your dog as an official witness! Having your dog be a witness is such a sweet way to include them. Even if your state doesn’t allow your pup as a witness, you can print out a faux license and have them pawprint it!

Take Them on a Hike

There are so many gorgeous areas you can get married at, so why not choose a dog friendly one! Hiking is an amazing wedding experience all around that takes you to some gorgeous, private areas – and including your pet can make it even better.

Include Them in a Picnic

A wedding day picnic with your pup is a great way to break up your adventuring. You can pack a cute blanket, some of your favorite snacks (and theirs!!) and enjoy a peaceful moment together.

Spend Time On the Water

If you and your pup love the water, why not experience it on your wedding day! You could go on a boat ride, paddleboard, canoe, or even just play around on the beach.

Share Dessert

Whether you’re dreaming of cake or ice cream, there’s definitely a dog-inclusive option to explore. You can make a human cake and a mini pupcake for them, or take the whole crew out for some ice cream!

Cozy Up Around a Campfire

This is a great way to end an amazing adventure day with your pup. Cozy up with some blankets, a bonfire, some s’mores and some treats!

Set Aside Time to Have Fun

This is the most important tip. Some of the best times with your pup come from having a minute for you to HAVE FUN! Make sure there’s time for you to run around that beach, play fetch on that hill, or snuggle up with that view.

Dog Friendly Elopement Photographer

Including your dog in your wedding day can be so, so special. We all love our dogs like they’re family, and so being able to celebrate such a special day with them is truly so wonderful! I hope you are feeling inspired for some adventure with your pup, and have some beautiful new dog friendly elopement locations to consider!

I help my couples plan their day from the ground up, from finding locations to activities, vendors, and more! So if you are feeling ready to start talking about some of your elopement ideas and plan an amazing, custom experience for you (and your dog of course), contact me!!

(as promised, a photo of my husband and I at our micro wedding in the UP with our sweet boy Denver!!)