Photo by Maria Broome Photography
10 questions to ask before booking a dog friendly venue
If your dog is basically a furry member of the family, leaving them off the wedding guest list might be completely unthinkable. But there’s a big difference between a venue that allows dogs and one that genuinely dog-friendly venue. From where they can go to where they can snooze when all the excitement gets a bit much, there are a few things worth checking before you fall in love with a venue.
Unconventional Wedding member Tree Top Escape shared with us 10 questions to ask before booking a dog-friendly wedding venue…
For many couples, a wedding day simply wouldn’t feel complete without their four-legged best friend there to celebrate too. Whether they’ve been with you through your first date, your engagement, or every Sunday walk in between, it’s only natural to want them by your side when you say “I do.”
Thankfully, more wedding venues are welcoming dogs than ever before. But not all “dog-friendly” venues offer the same experience. Some are happy for your dog to join the ceremony but not stay afterwards. Others welcome them throughout the day but have restrictions on where they can go.
Before you book, it’s worth asking a few key questions to make sure the venue is genuinely the right fit for both you and your furry VIP.
Photo by Michelle Ley Photography
1. Can our dog be with us for the whole day?
This might sound obvious, but “dog-friendly” can mean very different things.
Some venues allow dogs in outdoor spaces only, while others welcome them throughout the ceremony, drinks reception and celebrations.
If having your dog beside you for every important moment matters, ask exactly where they’re allowed and whether there are any time restrictions.
At Tree Top Escape, we’ve welcomed everything from tiny Chihuahuas to giant Newfoundlands, with dogs joining ceremonies, photos, celebrations and even relaxing afterwards with their owners.
Photo by Becca Roundhill Photography
2. Are dogs allowed inside the ceremony space?
Many couples imagine their dog walking down the aisle, sitting beside them during the ceremony or even acting as ring bearer.
If that’s part of your vision, check whether indoor ceremony rooms are dog-friendly, or if dogs are limited to outdoor ceremonies only.
You’ll also want to ask if there are any rules around leads or seating arrangements so you can plan ahead.
3. Can our dog feature in our wedding photos?
This might seem like a given, but some venues have areas where dogs aren’t permitted, even for photographs.
Ask whether your photographer can take your dog around the grounds and whether there are any beautiful locations where they’re welcome.
Some of the most treasured wedding photographs are the completely unplanned moments—a muddy paw on a wedding dress, a happy tail wag during confetti, or your dog stealing the spotlight during family photos.
4. Is there somewhere safe for them to rest?
Wedding days can be exciting but also overwhelming for dogs.
Between new people, unfamiliar surroundings and lots of excitement, many dogs appreciate somewhere quiet to take a break.
If your venue has accommodation, ask whether dogs can stay there and whether there’s somewhere peaceful for them to rest between the big moments.
Photo by Michelle Ley Photography
5. Are there lovely walks nearby?
A pre-ceremony walk can help burn off nervous energy—for both you and your dog.
Likewise, after the celebrations, it’s lovely to explore somewhere scenic together before heading home.
Choosing a venue surrounded by countryside, woodland or open spaces often makes bringing your dog feel much more relaxed and enjoyable.
Photo by Becca Roundhill Photography
6. Will the team genuinely welcome our dog?
This is one of the biggest differences between venues that simply “allow” dogs and those that truly embrace them.
Ask whether the team are comfortable around dogs and whether they’ve hosted weddings with canine guests before.
An experienced team will understand that every dog has their own personality and will help your day flow naturally without making your dog feel like an inconvenience.
Photo by Becca Roundhill Photography
7. What happens while we're having dinner?
Depending on your plans, your dog might not want to sit through a three-course meal.
Think about who’ll be looking after them while you eat or if they’d be happier having a nap in nearby accommodation before rejoining you later.
Planning this in advance helps everyone relax.
8. Are there any hidden rules or extra charges?
Some venues charge additional cleaning fees or have restrictions based on the number or size of dogs.
Others may ask that dogs stay on leads or are supervised at all times.
It’s always worth understanding the full policy before booking so there are no surprises later.
9. Is the venue suitable for older or nervous dogs?
Not every dog loves crowds, loud music or lots of excitement.
If your dog is elderly, anxious or has mobility issues, ask about accessibility, quieter spaces and whether the venue layout is easy to navigate.
Intimate weddings often suit dogs particularly well because the atmosphere is naturally calmer and less overwhelming.
perhaps the most important question...
Photo by Becca Roundhill Photography
10. Does the venue genuinely understand why our dog is important?
To many couples, a dog isn’t just a pet, they’re family.
The best dog-friendly venues understand this completely. They won’t simply tolerate your dog being there; they’ll celebrate them being part of your story.
At Tree Top Escape, we’ve seen dogs walk couples down the aisle, proudly carry rings, pose for unforgettable photos and curl up beside their owners at the end of an incredible day. It’s one of the many reasons we love intimate weddings—they leave space for the people (and pets) who matter most.
Choosing a venue that's right for all of you
Your wedding should reflect your life together, and for many couples that includes muddy paws, wagging tails and a few unexpected moments of canine mischief.
By asking these questions before you book, you’ll know exactly what to expect and can relax knowing your best friend will be just as welcome as everyone else.
After all, weddings are about celebrating your story, and for so many couples, that story simply wouldn’t be complete without a dog in it.
If you’re looking for a genuinely dog-friendly wedding venue in Devon then make sure you check out the fabulous Tree Top Escape.
