What to look for from a pet-friendly wedding venue

Want your pet to be part of your wedding, but worried your venue will treat them as an afterthought? 

“Pet friendly” can mean very different things from one venue to the next. Many couples book a venue that says yes to their pet, only to find out that they’ll need to be collected before your sit down meal. If, like us, you love your fur baby, you need somewhere that will truly involve your four-legged friend in the celebrations and treat them with the dignity and care they deserve. 

Here’s what you need to look for from a pet-friendly wedding venue.

1) Make sure your pet is welcomed, not just tolerated

Plenty of wedding venues describe themselves as “pet friendly” because four-legged friends are permitted on site. In reality, they’re often only allowed to go down the aisle with your wedding rings during the ceremony or make an appearance during the drinks reception, then they’re escorted off the premises by a chaperone.  

A wedding venue that truly welcomes your pet will think about them for the whole day. For example, whether they can be next to you during the speeches, if there’s somewhere they can relax during the evening reception, and how staff will handle them if they get anxious around the crowds. 

At Solton Manor, we welcome pets of all shapes, sizes, and types to join in the celebrations as if they’re part of your wedding party – whether it be your Labrador, your guinea pig, or even your horse. We know how precious your pets are to you, so our team will ensure they get plenty of love, fuss, and attention on the day.

2) Plenty of space to run and rest

Weddings are long days, even for humans. Your dog may be excited in the morning leading up to the ceremony, but then become tired or overwhelmed when it comes to the evening. That’s why it’s so important to look for a pet-friendly wedding venue with plenty of space where they can exercise and sleep to their heart’s content.

Venues with gardens, meadows, woodland or open countryside are great for letting your pet burn off some energy away from the crowd. But you also need to make sure there’s a quiet spot where they can rest between the ceremony and the reception. 

With nine acres of idyllic gardens, woodland, and a meadow to explore, your pet has plenty of room to roam at Solton Manor. We also have quiet indoor spaces where they can relax and snooze once they’ve had their fill of excitement for the day. You can rest assured that your pet will get everything they need here, leaving you free to focus on celebrating with your guests.

3) Picturesque photo opportunities for furry friends

Dreaming of beautiful wedding photos with your pet by your side on your wedding day? Some of the most treasured snapshots are often the least expected ones, for example your spaniel watching the ceremony from the front row, or a gentle walk through the grounds together before the reception starts.

Look for a wedding venue with scenic backdrops for photos, like open lawns, gardens, or woodland with good natural lighting. It’s also worth finding out if your venue’s recommended photographers have experience working with animals and can put your pet at ease.

At Solton Manor, our trusted photographers have captured everything from dogs carrying rings down the aisle, to horses, alpacas, and even reindeer joining the portraits outdoors. They know the perfect spots to pose with your pets and create memories you’ll treasure forever.

4) Experienced coordinators who regularly work with animals

There’s a big difference between a venue that likes the idea of dogs at weddings, and one that has successfully coordinated multiple pet-friendly celebrations. Find out what animals your venue has hosted, who will look after them, and how they will ensure your pet’s welfare on the day.

When it comes to pet wedding handler requirements, you need to ensure that there is someone, either from your wedding party or assigned by your venue, whose only job is to look after them throughout the celebrations. It’s also sensible to choose a wedding venue where, if you pet does go for a lie down, it’s not a massive trek for someone to check on them

Over the years, we’ve coordinated dozens of pet-friendly weddings, and even hosted suppliers of a mobile petting ‘farm’. We’ll work with you to discuss timings, welfare, and practical arrangements well before the wedding day, so you can rest assured that yours, or the supplier’s, four-legged companion is a key part of the celebrations.

1. Is my pet welcome for the whole day or only certain parts of it?
2. What spaces can my pet access?
3. Where can my pet rest if they need a break?
4. What can we do if my pet becomes overwhelmed by the noise or crowds?
5. Who is responsible for my pet if I can’t be, for example during the speeches, and how do handler arrangements work?
6. Do you have experience working with pet chaperones and can you recommend one?
7. Have you hosted animals other than dogs before?
8. Are your recommended photographers used to working with animals?
9. What happens if one of my guests has allergies to pets?
10. Is there anything specific we need to know if we want to include pets in our legal ceremony?

What makes a wedding venue genuinely pet friendly rather than just pet tolerant?

A pet-friendly wedding venue should plan for your pet across the whole day, not just the ceremony. They should have plenty of outdoor spaces for exercise, quiet areas to rest, and staff who are experienced in looking after animals. 

Do I need a professional handler for my dog at my wedding?

You don’t necessarily need a professional dog handler for your wedding, but most experienced venues will recommend them. A professional pet chaperone or handler’s only job should be to look after your pet, which includes feeding, walking, toileting, and settling them. 

Can animals other than dogs attend a wedding?

Many venues with enough outdoor space welcome horses, alpacas, and other animals like reindeer, rabbits, and even sheep for photographs or as part of the day, as well as dogs. Ask your venue about their experience working with different animals before booking.

How far in advance should I start making arrangements for my dog at the wedding?

You should start planning for your pet-friendly wedding as soon as possible. Discuss timings, welfare, and handler arrangements with your venue as soon as you’ve booked so that there’s plenty of time to work through the practicalities.

What do I need to do if I want to include my pet in my legal ceremony?

If you would love your dog or another pet to be part of your legal wedding ceremony in Kent, you must let Kent Registration Service know in advance. They ask that all pets are kept on a lead and under the supervision of a responsible person – we usually recommend someone they know closely as this helps keep them calm. It’s also worth asking your guests about any animal allergies and phobias alongside your dietary and accessibility questions, so that everyone can be comfortably accommodated.