Can Your Dog Be Your Wedding Witness in New York City?

Short answer: no — your dog cannot legally be your wedding witness in New York.

Longer answer: your dog can still be very much part of your wedding day, just not the person who signs the marriage license.

There’s a persistent rumor online that dogs can serve as wedding witnesses in NYC. It pops up on Reddit, TikTok, and even a few wedding blogs. We get asked about it all the time, so let’s clear it up properly and then talk about the many real ways couples include their dogs in a Cakewalk wedding.

Can a Dog Legally Be a Wedding Witness in NYC?

No.

New York State requires at least one human witness who is 18 years or older to sign a marriage license. Witnesses must be legal adults and capable of understanding what they are signing. Because of that, pets cannot serve as legal witnesses.

If you’ve heard otherwise, you’re not alone. The rumor likely comes from:

• Couples letting their dog “stand in” during the signing for photos

• Keepsake certificates that include paw prints

• States or countries with different rules being confused with New York

But when it comes to the actual marriage license filed with the city, a human witness is required.

The Good News: Your Dog Can Still Be Part of Your Wedding

While your dog can’t sign the paperwork, they can absolutely be present, involved, and photographed in meaningful ways. For many Cakewalk couples, their dog is part of the reason they want a small, city-based ceremony in the first place.

Here’s how we typically see dogs included.

Choosing a Dog-Friendly Ceremony Location

If having your dog there matters to you, location choice matters too. Many public outdoor spaces in New York allow dogs on leash and work beautifully for ceremonies.

Some dog-friendly options include:

• Central Park (many areas, depending on time of day)

• Brooklyn Bridge Park

• Prospect Park

• Neighborhood streets or waterfront paths

• Certain quieter gardens and promenades

We always factor in leash rules, crowd levels, time of day, and whether the space will feel calm enough for your dog.

Giving Your Dog a Role in the Ceremony

Dogs often play a symbolic role rather than a logistical one. We’ve seen:

• Dogs walk one partner in

• Dogs sit or stand beside the couple during vows

• Dogs stay with a trusted friend nearby and join for photos

• Dogs be present for the first look and portraits, then head home

The key is keeping things low-stress for them. A calm dog makes for a calm ceremony.

Including Your Dog in the Marriage License Moment

Even though your dog can’t sign, they can still be part of the moment when you do.

Some couples:

• Hold their dog while signing

• Take photos with the license and their dog nearby

• Create a keepsake document with a paw print afterward

Your Cakewalk officiant handles the real paperwork and makes sure everything is signed correctly, so you can focus on the moment, not the logistics.

Planning for Your Dog’s Comfort

One thing we always recommend: have a plan for your dog beyond the ceremony itself.

That might mean:

• A friend or dog sitter on standby

• A short appearance followed by a walk or ride home

• Treats, water, and familiar gear on hand

Your wedding day should feel good for everyone involved, including your dog.

Celebrating Afterward With Your Dog

After the ceremony, many couples:

• Walk together through the neighborhood

• Take portraits with their dog in a familiar place

• Head to a dog-friendly café or outdoor space

• Go home and celebrate privately

There’s no requirement to turn it into an all-day production. Often, the simplest plan is the best one.

So, Can Your Dog Be Your Wedding Witness?

Legally, no.
Emotionally, symbolically, and photographically, absolutely.

If your dog is part of your life, they can be part of your wedding — just not the person who signs the license. And honestly, most couples are relieved to hand the paperwork part to a human and keep their dog focused on being adorable.

If you’re planning a small New York City wedding and want help choosing a dog-friendly location, building a calm run of show, and making sure the legal details are handled properly, that’s exactly what Cakewalk does.

Your dog shows up.
We handle the rest.