We are often asked if dogs are welcome at Dodmoor House, and the answer (we're very pleased to say), is YES! We love dogs (the Dodmoor owners Mark and Louise have a dog called Bramble!), and we know that they are every bit a part of the family as anyone else.
Therefore, why would your dog not be on the guest list (VIP)?! We have seen dog ring bearers, "flower dogs", and dogs in little suits! Ever so cute, and ever so special. Here at Dodmoor, your dogs are very welcome to join during the ceremony, and then the drinks reception for plenty of cuddles and photos.
We do just ask that dogs are fully supervised at all times and should also note that although they are allowed on site and in the barns, we can't allow dogs in the Dodford Room and Honeymoon Suite, due to possible allergies of other couples. We suggest having them arrive in good time to the venue (to avoid any dog delays!), possibly with a trusted friend or family member (or with a pet chaperone - we will get onto that further down!).
They can be as involved in the ceremony as you'd like, with some couples choosing to have their dog in the aisle walk (of course on a lead and walked down by a willing member of the bridal party!), or some would choose to have their dog seated with a guest or dog chaperone, especially if they feel the aisle walk might be a little much for them!
Alternatively, you could arrange for your dog to arrive after the ceremony instead (if you are not sure about having them present in the ceremony), and they can then join in the fun and photos during the drinks reception! There is lot's of lovely outdoor space to be enjoyed at Dodmoor, but please ensure that your dog is kept on a lead at all times (especially as we are close to the A5, the canal and the railway).
For later in the day, you would just need to check with your caterer that they are happy for your dog to be in the meal room and that there is someone willing to look after them at this point. If you opted for a dog chaperone however, they could perhaps take them for a nice walk while you enjoy the wedding breakfast!
Similarly in the evening, you would need to ensure that someone is happy and available to look after the dog, and they would then just need to be collected at the end of the night (or in the early evening - whatever suits you best) and taken home.
For ease, we would suggest using a pet care service (unless of course you feel a close family member is better suited to supervise!), and we recommend Pamper My Poochie for this.
Pamper My Poochie offer 'wedding pet chaperone services' which can work perfectly in enabling your dogs to join your wedding day, whilst you and your guests relax. They can collect in the morning, and then bring the dogs to the wedding as guests are arriving and stay with them for as long as you wish. They also provide overnight care, which might help if a guest is not able to take the dog home!
They even provide 'pamper packages' for the pooch! How cute?!
You can hear more about Pamper My Poochie on our blog here - https://www.dodmoorhouse.co.uk/post/dog-chaperoning-for-your-wedding-by-pamper-my-poochie or you can go to their website to check out their packages and prices.
It is entirely up to you as to whether you would like to make arrangements yourselves or use a pet service, please just let us know your plans, and rest assured that your dog can be present at your wedding day!
We are happy and available to answer any of your questions about dogs at Dodmoor, so if you would like to contact us, please email weddings@dodmoorhouse.co.uk.
Photos by Sophie Ann Photography, Aaron Collett Photography, Jodie Cooling Photography, Gemma Willis Photography, Shoot It Momma Photography, Casey Avenue Photography and Rebecca Louise Photography (from top left to right). Thank you x