Including your dog in your wedding: the trend that is winning over more and more couples

Long confined to the role of spectator, man's best friend now takes center stage in the ceremony. Having one's dog take part in one's wedding is no longer an eccentricity reserved for a few couples: the practice is becoming commonplace in France, driven by a desire for authenticity and by highly publicized examples that have finally convinced the last holdouts.

A trend that is becoming firmly established

The phenomenon was again documented in early August by France 3 Régions, which devoted a report to those couples choosing to involve their dog in the preparations and the ceremony itself: ring-bearing, presence in official photographs, even outfits matching those of the newlyweds. The sector's professionals are unanimous: it is no longer an isolated case but a recurring request made from the first meetings with wedding planners.

This development is part of a broader movement toward the personalization of wedding celebrations, where couples seek to move away from fixed codes in favor of a ceremony that truly reflects them, pets included.

A celebrity spotlight: the Leclerc-Saint Mleux wedding

The most talked-about example in recent months remains the civil wedding of Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc and Alexandra Saint-Mleux, celebrated on February 28, 2026 at the Monaco town hall. Their dachshund Léo, already associated with the engagement announcement a few months earlier, was present throughout the day and appears in several of the official photographs shared by the couple. A strong symbol, widely circulated, which helped popularize the idea that a pet has every right to be part of a big day.

How to include your animal without improvising

The industry specialists recommend several precautions before getting started:

• Entrust the care of the dog during the cocktail hour and the meal to a dedicated person who is not among the immediate guests;
• Plan a period of familiarization with outfits (bow tie, floral collar) several weeks in advance;
• Check with the reception venue and the town hall that the presence of an animal is allowed;
• Have a plan B in case of high heat, dense crowds, or the animal becoming stressed.

These recommendations echo the more general practical life advice already given by event organizers for any animal presence in public.

A passion that is also reshaping the canine market

This wedding enthusiasm coincides with a renewed interest in certain breeds, starting with the dachshund: according to figures from the Livre des Origines Françaises (LOF), the breed saw a spectacular rebound with 5,582 registrations in 2025, entering the top 10 of the French people's favorite breeds. Enough to reinforce, in the households concerned, the desire to involve their four-legged companion in the major stages of their life.

Frequently asked questions

Can you really take your dog to the town hall for a civil wedding?

It depends on each municipality: some town halls expressly allow it, others do not. It is recommended to inquire directly with the civil registrar before the ceremony.

What role can the dog play during the ceremony?

The most common roles are ring bearer, symbolic witness in photographs, or simply a calming presence beside the newlyweds during the exchange of vows.

Should you plan a dedicated handler for the animal?

Yes, that's the most frequent recommendation from professionals: a trusted person, not directly involved in the protocol, should be able to take care of the dog as soon as its official role is over.

Sources

• Mariages.net — Involving your pet in your wedding
• Monaco Tribune — Charles Leclerc unveils the photos of his civil wedding with Alexandra Saint-Mleux
• EFM Métiers Animaliers — The French people's favorite dogs and trends

This article was written with the help of artificial intelligence. Editorial policy