Your 2026 Wedding Checklist: How to Include Your Dog in an Arizona Wedding

Planning a 2026 wedding in Arizona means you’re already thinking ahead — and if your dog is part of your family, you’re probably asking one important question early:

“How do we include our dog in our wedding without adding stress?”

At Canine Celebrations, we help couples across Arizona include their dogs in their wedding day safely, smoothly, and joyfully. This checklist is designed specifically for 2026 brides and couples who want to plan ahead and make sure their pup is thoughtfully included from start to finish.

Whether you’re planning a large celebration, an intimate ceremony, or a desert elopement, this guide will help you stay organized and confident.

12–18 Months Before: Decide If Your Dog Will Be Part of the Day

Before booking vendors, take a moment to think realistically about your dog.

Ask yourselves:

• Does our dog enjoy being around people?

• How do they handle new environments?

• Are they comfortable on a leash?

• Do they get anxious with noise or crowds?

Not every dog needs to be present all day — and that’s okay. Many couples choose to include their dog for:

• The ceremony only

• Photos and portraits

• A short appearance before heading home

The goal is a positive experience for both you and your dog.

10–14 Months Before: Choose a Dog-Friendly Arizona Wedding Venue

Arizona offers stunning dog-friendly wedding locations, but policies vary widely.

When touring venues, be sure to ask:

• Are dogs allowed during the ceremony?

• Are they allowed for photos?

• Are there breed or size restrictions?

• Do you require a professional dog handler?

• Are there shaded or quiet areas available?

Many Arizona venues prefer or require professional dog wedding attendants — which is where we come in.

9–12 Months Before: Decide Your Dog’s Wedding Role

Once your venue is confirmed, it’s time to decide how your dog will participate.

Popular options include:

🐾 Walking down the aisle

🐾 Ring bearer or “flower pup”

🐾 Sitting with a handler during the ceremony

🐾 Joining for first look photos

🐾 Appearing for portraits only

We help couples choose a role that fits their dog’s personality, energy level, and comfort.

8–10 Months Before: Book a Professional Dog Wedding Attendant

This is one of the most important steps — and one many couples don’t realize needs to happen early.

At Canine Celebrations, we recommend booking your dog wedding attendant as soon as your date and venue are secured, especially for 2026 weddings.

Booking early ensures:

• Your date is reserved

• Time to plan logistics

• Coordination with your planner and photographer

• A calm, prepared dog on wedding day

6–8 Months Before: Coordinate With Your Wedding Vendors

Your dog is now officially part of the plan — so your vendors should know.

We coordinate with:

• Wedding planners

• Photographers & videographers

• Venue coordinators

This allows us to plan:

• When your dog arrives

• When they participate

• When they take breaks

• When they leave

Smooth communication leads to a stress-free experience for everyone.

4–6 Months Before: Prepare Your Dog

Not all dogs need training — but some benefit from light preparation.

Helpful focus areas:

• Loose-leash walking

• Sitting calmly during short periods

• Exposure to new environments

• Comfort with strangers

If your dog is shy, energetic, or young, early preparation makes a huge difference.

2–3 Months Before: Plan Your Dog’s Attire & Accessories

Arizona weddings are perfect for simple, comfortable dog accessories.

Popular options include:

• Floral collars

• Bandanas

• Bow ties

• Harness-friendly décor

Comfort always comes first — especially with desert temperatures.

1 Month Before: Finalize the Wedding-Day Timeline

As your wedding approaches, we finalize:

• Arrival time

• Ceremony cues

• Photo schedule

• Breaks and walks

• Departure plan

We also confirm:

• Parking and access points

• Quiet waiting areas

• Backup plans

This ensures nothing is left to chance.

Wedding Day: Relax — We’ve Got Your Dog Covered

On your big day, our team handles everything related to your dog, including:

🐶 Safe transportation

🐶 Ceremony handling

🐶 Leash management

🐶 Hydration and potty breaks

🐶 Photo assistance

🐶 Crowd and noise management

🐶 Supervision before, during, and after the ceremony

You get to focus on being present — while your dog is cared for every step of the way.

Why 2026 Brides Are Planning Dog Care Early

We’re seeing more 2026 couples prioritize:

✨ Intentional planning

✨ Guest (and dog) experience

✨ Stress-free timelines

✨ Professional support

Including your dog shouldn’t feel overwhelming — it should feel joyful.

Planning a 2026 Arizona Wedding With Your Dog?

At Canine Celebrations, we specialize in dog wedding attendant services across Arizona, helping couples include their dogs safely and beautifully in their wedding day.

From Phoenix and Scottsdale to Sedona, Tucson, and beyond — we’re here to make sure your pup is part of the celebration without the stress.

Let’s start planning your 2026 dog-friendly wedding.

Reach out today to reserve your date. 🐾