Dog-Friendly Wedding Guide
Part of the family
If you are anything like me, your dogs are not just your pets, they are family members who take up a massive part of your hearts (and your bed). It makes sense that you want them by your side on your wedding day. You know that bringing your dog anywhere that you can’t give them your undivided attention can be hectic. I touch on the importance of having a handler in my post [Unconventional Savannah Engagement Locations].
Weddings can be are loud, busy, and predictable, especially for your pup. If you want to include your pup without spending the day dressed about breaks or begging for snacks, you will need a solid logistics plan.
The Secret Weapon: Dog Concierge Service
The Workflow:
– They pick the dog up from your home or pet-friendly hotel. They exercise and socialize them so they are calm before arriving at the venue.
– They handle the styling (putting on that tiny bowtie or floral collar).
– They manage the leash behind the scenes during photos, stepping in with high-value treats to get those classic “everyone look at the camera” moments.
– Once the ceremony and formal portraits wrap up, they whisk your pup back home for a quiet dinner and bedtime, leaving you free to enjoy cocktail hour and dance the night away
Keaton and Rye’s trainer Gianna of Cash Money Canine has wedding concierge services to choose from. Depending on how long or if you will need boarding as well as transportation, she has something that will work for you. She has also been building her network of dog trainers with apprenticeships, and if she isn’t available she might be able to recommend someone that is.
Keaton & Rye, my rescue babies.
Just a few Dog-Friendly Savannah Venues
The Historic Squares & Parks (Downtown Savannah):
As long as you follow the city’s basic public space guidelines, public squares like Tiedeman Park, Chatham Square, or quiet corners of Forsyth Park are completely dog-friendly for an outdoor ceremony. Just make sure you have a handler ready for passing golf carts or carriage tours!
The Georgia State Railroad Museum
For couples wanting an industrial, textured backdrop, this open-air museum space allows dogs on leash for outdoor ceremonies amidst the historic train cars and sweeping brick arches.
Red Gate Farms
Located just a few minutes outside of downtown, this sprawling estate offers massive, lush green pastures, a beautiful barn vibe, and a relaxed atmosphere that is highly accommodating to furry family members.
Old Sheldon Church Ruins (Day Trip/Elopement alternative)
If they are willing to travel slightly out of the city grid for a wild, historic look, the striking brick columns surrounded by deep low-country woods make for an incredible, pet-friendly outdoor elopement setting.
Quick Wedding Day Dog Tips:
I have photographed dogs that just the sight of the camera was off putting, I have a few tricks up my sleeve to get their attention, but we need to make sure we communicate anything that might not work for your dog.
