Including your dogs in your Colorado wedding or elopement photos is a memorable way to celebrate your bond. With the right planning and a little flexibility, you’ll have incredible memories (and adorable
photos) that showcase the loves of your life—both human and canine! I believe strongly in including our fur babies whenever possible. So much so that I donate $50 from every session with a dog to Humane Colorado (formerly Denver Dumb Friends League).
Technically, I have also counted horses, cats, and snakes, so include
whatever you want! Together, we can make sure even more animals find a loving home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most common questions I hear people ask about how to include dogs in wedding photos, along with some of my favorite tips:
Sometimes, but it is beginning to depend on where in Colorado you obtain a marriage license. Colorado is one of few states that allows “self-solemnization”, which means you don’t legally need to have any
witnesses or an officiant. Having a witness (human or canine) sign your license is totally optional.
However, some counties are starting to change this policy to no longer recognize animal witnesses. As of the writing of this post in March 2025, Adams county in Denver metro was still allowing paw prints.
However, Denver county itself was not. The best practice would be to ask the county clerk’s office in person when you pick up your license. They will know the definitive and current answer to this question. If they tell you they will not accept a paw print, you can always ask to purchase an extra copy of the license. It won’t be “official” since you will never mail it in, but you can keep it as your own keepsake if you’d like. If you are going to include a paw print on your license, make sure to bring a non-toxic ink
pad!
MOST state parks in Colorado allow dogs, with certain restrictions. They must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, there may be blocked off areas due to sensitive vegetation or wildlife, and there’s a fine for not cleaning up after them. Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde, and Gunnison National Parks also allow dogs on leash. Unfortunately, Rocky Mountain National Park does not allow dogs on any of the trails at all.
There are creative ways to still include your dog if you will be in RMNP; dogs are allowed in the
campsite and parking areas, as well as the areas just outside the park boundaries (which are still beautiful). The safest bet before planning on bringing your dog into any particular location is to work with someone who knows the local regulations and will make sure you don’t set yourself up for
disappointment… or a hefty fine. The good news is, you’re already on the website of one of those people!
Tips and Tricks
Things you should bring if including your dogs in wedding photos:
1- Allow extra time to get the zoomies out in the beginning- or get there early so they can explore!
2- Accept that there’s going to be a little extra chaos. It’s part
of the fun! Is every photo going to be “glamorous”? No– but you will
love them all.
3- Be ready to get down at your dog’s level for photos, even if that means a little extra dirt.
4- Make sure your pet’s microchip is updated or attach something like
an air tag to their collar. A new environment, new people, potential
wildlife… even the very best pups can get overstimulated or distracted.
1- If your dog is mellow (and not huge) I can hold the leash
2- We can attach the leash to a nearby post or tree with a carabiner
3- If you have guests, designate a “pet wrangler” who can either hold on to the dog or take them back when they’re done
*Leaving your dog in the car for a short time while we take photos is
only a viable option during the rare window of weather when we’re
between 40-70 degrees. It’s best not to make that your only plan.
Is every photo with your dog going to be “perfect”? Not in the sense that they are cooperative and posed the way you want them to be. But will they be “perfectly them”? Yes. And that is exactly what you’ll always want to remember.
Bottom line—It’s totally possible (and awesome) to include dogs in wedding photos. I want to meet your dog. Let’s make it happen.
I cant wait to meet you and your dog!
Melissa and Matt had grand plans for an Evergreen Lake House wedding with a ceremony on the lake, but the weather certainly kept us on our toes. As I pulled up to the hotel where they were getting ready, the clouds were rolling in ominously. The girls were checking the weather every few minutes and...
