Eloping is about doing things your way—no seating charts, no overpriced centerpieces, and no guest list politics. But if there’s one VIP you do want at your wedding, it’s your dog.

And yes, before you ask: your dog can absolutely be your witness.

(Well, sort of.)

Can My Dog Legally Sign My Marriage License?

Legally? No.
But spiritually? Absolutely.

New York requires at least one human witness (18+ years old) to sign your marriage license. This means that while your dog can’t grab a pen and make it official, they can absolutely be there for the big moment—sitting by your side, wearing a tiny bow tie, and stealing the spotlight in every wedding photo.

So, how do you make it happen?

Step 1: Choose a Dog-Friendly Wedding Spot

Not all NYC wedding spots welcome four-legged friends, so if your dream is for your pup to be part of your ceremony, here are some great dog-friendly locations:

🐶 Central Park – Iconic, scenic, and full of good smells.
🐾 Brooklyn Bridge Park – Stunning skyline views, plenty of space for zoomies.
🐕 Prospect Park – Quiet, lush, and perfect for a relaxed ceremony.
🎭 Shakespeare Garden – A hidden gem in Central Park where your dog can feel like royalty.

📌 Pro Tip: If you're eloping in a public park, make sure to check leash laws and park regulations. Some spots require permits, so it's good to plan ahead.

Step 2: Dress the Dog (Optional, But Highly Recommended)

Sure, your dog is already perfect—but a little wedding flair never hurt. Some ideas:

🎀 A bow tie or floral collar – Instant cuteness upgrade.
👔 A mini tuxedo – For the dog who means business.
💍 Ring bearer duties – If you trust them not to run off mid-ceremony.
🐾 “Best Dog” bandana – Because they are, in fact, the best dog.

📌 Pro Tip: If your pup isn’t a fan of wearing things, skip it. The goal is to keep them happy and stress-free.

Step 3: Give Them an Official Witness Role

While your dog can’t sign paperwork, they can still play an official role in your elopement. Some fun ways to involve them:

🐶 Walking one of you down the aisle – Because who needs a traditional escort when you have a wagging tail?
🐾 Sitting (or standing) by your side during the vows – Extra emotional support included.
📸 Being the star of your wedding photos – We all know who the real MVP is.
🐕 Celebrating with you post-ceremony – A post-wedding pup party? Yes, please.

📌 Pro Tip: If your dog is prone to excitement, bring a friend to help with leash duty so you can focus on getting married.

Step 4: Make It Official (With a Paw Print)

Even if your dog can’t legally sign, you can include them in the paperwork moment. Some couples choose to:

🖊️ Ink their paw and stamp it on a keepsake certificate.
📜 Include them in the witness section as an “honorary” witness.
📸 Snap a photo of them next to the official documents.

📌 Pro Tip: If your dog isn’t into paw printing, just having them there while you sign is enough.

Step 5: Celebrate With a Dog-Friendly Reception

After you say I do, it’s time to celebrate. And what better way to toast your marriage than with your furry best friend?

🍖 Stop by a dog-friendly café – Boris & Horton in the East Village is a great option.
🏞️ Have a picnic in the park – Pack treats for both humans and pups.
🐶 Go for a celebratory walk – Because love deserves a victory lap.

📌 Pro Tip: If you’re bringing friends, make sure they love dogs (but let’s be real—you’re not inviting people who don’t).

Final Thoughts: The Best Wedding Witness Has Four Legs

At the end of the day, eloping is about what matters to you. If your dog has been by your side through everything, why wouldn’t they be there when you get married?

So, can your dog sign your marriage license? No.
But can they be the best witness in the world? Absolutely.

And if you’re ready to elope in NYC—with or without a canine best man—Cakewalk makes it easy. Let’s make it happen.

Can Your Dog Be Your Wedding Witness? (Yes, and Here’s How to Make It Happen)