If you’re a dog person, you probably understand why some couples have their dogs in their weddings. The relationship between a dog and owner is about unconditional love, companionship, and dependability.
From Snippet & Ink / Photo by Joe Mikos Photographers
There was a time when I didn’t understand why people were so crazy for dogs. I thought the idea of having a dog in a wedding was downright strange. When Junior Mink came into my life four years ago, everything changed. Part of me wanted him in our wedding, but part of me worried about having him there.
From Style Me Pretty / Photo by Jennifer Bullock Photography
Here are some of the reasons we wanted Junior Mink at our wedding:
From Southern Weddings / Photo by 13:13 Photography
Of course, there are some drawbacks:
Image from Jodi Miller Photography
I’ve been collecting pictures of dogs at weddings for months. I find them totally charming, but I’m not sure Junior Mink’s destined to come to our wedding.
Where do you stand on the wedding-dog issue?
I would LOOOOVE to have our bulldog in our wedding (he looks a lot like the one on the left in the first picture). But our venue won’t allow them indoors (understandable) and January in Oregon is no time for an outdoor wedding.
I’m considering having him come down for pictures since our house is less than a mile away it would be totally easy. However bulldog are really messy and we’re horrible about letting him jump on us, I just keep getting visions of muddy paws on my wedding dress… Agh!
@Lexy: I’ve seen people incorporate pictures or silhouettes of their dogs into their decor, so I guess that’s an option…but I bet your pup is your baby, like mine is. It’s not the same as having him there!
Ahhh! I literally just wrote about having my puppies at the wedding the other day! I absolutely love the idea of having pets involved. If you can figure out the logistics of having someone you trust watch him throughout the day, I think you should do it! (And I’ll live vicariously through you.) 
We brought our pup from MD to OR to be in our wedding and it was great. I am so happy that we chose to include her. In the stressful days leading up to the wedding, it was wonderful to have her there. We hired a college student/dog walker to be her handler for the night. The hotel let our pup stay in the bridal suite where we all got ready, so the handler brought her homework and hung out with our pup the whole night. Our pup walked down the aisle (with one of the little boys who we dubbed “dog escort”) and then greeted us after the ceremony. The handler followed us all around town while we took photos during the cocktail hour so that we could include the pup in a shot whenever we wanted. We went and visited her during the reception and took her out for a few photos in the photobooth, etc. It worked out great.
haha my dog post is coming very soon! we may be scarily similar Miss Mink!
@Miss Hawk: Aw, does your venue not allow it? Bummer!
@78h2o: I LOVE it! I didn’t think to hire a dog walker. I considered a dog sitter…but I bet a dog walker would be really easy to find!
Maybe you could just have someone bring him for pictures? That way he could be a part of the day without creating too many logistical issues.
I really hope you incorporate Junior Mink, it would be so adorable! I love your inspiration pictures!
You should incorporate Jr. Mink somehow. We have 4 dogs; 2 Bostons and 2 Chihuahuas. One of the Chihuahuas I have had for 6 years, and she is my baby. Initially, I wanted to carry her down the aisle, instead of flowers….but, EVERYONE told me not to. I wish I had listened to myself and done it. We’ve been married 6 months, and I still think about it. 
If YOU want to have your dog in the wedding, do it. It’s your day, and, it’s little things like having him there, that may seem weird to guests, but, completely comfortable to you. If it brings happiness and smiles to you and your future husband, then do it. You won’t regret it!
My dog got ready with us and was in the pictures beforehand. My venue was all indoors so she wasn’t allowed at the actual wedding or reception. This might be a compromise?
The pictures were fantastic!
@Miss Mink: I was prepared to pay more, but I asked the dog walker how much she wanted and she said $50 to help with the dog from 2-9. I think with a tip we gave her $70. Money well spent.
Here is a photo of my pup kissing my nose right after the ceremony: http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/rfrutch/haileykiss-1.jpg
And one of her in the photobooth:
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/rfrutch/pbkiss.jpg
@Miss Mink: yes… I was just thinking that I could put pictures of him on the tables so that everyone can admire my baby… but I just can’t picture it working. Maybe a picture of him at our sweetheart table… or in the programs… something.
I really wanted my dog to be at my wedding but the venue said no. I’m going to get some pics with him at home before we leave though.
I am a total dog person! I want our new pup at our wedding, but FI’s family is totally NOT pet people – so they would think it is really strange.
Since we are having a first look and pictures before the ceremony, we are going to bring him along, and then drop him off at home before the reception. I think it’s a good compromise.
Junior Mink is a very gorgeous boy, he would look AMAZING in your pictures! Well, he looks amazing in any pictures IMO, I swear i’m not stalking your furbaby but whenever I see his pictures I swoon!
He is very dear to your heart and I firmly believe that anyone who holds a special place in our hearts should be included in your special day, whether they have 2 legs or 4
I think he’ll be a source of joy for you and your guests on your day, rather than a detriment!
@jeffandjen2011: I really want to! I just want to do what’s best for him. 
@PinkMagnolia: I’ll be getting ready in the bridal suite inside our venue, so our handler would have to keep Junior Mink outside.
@Danawatson210: I think we need a Bees & their dogs at weddings thread!
@Crabbabs: That sounds perfect!
@smabell: Aw, thanks for saying that! I love my little guy! I think the photos would make us smile for years and years to come!
Whoops, that didn’t work.
http://www.smabell.com/anonymous/juniormink2.jpg
More motivation for you!
Mrs. Mink, Charlottesville, Virginia Age and Occupation: 34, College Administrator Fiance's Age and Occupation: 40, Craft Beer Consultant Engagement Date: November 26, 2010 Wedding Date: June 2012 Venue: Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards About Me: I left a pre-war brownstone in Boston six years ago to live in a funky, Southern city where Thomas Jefferson, Dave Matthews, and urban chicken keepers enjoy equal social standing. I still love my Patriots and Red Sox, but have fallen in love with Virginia. I work in education and specialize in integrating technology into my work to improve the student experience. I’m a diehard blogger, animal lover, jamband follower, and DIYer. I paint to relax and have transferred by energy from home projects to wedding projects in recent months. When Mr. Mink and I started talking about marriage, we knew our wedding would be outdoors, that my golden retriever would be part of the day, and that the music would be fantastic. We’ve taken a few risks during our planning process and we’ve been enjoying the process immensely!
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