How to Include Your Furry Friend on Your Wedding Day at Lost Pond
How to Include Your Furry Friend on Your Wedding Day at Lost Pond
By: Elizabeth Schlup - Lost Pond
Let’s be honest: our pets see us at our absolute best and our absolute chaos. They’ve witnessed the late-night ice cream runs, the ugly crying, the “should I cut my own bangs?” moments, and still choose to love us. So when your wedding day finally arrives, this huge, beautiful, heart-bursting milestone, it just makes sense to have your furry best friend there, too.
The good news? At Lost Pond, with its fresh country air, and peaceful waterfront vibe, pets fit in as naturally as hiking boots in a Colorado closet. Here’s how to include your four-legged sidekick in your wedding day in ways that are fun, meaningful, and stress-free for everyone.
1. Give Them a Wedding Job (They’ll Take It Very Seriously)
Pets LOVE to be included, especially when everyone is staring at them and telling them they’re perfect.
Some favorite roles:
Ring Bearer: Secure the rings to a harness unless your dog is the “sprint toward the squirrels” type.
Flower Pup: A greenery collar is simple, sweet, and very on-brand for mountain weddings.
Official Greeter: If your dog has never met a stranger—only future best friends—this is their time to shine.
Tips for pets in ceremonies (https://www.akc.org)
2. Make the Most of Lost Pond’s Photo Magic
There’s something about the mix of trees, water, and mountains that just brings out everyone’s inner golden-hour glow, including your pet.
Photo ideas:
A first look where your dog runs up to you like you’ve been gone for a year, not 20 minutes
Family portraits by the water (tail wags encouraged)
Matching floral collars or mini bow ties
Pet Photography Best Practices (https://www.ppa.com)
3. Add Them Into Your Décor in the CUTEST Ways
If your pet can’t handle long events (or, let’s be real, hates wearing anything on their head), you can still include them through the details.
Some adorable options:
Custom napkins featuring their face
A signature drink (like “The Rocky Retriever” or “The Mountain Cat Mule”)
A cake topper with your whole family-including paws
Table numbers inspired by your pet’s favorite things
4. Let Them Strut Down the Aisle Like They Own the Place
A calm, quiet ceremony space like Lost Pond makes aisle moments even sweeter.
Just make sure:
Someone they trust is the handler
You practice the walk beforehand
A bathroom break happens right before showtime
Preparing pets for events (https://www.humanesociety.org)
5. Create a Chill Pet Lounge
If your pet is staying for the reception, give them a cozy getaway so they can recharge their social battery (introvert pets, we see you).
Set up a space with:
Shade and fresh water
Their bed or blanket
A couple toys
A dedicated handler
6. Dress Them Up-But Keep It Comfortable
Yes, the bow tie is adorable. Yes, the flower crown makes your dog look like a woodland fairy. But safety first.
Choose:
Soft, breathable materials
Collars and accessories that don’t restrict movement
No tiny pieces they can chew off
Outfits you’ve tested beforehand (no surprises on wedding day!)
Pet safety guidelines (https://www.aspca.org)
7. Honor Them in Your Ceremony (Even If They’re Not Physically There)
Some pets don’t love crowds. Some get overstimulated. Some are… very opinionated. If your furry friend would be happier offsite, you can still honor them.
Try:
A nod in your vows
A paw print in your unity ceremony
A framed photo on your welcome table
A small charm tucked into your bouquet or attire
It’s subtle, sweet, and totally meaningful.
8. Feature Them in Your Invitations or Website
Your pet is already part of your love story, show that off!
Use:
Engagement photos featuring your pet
A hand-drawn portrait on your save-the-dates
A little “Meet Our Pet” section on your wedding website
Guests LOVE this. It’s always a hit.
9. Double-Check the Pet Policies (Always a Good Idea)
Lost Pond is pet-friendly in the most natural, Colorado way, but it’s still important to confirm details like:
On-leash rules (Lost Pond requests that pets stay on a leash for their safety)
Clean-up expectations
Where pets can hang out safely
A little info goes a long way toward keeping the day smooth.
10. And If Your Pet Isn’t Up for It… That’s Okay Too
Some animals would rather nap in a sunbeam than attend a wedding. And truly? Respect.
Symbolic options include:
Décor
Artwork
Pre-wedding portraits
A cocktail named after them
They’re still part of your day, just in a calmer, cozier way.
Final Thoughts
Including your pet in your Lost Pond wedding isn’t just adorable, it’s meaningful. It’s a celebration of the life you’ve built together, all the hikes and quiet nights and tail wags and purrs that brought you here. With the mountains behind you, the water in front of you, and your furry friend by your side, the whole day feels a little more joyful, a little more “you,” and a whole lot more magical.
