Essential Guide to a Dog-Friendly Scottish Wedding – 12 Expert Tips

Let’s chat about dog-friendly weddings. For many couples, a wedding or elopement wouldn’t feel complete without their beloved pup by their side.

Whether you’re planning a grand celebration in the city or an intimate one in the Scottish Highlands, there are plenty of ways to make your dog a special part of your day. From choosing a pet-friendly venue to ensuring they’re comfortable throughout, these tips will help you plan a smooth and stress-free wedding with your four-legged companion.

And remember – you don’t even necessarily need a wedding venue!

You can get married outdoors and free of charge in many areas of Edinburgh and the Scottish highlands. If you’d rather explore the possibility of having an indoor ceremony at a unique spot, below you’ll find a list of dog-friendly venues.

Wedding couple kissing in the scenic Scottish Highlands, with their greyhound companion wearing a stylish coat, framed by dramatic mountain landscapes and a winding road in the distance
Bride in a flowing lace gown and groom in a traditional Scottish kilt standing arm-in-arm with their greyhound, gazing into the misty valley of Glencoe
Bride in a lace wedding gown holding a rustic bouquet, gently holding the paw of her greyhound companion dressed in a black coat, set against a Scottish Highlands backdrop
Greyhound wearing a black coat and a kilt standing among heather and rocks in the Scottish Highlands, with a backdrop of misty hills and rugged terrain on a wedding day

1. Choose a dog-friendly venue

Not all wedding venues welcome fluffy guests, so make sure to check that with the staff before booking.

Explain your dog’s size, breed, and temperament to ensure they’ll be accommodated. Scotland has many pet-friendly venues, such as the Bonham in Edinburgh and another fantastic, historic elopement venue in the city – Riddle’s Court, which both allow dogs to join the celebrations.

Top dog-friendly Scottish wedding venues:

The Bonham in Edinburgh

Riddle’s Court in Edinburgh

Prestonfield House Edinburgh

Melville Castle in Edinburgh

Dalness Lodge in Glencoe

Auchen Castle in Moffat

2. Consider the weather

If you’re having an outdoor ceremony, think about how your dog will cope with the expected weather conditions. Scotland’s climate can be unpredictable, with everything from sudden rain showers to strong winds and chilly temperatures, especially in the Highlands.

While Siberian breeds like huskies and samoyeds are built for sub-zero temperatures thanks to their thick double coats, other breeds are far less suited to the cold. Whippets, greyhounds, and other short-haired breeds have very little body fat and thin coats, meaning they can struggle even in mild chilly conditions. If you’re eloping in autumn or winter, consider layering them up with an insulated dog coat or jumper to keep them warm and toasty.

In the summer, it’s just as important to ensure your dog doesn’t overheat. While brachycephalic breeds like pugs and bulldogs are especially vulnerable to heat due to their short noses, double-coated breeds such as border collies and retrievers can also struggle in direct sun. Provide plenty of shade, bring fresh water, and take regular breaks to ensure they stay comfortable throughout the day.

Whether it’s keeping them cosy in the cold or cool in the heat, planning ahead for your dog’s comfort will ensure they enjoy your wedding day just as much as you do!

3. Assess your dog’s fitness for a hiking elopement

Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes make it an incredible place to elope, but if your ceremony involves a hiking elopement, it’s important to consider your dog’s stamina and fitness level. While some dogs thrive on long adventures, others may struggle with steep climbs, rough terrain, or extended treks.

A few-hour hike to your ceremony location, such as the ascent to Dun Caan, the highest peak on the Isle of Raasay, might be manageable for an energetic, fit dog, but a strenuous trek like Glencoe’s Lost Valley could be too challenging for smaller breeds, older dogs, or those with joint issues. If your pup isn’t used to long hikes, opt for a shorter or more accessible route that still offers stunning scenery.

Also, remember that your dog doesn’t have to be with you for the entire wedding day. You might love having them by your side for part of your photoshoot or ceremony, but after that, a dog chaperone, pet-sitter, or a trusted friend could look after them while you enjoy the rest of your elopement stress-free. This way, you get the best of both worlds—precious moments with your pup and uninterrupted time to celebrate just the two of you.

4. Make sure your dog is well trained enough for the circumstances

Bringing your dog to your wedding or elopement can be a wonderful experience, but it’s important to realistically assess their behaviour before the big day. Will they stay calm during the ceremony? Can they resist jumping up on your wedding dress? Will they be comfortable around any guests, the photographer, or in a new environment? This one will be an easy one for experienced dog owners but could be helpful for couples who have only just got their first pup – so feel free to skip or read on!

Another key consideration is barking. Some dogs get excited or anxious in unfamiliar situations and may bark at new people, sounds, or even at moments of silence. If your dog tends to be vocal, work on desensitising them to common wedding-day triggers—such as people clapping, camera shutters, or periods of quiet during the ceremony. Rewarding calm behaviour and practising commands like quiet or settle in different environments can help reduce excessive barking.

If you’re unsure about how they’ll behave, start training well in advance. Teaching and enforcing basic commands like sit, stay, and leave it will be incredibly useful, especially in an outdoor setting where distractions like wildlife or other hikers could catch their attention.

On the day itself, consider bringing chew toys or calming treats to keep them occupied during quieter moments.

5. Assign a dedicated dog handler

Having a friend, family member or professional pet-sitter on hand can make the day far more relaxing. A dog handler can give your pup breaks when needed, take them back to your accommodation if they get tired, and allow you to enjoy moments alone together. If choosing a friend for the task, remember to pick someone who’ll know how to handle the pup – not just someone who loves them.

If you’re having a legal elopement in Scotland, they can also act as a second witness if your photographer is the first!

Vows Including Pets

Solo Paws

Bride and groom walking across a rustic wooden bridge with their basset hound, set against a scenic backdrop of a historic Dalness Lodge in the Scottish Highlands
Smiling bride in a lace wedding gown and groom in a tweed jacket with their basset hound wearing a plaid scarf, standing outside Dalness Lodge
Basset hound wearing a plaid scarf stepping out of a red doorway with its leash held by the groom in jeans and boots
Groom crouching down to gently pet his basset hound, dressed in a plaid scarf, on a gravel path near a Scottish wedding venue
Two dogs, a basset hound in a plaid scarf and a chocolate Labrador, posing with the wedding party, with the bride’s gown and groom’s tweed suit visible

6. Dress your dog up (if they’re happy with it)

If your dog doesn’t mind wearing accessories, a floral collar, a bow tie or even a tailored kilt can make them look extra adorable. Just make sure they’re comfortable and not restricted in any way.

I guarantee: they’ll steal a lot of the attention on your wedding day this way ;)

7. Let them be the ring bearer

If your dog is well trained, they can carry the rings down the aisle in a secure pouch or decorative collar. Just make sure there’s no risk of them running off or losing the rings – otherwise, this could be a very stressful addition to your day!

8. Bring a cosy spot for them to rest

Weddings can be long and tiring, so having a familiar blanket or bed for your dog to rest on can help them feel settled.

Bringing a favourite toy or ball can also keep them entertained between key moments – or feel more at peace.

9. Choose a wedding photographer who loves dogs

Not every wedding photographer is comfortable working with pets, so ask in advance if they’re happy to capture shots with your dog.

A photographer who enjoys working with animals will be able to focus on natural, heartwarming moments of interaction between you and your fluffy companion.

10. Celebrate with a pup-friendly cake or treats

Why not let your dog join in the celebrations with their own wedding cake? There are plenty of bakeries that create dog-friendly cakes and treats, especially in Edinburgh area. They’ll not be a wonderful treat for your pup, but also a fantastic wee thing to photograph!

An example would be highly recommended Perfect Paws Dog Bakery.

11. Capture some special portraits with your dog

While candid moments are wonderful, make time for a few portraits with your dog. These don’t have to be stiff, formal shots – some playful, joyful photos with your dog will be among your favourites from the day. Feel free to share your ideas with the wedding photographer you hire for the day.

12. Pack their essentials

Bring water, treats, a lead, and waste bags to ensure your dog is comfortable throughout the day. If you’re travelling to a more remote Scottish location, double-check that you have everything they’ll need, as it might be tricky to find doggy essentials there.

13. Book dog-friendly accommodation

If you’re staying overnight, make sure your accommodation allows dogs. Many Scottish hotels, lodges, and Airbnbs are dog-friendly, particularly in rural areas like the Highlands and the Isle of Skye.

Some even provide dog beds and treats to make them feel extra welcome.

Conclusion

Including your dog in your wedding or elopement can make your day even more meaningful, but it requires some extra planning. By choosing the right venue, ensuring they’re comfortable, and arranging for someone to help out when needed, you can have a stress-free celebration with your furry best friend by your side.

If you’re planning a dog-friendly wedding in Scotland, I’d love to hear about it! Especially as a fellow dog lover and an owner of a naughty golden retriever called Ajro.

Let me know how you’d like to make your pup part of your big day – and let’s get planning.

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