Furry Friend As A Wedding Officiant: Is It Legal?

If you're planning your wedding and want your dog to play a starring role, you're in luck! In 23 states in the US, dogs are allowed to be official witnesses at weddings, leaving a paw print on the marriage license. This is possible in states including Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington DC, and West Virginia. In six more states, pets can also be involved as only one witness is required. So, if you're looking for ways to include your furry friend in your special day, why not consider letting them be a witness or even a ring bearer? Just make sure they're well-behaved and won't cause any chaos during the ceremony!

In which US states can my dog be a wedding officiant?

In the US, there are a few ways to involve your dog in your wedding ceremony. In 23 states and Washington, D.C., no witnesses are required for ceremonies, just a signed license. This means that your dog can be the sole witness and sign the marriage license with a paw print. These states include:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New York
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington, D.C.
• West Virginia

In six more states, only one witness is needed, so there is still the option of having your dog as a witness. These states are:

• California
• Iowa
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New York
• South Dakota

Additionally, in a handful of states, your dog could be a non-official officiant as these states allow couples to self-solemnize their weddings. These states include:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Vermont
• Virginia
• West Virginia

What are some creative ways to include my dog in the wedding?

Including your dog in your wedding ceremony is a fun and adorable way to honour them as part of your family. Here are some creative ways to make your dog part of your special day:

The Legal Stuff

In some U.S. states, your dog can be a legal witness to your wedding and leave their paw print on the marriage license. There are 23 states plus Washington, D.C., that recognise a pet's paw print on your marriage certificate as a legitimate sign of witnessing. These include Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The Outfits

Get your dog wedding-ready with a stylish outfit or accessories that match your wedding theme. Whether it's a bow tie, a flower crown, or a custom-made outfit, dressing your dog up will add a fun and adorable touch to the celebrations.

The Rings

Your dog can be the ring bearer! Attach the rings to their collar or use a fancy cushion or purse. Just make sure someone has an eye on them (and the rings) at all times!

The Photos

Capture meaningful moments with your dog in family portraits, highlighting them as an important part of your big day. These photos will be lasting memories of your dog being part of your family celebration.

The Guests

Your dog can be the guest of honour! Reserve a special place for them during the ceremony, complete with a decorated seat or their favourite blanket. This spot can be as prominent as you wish, emphasising their importance in your life and ceremony.

The Vows

Dedicate a part of your vows to your dog, promising to continue sharing your life and love as a growing family. This can be a meaningful way to include your dog in the ceremony and will resonate with your guests, especially those who know how much your dog means to you.

What are the legal requirements for a dog to be a wedding officiant?

While it is possible for a dog to be a wedding witness in many U.S. states, the same cannot be said for wedding officiants. Only a handful of states allow couples to self-solemnize their weddings, which means getting married without an officiant or traditional witnesses. In these states, your dog could be a non-official officiant, leaving a paw print on your marriage license.

The following states allow couples to self-solemnize their weddings:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New York
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington, D.C.
• West Virginia

If you live in one of these states, you can have your dog "officiate" your wedding by leaving a paw print on your marriage license. However, it is important to note that this is not an official role, as there is no legal basis for a dog to be a wedding officiant.

To have your dog "officiate" your wedding, you will need to make sure they are well-behaved and can remain calm and composed throughout the ceremony. You will also need to provide a clean paw print pad and an inkless pen for your dog to sign the marriage license.

While it may not be officially recognized, having your dog "officiate" your wedding can be a fun and memorable way to include your furry friend in your special day.

How can I prepare my dog to be a wedding officiant?

While it is not possible for your dog to be a wedding officiant, they can be included in your wedding ceremony in other ways. Here are some tips on how to prepare your dog to be part of your wedding:

Embrace the Chaos

Involving your dog in your wedding ceremony is a fun way to make memories and capture great photos. However, it's important to be prepared for unexpected moments, as pets are unpredictable. Inform your officiant as early as possible about your intention to include your dog so they can plan and prepare accordingly. Be ready for anything, and don't stress if things don't go exactly as planned!

Have Realistic Expectations

If your dog doesn't usually follow your commands, it's important to be realistic about what to expect during the wedding. If your dog isn't particularly well-behaved, consider including them only in the wedding photos or having them present at the venue but not in the actual ceremony.

Understand Guest Preferences and Comfort Levels

Not everyone is a dog-person, and some guests may be afraid of or allergic to dogs. Inform your guests in advance that your dog will be present at the wedding so they can take any necessary precautions, such as bringing antihistamines or choosing a seat away from the dog.

Choose a Dog-Friendly Venue

Ensure that your wedding venue allows animals. Many municipal codes restrict pets' access to venues where food is served, and some private venues have their own restrictions. Check with the venue in advance to avoid last-minute changes to your ceremony.

Assign a Pet-Sitter and Provide Food and Water

Arrange for a friend or family member to be responsible for pet-sitting duties during the wedding. This will ensure that your dog is well-fed, hydrated, and taken care of throughout the event.

Prepare Your Dog for the Venue and Guests

Teach your dog an alternative way to show excitement instead of jumping on guests, such as giving their paw. Remember that the wedding will be a very exciting experience for your dog, and they may be unable to control their impulses, so it's important to have them leashed and controlled at all times.

Include Your Dog in the Wedding Party

You can dress up your dog for the occasion with a stylish outfit or accessories that match your wedding theme. Include them in the wedding ceremony by having them stand with you at the altar, or make them a non-traditional ring bearer by attaching the rings to their collar or using a fancy cushion or purse.

Involve Your Dog in the Legal Process

In some U.S. states, your dog can act as a legal witness at your wedding and leave a paw print on your marriage license. Check if your state allows this, and if so, have a clean paw print pad and an inkless pen on hand for your dog to "sign" the license.

What are some other ways my dog can be part of the ceremony?

While it's not possible for your dog to officiate your wedding, there are several other ways your dog can be included in the ceremony. Here are some ideas:

Ring Bearer

Your dog can be the ring bearer, carrying the rings on their collar or in a small bag or cushion attached to their collar. This is a unique and memorable way to include your dog in the ceremony. Just be sure to have someone keep an eye on your dog and the rings at all times!

Chaperone/Babysitter

If you want your dog to be present at the ceremony but don't want to worry about looking after them, consider hiring a chaperone or babysitter specifically for your dog. They will ensure your dog is safe, happy, and prepared throughout the day. There are even professional pet sitters who specialize in wedding chaperoning!

Special Outfit

Dress your dog up for the occasion! Choose a stylish outfit or accessories that match your wedding theme. Whether it's a bowtie, flower crown, or custom-made outfit, dressing your dog up adds a fun and adorable touch to the celebration.

Signature Cocktails

Name signature cocktails after your furry friend. This is a creative way to include your dog in the festivities, even if they cannot be physically present at the ceremony.

Custom Napkins

Print your dog's picture on custom napkins. This is another way to include your dog in the festivities, even if they cannot attend the ceremony. It's a fun and unique touch that your guests will surely love!

Photos

Include your dog in your wedding photos. Take some time during the day to snap some family photos with your dog. These photos will be cherished memories for years to come.

Guest of Honour

Reserve a special place for your dog during the ceremony, such as a decorated seat or their favourite blanket. This emphasizes their importance in your life and ceremony.

Welcome Wagon

Have your dog greet the guests as they arrive. This is a great idea for outgoing dogs who want to be a part of everything. Your dog can get the party started and put a smile on everyone's face before the ceremony even begins!

Frequently asked questions