If you’re a dog person, I don’t even need to explain why you might want to have your dog at your wedding or elopement. You’re already picturing it—your pup having the time of its life running in the field as you say your vows, a cute little flower boutonniere pinned on its collar. Dogs bring that extra burst of fun and excitement to your day, when your pet is part of your family, why not bring them along, too?!

So, can you elope with your dog in British Columbia? For sure! Plenty of my couples bring their pups along on their elopement in BC, in fact, I’ve even won a few awards for wedding photos with dogs. But there are some important things to consider before you decide to pack them up and bring them along! Keep reading to find out if bringing your furbaby is the right move for you!

5 Things to Consider When Planning a Dog-Friendly Elopement in BC

1. Are dogs allowed at your elopement location or venue?

Before you start dreaming up ways to include your pup, it’s best to make sure they’re actually allowed where you’re getting married! While British Columbia is largely dog-friendly, some parks and venues have specific rules about pets or don’t allow them at all.

For example, popular elopement spots like Garibaldi Provincial Park don’t allow dogs, and Manning Park does, though with restrictions, such as dogs needing to stay on leash and are not allowed in beach areas. Make sure to look into the regulations at your elopement location so you aren’t caught off guard!

If you’re booking a venue for your elopement, check their policies too!

2. Planning an adventure elopement? Double-check pet policies!

Planning a big adventure elopement by helicopter, gondola, or 4x4? Amazing! But heads-up: many adventure companies don’t allow dogs. However, if you’re determined to bring along your dog, don’t give up hope just yet—there are a few that do!

Companies like Black Tusk Helicopters in Squamish, No Limits Heli Adventures Whistler, and Glacier Helicopters in Revelstoke are all cool with dogs. But, as of now, I don’t know of any gondolas or 4x4 adventure tours that allow pets. Just make sure to check with the company in advance, so you don’t end up in a bind when planning your adventure.

You might be tempted to skip the adventure tours and opt for a hike instead! If that’s the case, double-check the rules of the natural area you plan to explore. Many are dog-friendly! But just because you can bring your dog, doesn’t always mean you should. For example, if you’re hiking the Chief in Squamish, technically dogs are allowed on the trails. However, some parts of the hike are quite difficult with ladders, so it’s not exactly feasible for every pup. Don’t forget to consider your own dog’s ability and your comfort with them in nature!

3. Staying at a hotel or Airbnb? Double-check pet policies!

Planning to spend the night somewhere with your dog? Make sure your accommodation is pet-friendly! Plenty of hotels and rentals in BC cater to dog lovers but always double-check in advance. Areas like Whistler, Tofino, and Southern Vancouver Island are super dog-friendly, but it’s worth taking the time to find the right spot for you and your pup.

Pet-friendly Accommodation in BC for your Elopement

Fairmont Whistler

Nita Lake Lodge Whistler

Four Seasons Whistler

Wickaninnish Inn Tofino (designated rooms)

Middle Beach Lodge Tofino (specific rooms)

Manning Park Resort

Many Basecamp Hotels, including the Revelstoke Location

4. Will you be taking care of them the whole day?

This one can get tricky if you’re planning to elope just the two of you, but trust me, you won’t regret it! Having your pet with you the entire time might seem like a good idea, but dogs can easily become restless or demand attention at some not-so-ideal moments.

You might consider bringing along a pet sitter, maybe a family member or close friend, to help out during the day! A caretaker can keep your dog happy and calm while you focus on each other, celebrating in the moment, and enjoying the views of scenic BC. If you can’t bring someone along, think about how this will impact your day—will your dog be okay waiting back at the hotel or tied up to a tree nearby during the ceremony or photos? Every dog is different, so it depends on what you think is best for yours.

5. Know Your Dog’s Personality

Not all dogs are adventure dogs—and that’s okay! Some pups love new places and thrive on excitement, while others get anxious or overwhelmed in unfamiliar environments. Think about your dog’s personality. Are they calm and well-trained, or more of a ball of energy? If your dog gets nervous or distracted easily, some couples opt to include them during the getting-ready moments or at a post-ceremony dinner, rather than having them there the whole time. This is when dog-friendly accommodation really comes in handy! Ultimately, you know your furchild best—trust your gut on how they’ll handle the big day.

Top Dog-Friendly Locations to Elope in BC

Now, if you’re determined to bring your dog, here are some top dog-friendly areas in British Columbia:

Whistler – Great for dog-friendly parks and hotels, but not all adventures (like gondolas, 4x4s, or helicopters) allow pets.
Squamish & Pemberton – Lots of wide-open spaces and trails for you and your pup to explore.
Tofino – Beach heaven for dogs! They’ll have the time of their life running around the sand. This might be my favourite elopement location in BC for doggos!
Revelstoke – A dog-friendly town, but be cautious with gondola and national park restrictions if you’re including those in your elopement!
Southern Vancouver Island – Spots like Victoria, East Sooke, and Jordan River are dog-friendly goldmines!
Sunshine Coast & Bowen Island – Scenic spots for a swim, forest trails to sniff around, and lots of great accommodation options that are welcoming for dogs.

Planning an elopement day with your dog

Not sure if you want your dog with you the entire day? No problem! There’s always a middle ground. Maybe your dog hangs out during the ceremony and joins you for photos, but then stays back with a sitter while you go off on your adventure. Or, you can bring them along for the getting-ready process and let them relax back at the hotel afterward. If you want to bring your dog along but aren’t sure how to make it work best for you, I’m all about problem-solving to make your day feel entirely personalized and free of worry! Be prepared for a range of temperatures, especially if you’re hiking or spending time at higher altitudes.

Is Bringing Your Dog Right for You?

Ultimately, it comes down to what feels best for your day. Does the thought of your dog being with you fill you with joy, or does it add a layer of stress? There’s no right or wrong answer, but taking the time to think it through will help ensure your elopement is the perfect balance of love, adventure, and maybe a little furry chaos.

Whatever you decide, the goal is to create a day that feels totally you—whether that means your dog is by your side or waiting for you to come home for celebratory cuddles!

Personally, I’m a big fan of bringing dogs along on elopement days! Tap the button below and share your plans with me, I’d be happy to share more tips, tricks, and my first-hand experience as a Vancouver elopement photographer when it comes to including your pup on your wedding day!

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