Engaged This Holiday Season? Here’s How to Plan a Dog-Friendly Wedding in Arizona

The holiday season is one of the most magical times of the year — twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and for many couples, the season of “Yes!”. If you got engaged this December (congratulations!), you’re probably already dreaming about your wedding day. And if you’re a dog lover, you might be wondering:

“How do I include my dog in my Arizona wedding… without the stress?”

At Canine Celebrations, we specialize in helping couples all across Arizona include their pups in their big day — safely, joyfully, and beautifully. If you’re newly engaged and planning a dog-friendly wedding, this guide will help you get started with confidence.

Why Include Your Dog in Your Wedding?

Your dog is more than a pet — they’re family. They’ve been there through moves, life changes, heartbreaks, adventures, and now… they get to be part of one of your happiest milestones.

Including your dog in your wedding:

• Makes your day more meaningful

• Creates unforgettable (and adorable!) photos

• Allows your pup to be part of your love story

• Adds personality and fun to your ceremony

And with Arizona’s gorgeous venues and year-round sun, it’s one of the best states for dog-friendly weddings.

Step 1: Choose a Dog-Friendly Arizona Wedding Venue

Arizona is full of stunning locations perfect for couples who want their dogs by their side:

🍃 Outdoor Desert Venues

Places in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Sedona, and Tucson offer incredible mountain and desert backdrops ideal for dogs who enjoy wide, open spaces.

🌿 Rustic Barns & Ranches

Dog-friendly ranch venues allow your pup to move comfortably without tight restrictions.

🏨 Resorts & Boutique Hotels

Many luxury resorts in Arizona welcome pets for weddings. When touring venues, ask:

• “Are dogs allowed for the ceremony and photos?”

• “Are there restrictions on size, number, or specific areas?”

• “Do you require a professional dog handler?”

Most venues LOVE when couples hire us because it guarantees safety and smoothness for everyone involved.

Step 2: Decide How Your Dog Will Participate

Your pup can be part of your wedding in so many adorable ways:

✨ Ring bearer

✨ Flower pup

✨ Walk down the aisle with a handler

✨ Sit next to the groom or bridal party

✨ Join only for portraits

✨ Be a special guest at the reception

Not all dogs enjoy crowds or long events — and that’s OK! We help you choose a role that fits your dog’s personality.

Step 3: Plan for Safety, Comfort, and Behavior

Even the best-behaved dogs need structure on wedding days.

Think about:

• Potty breaks

• Hydration

• Shade (especially for Arizona heat)

• Noise sensitivity

• Crowds and children

• Temperature changes

• Travel logistics

  
  

This is where our team comes in. We handle EVERYTHING — before, during, and after your ceremony — so you get all the joy of having your dog present without the stress.

Step 4: Hire a Professional Dog Wedding Attendant (That’s Us!)

Let’s be honest — you, your family, your bridal party… everyone is busy on wedding day.No one can realistically manage a leash, water bowl, treats, photos, and timing while also enjoying the celebration.

With Canine Celebrations, you get:

• A dedicated dog attendant

• Ceremony handling

• Behavioral support

• Hydration, potty breaks & walks

• Photo assistance for perfect poses

• Safe transport to and from your venue

• Full supervision from arrival to departure

We make sure your dog is calm, happy, and beautifully involved — while you stay fully present in every moment.

Step 5: Create Dog-Friendly Photo Moments

Arizona’s scenery gives you the perfect backdrop for portraits with your pup:

• Sedona’s red rocks

• Scottsdale desert sunsets

• Tucson saguaros

• Phoenix botanical-style venues

We coordinate with your photographer so your pup is picture-perfect and looking the right direction (thanks to our squeakers, treats, and doggie modeling tricks!)

Step 6: Add Cute Dog-Friendly Touches

Make your wedding even more personal with:

• A floral dog collar

• Customized bandana

• “Dog of Honor” sign

• Matching bow tie

• Doggy-safe cake or treats

• Signature cocktail named after your pup

These little touches always end up being guest favorites.

Start Planning Your Dog-Friendly Wedding Today

If you got engaged this holiday season, now is the perfect time to start planning how your dog will be part of your Arizona wedding.

At Canine Celebrations, we’ve helped countless couples create seamless, joyful, dog-inclusive ceremonies. From Scottsdale to Sedona, Phoenix to Tucson — we

handle the dog details so you can focus on your “I do.”

Ready to include your pup in your special day?

We’d love to celebrate with you. 💍🐶

Send us a message today to reserve your 2026–2027 wedding date!