Eloping with your dog in the beautiful Pacific Northwest is an unforgettable way to make your day even more special! Oregon and Washington are packed with dog-friendly elopement locations that allow you to bring your furry best friend along for the adventure. Here are my top tips to help you plan the best dog-friendly elopement wedding and let you and your pup have the best experience possible. 

Top Tips for Including Your Pup in Your Elopement

• Make sure your dog has a collar with a name tag with your details written on them. Although dogs have to be leashed when we’re out exploring, anything can happen, so it’s important to be prepared. Check out these amazing hand stamped dog tags my friend Megan makes!
• Bring along someone to be your dog handler for the day. It can be a family member, a friend, or even someone hired specifically to assist you. This way, you can give your pup a break from time to time and also allow you to focus on your vows.
• A fresh bath or grooming session makes your dog photo-ready and adds a bit of pampering before their big role as your “dog of honor.” Plus, a good grooming session helps avoid shedding or dirt sticking to their coat.
• If you’re going for an outdoorsy adventure, don’t be surprised if your pup gets a bit dirty along the way. Embrace it just like you would your dirty dress! 
• You’re most likely bringing your dog on adventures anyway, so physical fitness shouldn’t be a big issue. But if they are not used to extensive walks, it could be wise to prepare them a bit ahead of time.
• If possible, take your dog for a good, long walk the day before. This will help them burn off some energy, which will make them more relaxed during your ceremony.
• Dress up your dog a bit if they’re into it. A floral crown, a little bowtie, or a special collar can make your dog look adorable and add to the special feel of the day. Just make sure they’re comfortable!
• If your dog needs a little calming energy or a quick distraction, a toy or ball can be helpful. It’s also a great way to get some fun, candid photos with them!
• The PNW can get warm in summer and chilly in winter, so be sure to check the weather and prepare your pup accordingly. They might need things like cooling pads, extra water, or maybe some boots and a coat.

What to Pack for Your Dog’s Adventure

• Leash and collar
• Waste bags!
• Extra water and portable bowl
• Favorite treats and food
• Blanket or travel bed for them to rest
• An extra towel if they get wet or muddy
• Toys to keep them entertained
• Doggy boots and coats, depending on the location and weather

How to Incorporate Your Dog Without Them Being There?

Sometimes, bringing your dog to your elopement just isn’t possible, whether it’s due to location restrictions, logistics, or other reasons. But that doesn’t mean your pup can’t still be a part of your special day! 

• Include their photo in your bouquet or boutonniere (like a small charm or locket tied into your bouquet)
• Add a special item to your attire (a custom piece of jewelry with their paw print, a fabric swatch from their favorite bandana sewn into your attire, or custom cufflinks or socks!)
• Personalized stationery or signs or fun face masks!
• Your pet-inspired cake toppers.
• Carry along a photo of your dog.
• Video call your family/friends and your pup.

Follow the Leave No Trace (LNT) Principles When Including Your Dog in Your Elopement

Practicing Leave No Trace is essential when bringing your dog to natural spaces. Here’s a breakdown of what to keep in mind so you can enjoy your day with your pup while protecting the environment:

• Pack Out Waste – Always bring waste bags and dispose of them properly. Some areas require you to pack out all waste, so if you’re on a long trail, bring extra bags and a secure container to carry out any waste.
• Stay on Trails – While it’s tempting to let your dog run freely, keeping them on designated paths protects local vegetation and helps avoid disturbing wildlife.
• Respect Local Wildlife – Dogs are naturally curious and might be drawn to wildlife. Keeping them leashed minimizes stress on animals and prevents encounters with species that could harm your pup, too.

Dog-Friendly Elopement Wedding Locations in PNW

Finding a dog-friendly elopement spot is key. Many National Parks have strict dog policies—sometimes limiting pups to parking areas or sidewalks, which probably isn’t quite what you’re looking for during your elopement. But don’t worry! The PNW is full of pet-friendly options. National Forests, BLM lands, and State Parks often welcome dogs.

Just make sure your pup is on a leash when required, for their safety, the safety of other people on the trails. In off leash areas please make sure your dog has excellent recall.

• Sparks Lake
• Smith Rock State Park
• Dillon Falls
• Lake Billy Chinook
• Tumalo Falls
• Deschutes River Trail
• Broken Top
• Cascade Lakes Highway (the location along the highway determines whether you can include your dog!).
• Metolius River
• Crater Lake National Park (some locations)
• Shevlin Park
• Paulina Lake
• Mt. Bachelor
• Sahalie Falls
• Crooked River Grasslands
• Painted Hills
• The Ochocos Mountains
• Columbia River Gorge
• Mt Hood
• Olympic National Forest
• Deschutes National Forest 
• Snoqualmie Pass Area
• North Cascades National Park (some of my fave spots here – Washington Pass Overlook, Maple Pass Loop, Thunder Knob, Heather Meadows, Artist Point)

And, of course, look for dog-friendly accommodations like a cozy lodge or Airbnb near your chosen elopement location.

Ready to Plan Your PNW Dog-Friendly Elopement Wedding?

Let’s create an experience that’s unforgettable for both you and your pup(s)! Hi, I’m Erica, a PNW elopement photographer! Are you and your partner dreaming of an epic PNW elopement with stunning views and unforgettable adventures? I’m here to help you plan and capture the day of your dreams! And did I mention how much I love dogs?!

Check out my PNW elopement packages and reach out through my inquiry form here! I can’t wait to help you plan and capture a day you’ll remember forever!