Getting Married in Austin With a Dog? Here’s What to Know (2025)
At Cakewalk, we love when a wedding party includes a very good boy (or girl) with four legs and zero chill. Whether your dog is walking you down the aisle or just hanging nearby with their tongue out and tail wagging, Austin is one of the best cities for including your pup in your wedding.
Here’s what to know if you’re planning to get married in Austin with your dog in 2025 — plus a few of our favorite spots that are both beautiful and dog-friendly.
🐶 First Things First: Is It Even Allowed?
Yes! Most of the outdoor, public ceremony locations we use in Austin are dog-friendly as long as your dog is leashed and well-behaved.
Some quick dog-friendly ceremony rules:
Keep your dog on leash (or harnessed) at all times
Bring water and poop bags (obviously)
Avoid areas with tons of foot traffic or fragile landscaping
Make sure someone other than you is responsible for them during the ceremony
📍 Our Favorite Dog-Friendly Wedding Spots in Austin
Zilker Park (Great Lawn)
Wide open space, skyline views, and lots of room for your pup to chill — just make sure you’re not too close to the busy off-leash areas.
Dog vibe: Relaxed, fun, lots of distractions
Pro tip: Let your dog get their zoomies out before the ceremony
Mueller Lake Park
Beautiful water views, quiet shaded areas, and grassy spots that work well for a small ceremony and post-vow hangout. There’s even a dog-themed sculpture garden nearby.
Dog vibe: Artsy, chill, great for mid-sized groups
Bonus: Dog-friendly patios nearby for after-ceremony snacks
Butler Metro Park
Low-key, photogenic, and close to the water. There’s space to spread out and shaded areas where pups can cool down while you say your vows.
Dog vibe: Calm, green, great for walking photos
Best time: Morning or golden hour to avoid the heat
South Congress (Street Murals + Guerilla Style)
Want to get married in front of the “I Love You So Much” mural with your dog by your side? We’ve done it — and it works. Just time it right to avoid crowds, and your dog can totally be part of the photo fun.
Dog vibe: Quirky, a little chaotic, very Austin
Pro tip: Bring treats and a friend to help guide your dog into place
🦴 Photo Tips for Dogs at Weddings
Our photographers love capturing dogs in real-life moments — not stiff poses. A few things that help:
Bring their favorite toy or treat
Have a designated dog handler who knows them well
Let the dog do their thing — some of the best shots come from letting go of perfection
Consider a flower collar, bandana, or simple leash wrap (we’re not anti-accessory — just anti-dog-costume)
📝 What to Plan For
The heat. Austin can be hot, especially from May–September. Pick shaded ceremony spots, bring water, and keep your dog’s safety first.
Noise and distractions. If your dog is nervous or reactive, we can help suggest quieter locations.
Plan a quick exit. Once your dog has done their duties (witnessing your vows), they can head home or to a pet-friendly patio with a friend.
🐕 Dogs Are Family — Bring Them
Your wedding should reflect your real life — and if that means a scruffy rescue dog or a spoiled mini poodle is standing next to you while you say “I do,” we’re all for it.
Cakewalk ceremonies are built to be flexible, personal, and low-stress — for you and your dog.
Want to plan a dog-friendly wedding in Austin in 2025? → Let’s do it.