How to Elope with Dogs

Elopement with Dogs

Do you want to elope with your dogs? Have you ever wondered “can I bring my dog to my elopement?” Well, the answer is HECK YES! I love seeing couples bring their pets to their elopement, wedding, or couple’s adventure shoot! However, there are a few things to consider and check before bringing along your pup. In this post, I’ll go over how to bring your dog on an elopement, tips on what to bring, and how to prepare your pet for the adventure!

Tips on Eloping with Dogs:

Including your pups on your wedding day can be so much fun! I totally get how you’d want to bring along your fur babies to the most important day of your life!! If you’re thinking about bringing your pet to your Moab elopement, here are a few tips:

Bring a petsitter. Friend or family, having someone that your pet is comfortable with can be key! While your pet can be a part of a lot of your elopement, there are times when having someone to hold the leash is beneficial. Designating one person to keep an eye on your pet can relieve a ton of stress for you and even your pups!

Pack for your pet. Bring along extra water, a bowl, food, treats, a leash, etc

Check the rules of your venue. Whether its on a trail, in a park, or at an event space. Always check to see if animals are allowed, and where!

Check your accommodation. Some hotels/properties may not allow pets – so be sure and ask!

Check the weather. If you’re eloping in the desert, it can get REALLY hot on the trail. Depending on the time of year, check and see if it’s safe for your pup to tag along.

Get comfortable hiking. IF you’re hiking on your elopement and bringing your pets. Make sure and get in some practice hikes together! Build up your distance to longer walks, on different terrains if possible! Consider the health condition of your pet, and really access if they are capable to join you on the adventure without too much added stress!

What to Bring For Your Dogs For Your Elopement

Pet add-ons

• Water bowl, extra water
• Food/treats
• Wag-bags
• Lea
• Collar
• Tags
• Lint roller (for your clothes!)
• Accessories (bowtie collar, sweater, etc)
• Toy or bone (for distraction)

Moab Elopement | Danielle and Jason

Danielle + Jason eloped in Moab with their two dogs – Nugget and Toast. They had the sweetest first look followed by some sweet donuts from Doughbird. After exploring for a bit, we all hopped in their jeep and took the coolest off-road trail to an epic Arch for their ceremony. This is such a great example of how you can make your elopement adventure unique – add in fun activities like off-roading and hiking to get to some epic locations! We stopped along the way to admire the views (and check to make sure their jeep had enough clearance!)

Once we got to the trailhead, they hiked in their wedding attire with their dogs leashed to them to the arch. Danielle climbed with cables, holding her dress AND her dog all at the same time – it was pretty impressive. They stopped for some water and then we found the perfect spot under the arch for them to read their vows and exchange rings. We then found a spot for them to have their first dance and their pups sat close by to watch – so stinking cute!

Sunset Ceremony in Moab

As the sun went down, we pulled out some lanterns and waited for the full moon to rise. Such perfect conditions with the clear dark night. We got such an epic experience – seeing the moon light up the whole terrain, and then stars started to come out too. It was really fun hiking back in the dark and admiring the epic sky views. The pups led the way back to the vehicles where we parted ways and they went off to dinner. It was the perfect Moab adventure elopement with the sweetest couple and cutest dogs!!

For more info on eloping in Utah – head to this guide on How to Elope in Moab! Or my Capitol Reef Elopement Planning guide!