These Dog-Friendly Wedding Venues Are Furry Friend-Approved

Some of the most important wedding guests walk on four legs. But, of course, you already knew that otherwise, you wouldn't be scouring the internet for the best dog-friendly wedding venues across the US.

For animal lovers, the question isn't "Can you have your dog at your wedding?" (yes, obviously!) but rather "What venues allow pets at the wedding?" That's where this list comes in.

And if you want to dig into even more wedding venue options, check out The Knot Vendor Marketplace where you can read real reviews from couples to learn about their experiences at pet-friendly wedding venues around the country. We also spoke with a pet expert from Rover to get their advice on top tips to keep in mind when it comes to researching dog-friendly wedding venues. Once you're perused our venue picks, read on to hear what certified professional dog trainer Nicole Ellis, a member of Rover's Pet People Panel, has to say. Dog-friendly wedding venues across the US and what to look for in dog-friendly wedding venues

In this article: Dog-friendly wedding venues across the US and what to look for in dog-friendly wedding venues

Dog-Friendly Wedding Venues Across the US

According to The Knot 2023 Real Weddings Study, it was important to 16% of marriers that their animals or pets were included in the wedding. Of course, in order to do that a pet-friendly wedding venue is needed. The US is packed with amazing pet-friendly wedding venues from New York to California and everywhere in between. Here are some of the most notable dog-friendly wedding venues near you to check out.

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Living Sculpture Sanctuary in Davie, Florida

Photo: Living Sculpture Sanctuary

Living Sculpture Sanctuary is one of the amazing dog-friendly wedding venues Florida couples have at their fingertips. The venue can accommodate up to 120 guests and is a Hall of Fame recipient of The Knot Best of Weddings Awards. "We couldn't have asked for a more perfect venue and night! They allowed our horses to join us for photographs after the ceremony and our pet duck to participate in the ceremony as the ring bearer. If you are looking for a gorgeous venue that is unique and a hidden gem look no further," says one reviewer. Not only can couples bring their pets to a wedding here, but there are also koi ponds onsite your guests can enjoy.

The Lodge at Breckenridge in Breckenridge, Colorado

Photo: The Lodge at Breckenridge

Does your pup love to go hiking with you? Thankfully, there are many mountain wedding venues that allow pets, especially in the Colorado Rockies. The Lodge at Breckenridge is a great dog-friendly wedding venue in Colorado. The venue is nestled in the Arapaho National Forest at 10,200 feet above sea level and about 80 miles west of Denver. In addition to your dog (whose attendance must follow the venue's pet policy), the venue can fit 140 guests for a seated reception and has overnight accommodations for 57. Many reviews rave about how accommodating of pets this mountain wedding venue is. "As an added bonus, not only do they allow dogs, they are extremely dog friendly which was important to us with bringing our two fur babies," says one reviewer. Another person wrote: "We had an amazing experience with The Lodge! The hotel is dog-friendly and some of our friends brought their dogs."

Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn, New York

Photo: Wythe Hotel

When it comes to pet-friendly wedding venues in NY, Brooklyn is the place to be. The Wythe Hotel is a Brooklyn hotel wedding venue (built in 1901) that's been recognized as a Hall of Fame recipient of The Knot Best of Weddings Awards. The luxury Williamsburg wedding venue allows dogs to stay overnight in guest rooms for a fee. Additionally, "well-behaved pets on leash are permitted during the ceremony with prior approval. We kindly request that following the ceremony the pet be escorted home," explains the hotel. In terms of specifics, the hotel's main hall and garden terrace (which overlooks the Manhattan skyline) measure in at 2,100 square feet and can fit up to 150 guests seated, cocktail parties for 350 and ceremonies for 250. One review raves that they "really appreciated how accommodating the staff was with our dog. Highly recommend having your event at the Wythe!"

BRICK in San Diego, California

Photo: Lovers of Love,Venue: BRICK

Wondering what dog-friendly wedding venues San Diego has to offer? BRICK is a pet-friendly spot you need to check out. Not only is BRICK a bring-your-own-pup venue, it is also BYOB which is perfect for couples looking for a spot with flexible bartending policies. Named after its exposed brick interior, this venue boasts 90+ windows, 5,000 square feet of space, capacity for 220 and even free parking. Talk about a dream SoCal wedding venue. "We booked BRICK for our wedding reception after looking for a high-value, reasonably-priced venue in the San Diego area," shares one reviewer. "We were immediately impressed by every detail of the venue and its flexibility in fitting our vision. It's really hard to imagine that you could get a better deal anywhere else."

Crossed Keys Estate in Andover, New Jersey

Photo: Crossed Keys Estate

If you are wondering what pet-friendly wedding venues NJ offers, check out Crossed Keys Estate in Andover, New Jersey. This dog-friendly NJ wedding venue (which is a Hall of Fame member of The Knot Best of Weddings Awards) allows pets "for photos and your ceremony. We do not allow pets at cocktail hour or the reception." "There are not enough words to describe our unforgettable experience at Crossed Keys Estate. Our dog Auggie was the flower girl at our wedding which is a big plus of booking Crossed Keys," notes one reviewer. This Hispanic-owned wedding venue is nestled on more than 30 acres of lush land and welcomes weddings ranging from 100 to 275 people.

The Emerald Forest in Redmond, Washington

Photo: The Emerald Forest

Calling all PNW couples. You can stop asking yourself "What are the best dog-friendly wedding venues near me?" It's time to check out The Emerald Forest in Redmond, Washington. The Emerald Forest is a small wedding venue located fifteen miles from downtown Seattle that can accommodate up to 50 of your nature-loving friends and family (though the cozy outdoor venue is most ideal for 25-person guest lists). This unique space was bult in 2018 and is made up of connected structures built 15 feet off the ground and nestled among towering hemlocks, cedars and Douglas fir trees. Prior discussion and approval is needed for bringing dogs to the intimate venue.

Grass Room in Los Angeles, California

Photo: Mandee Johnson Photography,Venue: Grass Room

Don't overlook the Grass Room in Los Angeles when hunting for pet-friendly wedding venues. The 6,000-square-foot wedding venue in the North Sea Neighborhood of DTLA allowed pets on a case-by-case basis. The venue fits up to 150 people for a seated reception and up to 200 for a standing event. The venue gets its name from the many plants, ranging from palms to birds of paradise, that fill the greenhouse venue (which also boasts 35-foot ceilings that bathe the space in ample light).

Playa Studios in Culver City, California

Photo: Kapsule Co.,Venue: Playa Studios

File Playa Studios under "loft wedding venues where pets are allowed." The venue includes a 5,000-square-foot main room that is "a perfect balance between industrial and modern." The former warehouse space is situated in Culver City and includes a dramatic 18-foot gallery wall. Inquire directly for more details relating to the venue's pet policy.

The Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels, Maryland

Photo: The Inn at Perry Cabin

The Inn at Perry Cabin is a dog-friendly wedding venue on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. This pet-friendly venue for a wedding welcomes pups for a fee and they're only allowed in rooms on the first floor of the property. While being pet-friendly is a major plus, another great feature of this 150-person venue is their staff, which regularly receives rave reviews. "From start to finish, the staff was so welcoming and accommodating, and they helped make sure every detail of the day was perfect," reads one review.

Chez in Chicago, Illinois

Photo: Chez

Chez is one of the great dog-friendly wedding venues in Chicago. The Illinois wedding venue is conveniently located just two blocks from Michigan Avenue and close to the Lakefront, the Loop, River North and the Gold Coast. The 200-person contemporary wedding venue features white walls and sleek glass windows that act as a blank slate to plan any style of wedding that you and your furry friend can dream up. One reviewer shares: "It was really important for us to have our little dog as part of the ceremony (he was our ring boy). Chez was more than willing to accommodate for him, and even allowed him to come in the day before for the rehearsal (so he could practice also!). I seriously could not recommend this venue more."

Olio in Peabody, Massachusetts

Photo: Olio

Olio is a modern-industrial dog-friendly wedding venue in Massachusetts that welcomes weddings ranging from 50 to 300 guests. Olio is located 25 from Boston on the North Shore. Couples who want to include their dog to this Hall of Fame winner of The Knot Best of Weddings must abide by the venue's pet policy. Still on the fence? Listen to this review: "I simply can't say enough positive things about this beautiful venue. Five stars doesn't feel like enough for this magical venue and the remarkable team behind it."

Club K9 in Louisville, Kentucky

Photo: Club K9

Does it get more dog-centric than this? Club K9 in Louisville, Kentucky, is a pet-friendly wedding venue you shouldn't overlook. This indoor-outdoor wedding venue (which fits 200 people) is a "combined dog park and a bar, so while you're mingling with loved ones, so can your pet." The property has over 10,000 square feet of enclosed, heated indoor space in addition to two acres of outdoor space.

The Astorian in Houston, Texas

Photo: The Astorian

The Astorian, a Hall of Fame recipient in The Knot Best of Weddings Awards, is a dog-friendly wedding venue in Houston that allows pups to be present during photos and the ceremony. According to the venue's pet policy: "Once the reception portion begins, the dog or dogs will need to be escorted home for the evening, unless they are a registered service dog. All dogs must be attended to and on a leash the entire time they are on Astorian property." In addition to pups, The Astorian can fit 450 people for a seated reception with a dance floor, though their average wedding size is between 150 to 350. The property, which is situated in a landmark building, has 14,000 square feet of event space with 14-foot ceilings and is a throwback to the glam of 1920s Art Deco. "The Astorian was our dream wedding venue and it did not disappoint. It is truly the most beautiful venue. Not only that, but the staff was amazing to work with," reads one review.

Sylvan Ridge Farm in Milford, Pennsylvania

Photo: Sylvan Ridge Farm

Wondering what dog-friendly wedding venues Pennsylvania couples can choose from? Sylvan Ridge Farm in Milford, Pennsylvania is a 150-person historic wedding venue that allows dogs in accordance with the rules outlined in their pet policy. "We knew when we stepped onto the property of Sylvan Ridge Farm that it was something special and exactly what we were looking for. The grounds are immaculate and the staff is so helpful. Other pros: LGBTQ+- friendly, dog-friendly, and 15 guests can sleep on property," shares one reviewer.

What to Look for in Dog-Friendly Wedding Venues

While searching for a dog-friendly wedding venue involves many of the same steps and questions to ask that you'll encounter with any venue, there are some pet-specific nuances to remember. Certified professional dog trainer Nicole Ellis, a member of Rover's Pet People Panel, weighs in with advice on what to look for in dog-friendly wedding venues.

Review the Dog-Friendly Wedding Venue Agreement

You can expect a dog-friendly wedding venue to have an agreement or policy as part of their wedding venue contract. "Some venues allow certain pets in the outdoor areas but not inside and some allow pets in all spaces," explains Ellis. Since every wedding venue approaches their pet policy differently, it's best to "review that this venue is pet friendly with the venue manager." Ellis notes that some common clauses in dog-friendly wedding venue agreements include leash requirements as well as restrictions on where dogs can go. For example, many venues allow pets during photos and the ceremony, but not at the reception. Additionally, the expert suggests that couples confirm whether a venue has any breed or size restrictions as part of their policy.

Consider the Dog-Friendly Amenities Available

It's one thing to understand whether your dog is welcome at the wedding, but it's another entirely to decide if they would be comfortable. "Make sure the wedding activities are something that won't be stressful for your dog," says Ellis. The expert encourages nearlyweds to have "a designated area for your pet to rest in case they get too anxious is always great to look for in a venue."

Be Aware of Potential Dangers for Your Pet

Are there going to be flowers at the wedding that will be toxic to your pet? Are there potentially dangerous foods that the pet could consume? Or even dangerous architectural features in the venue? Take time to consider the pros and cons from every angle.

Think Through Your Dog-Care Plan

Although your dog is your best friend, you need to designate another person to be the caretaker for your pet on the wedding day. You can find a pet sitter through The Knot Vendor Marketplace or Rover to be the dedicated pet handler. "A sitter can help in many ways including taking your pet home after the ceremony or photos. It's already a stressful day and someone specifically attending to your pet can reduce the stress for everyone. A sitter can also be the go-to person for your pet on your wedding day, making sure they're taken care of, have food and water and are calm."