Furbaby can be your official wedding witness

Yes, It’s True: Your Dog Can Be Your Official Wedding Witness A paw print on your marriage license? Sign us up! For many engaged couples, one of the best parts of wedding planning is figuring out ways to incorporate their pets into the big day. Some people name specialty cocktails after their dogs or cats, while others print their pictures on custom napkins or place photos of the animals around the room for guests to see. Those with well-behaved furry friends often opt to have their pets participate in the ceremony by walking up the aisle in unique outfits, holding the rings, or even acting as official witnesses. 

 Want to Include Your Dog in Your Wedding? 

A Pet Wedding Attendant Could Help In 23 states and Washington, D.C., no witnesses are required for ceremonies, just a signed license by a human or animal. And in six more states (California, Iowa, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and South Dakota), only one witness is needed, so there’s still space for a pet to join in. That might sound like some new, exciting update to existing marriage laws, but as it turns out, pet witnesses have been allowed for several decades. Many couples married in their living room with their two dogs as witnesses. 

If you’re a pet owner with a wedding on the horizon, consider having your four-legged pal be there to witness your nuptials, as long as your state allows. Or, look into having your pet officiate the ceremony; seven states, plus Washington, D.C., don’t require officiants and therefore allow animals to take on the role unofficially. You can’t go wrong with whichever option you choose, because really, is there anything sweeter than having your whole family there to celebrate your special day? 

We love so much documenting weddings where furry friends are present. Photos are livelier and more fun, and pets always bring zest and intrigue. MALON Studio is an expert in photo shoots with animals. We are very proud of this.