🐾 How to Make Sure Your Dog Has as Much Fun as You Do on Your Wedding Day
Tips for including your four-legged friend at a dog-friendly wedding venue
If you’re planning your big day and your dog is very much part of the family, it’s only natural to want them there to celebrate too. The good news is, Donington Park Farmhouse is proudly a dog-friendly wedding venue – and we’ve seen first-hand just how special (and fun) it can be to include your pup in your wedding day.
That said, not every dog loves a crowd, so here are a few tips to make sure your dog is happy, comfortable, and just as spoilt as the humans on the day.
1. Know your dog’s personality
Some dogs love the spotlight. Others prefer to keep things low-key. Before assigning them a starring role, think about what they’re comfortable with. Walking down the aisle or posing for photos might be perfect for some – while others may be happier just mingling during drinks or joining you for a few quiet moments.
If your dog’s likely to get overwhelmed, it’s absolutely fine for them to make a brief appearance and then retire to a quiet space. Our Rustic Barn Wedding Venue has private outdoor areas and plenty of calm corners where your dog can relax away from the action.
2. Assign a ‘dog chaperone’
On the day itself, there’s a lot to think about—so it’s worth having someone dedicated to your dog’s welfare. A trusted friend or family member might do the job, but many couples now choose to book a professional dog chaperone to take care of everything from walkies to photos.
We’ve worked with a number of excellent local suppliers who specialise in wedding-day pet care, including:
They’ll tailor the support to your dog’s needs and schedule—whether that’s a brief appearance or staying throughout the day.
3. Keep them comfortable and hydrated
Dogs can pick up on the excitement of the day – but they can also get overstimulated in new environments with lots of people. Bring their favourite bed or blanket to create a safe space nearby, and always make sure fresh water is available.
On hot autumn or summer days, seek out shady areas and keep walks short and gentle. If you’re staying overnight, our Wedding Accommodation includes dog-friendly rooms so they can relax properly after their big moment.
4. Outfits: stylish but simple
A little nod to the wedding theme – like a floral collar or bow tie – can be a fun way to include your dog in the dress code. But comfort comes first. Avoid anything restrictive or heavy and always test outfits in advance at home to make sure they’re happy wearing them.
Remember: not all dogs enjoy wearing accessories, and that’s okay. They’ll still look great just being themselves.
5. Photos, treats and memory-making
Dogs can be a lovely part of your wedding photos – especially in our outdoor spaces surrounded by countryside. Bring a pocketful of their favourite treats and let your photographer know you’d like to include them in a few relaxed, candid shots.
After the ceremony, take a moment to step away from the crowd for a few minutes of quiet time with your pup. It’s a nice breather for you both—and a memory you’ll treasure.
Planning a dog-friendly wedding?
We’re big fans of four-legged guests at Donington Park Farmhouse. Our venue is full of open space and charm, and we’d be happy to help you plan a day that includes your dog in the way that’s right for you.
A few doggy terms and conditions!
We do have a few terms surrounding dogs, which are important to note –
Bedrooms & Accommodation
- For dogs stays a cleaning fee of £10 per night applies
- If dogs are ever left alone in a room, we ask they are kept in a crate
- As cute as they are, we don’t allow puppies (in case they chew the furniture or have an accident in the room!)
- We also ask that yappy dogs, inclined to bark, or who have separation anxiety, are not left alone in rooms; it’s not nice for them or for people in neighbouring bedrooms!
Dog Breeds & Aggression
Unfortunately, we don’t allow dangerous / banned dog breeds on-site whatsoever (even with an exception certificate) or dogs that are inclined to be aggressive. Even if they are safely muzzled, these breeds can be intimidating to other guests or our staff, which isn’t much fun!