Always Working With Children & Animals | Wedding Photography Guide
They say “never work with children or animals” as a word of warning. But as a wedding photographer, I’ve found that working with children and animals brings some of the most real, joyful and unexpected moments of the day. These are the parts that remind everyone what the celebration is really about. Family. Personality. Love.
Weddings can sometimes get swept up in structure and tradition, but children and pets tend to ignore all that. They act from the heart. And when they do, the results are often funny, emotional and completely unforgettable. I’ve found over and over that these unscripted moments often become the ones that couples love most in their gallery. I’m a father of two and have two dogs so always expect the unexpected!
Children at Weddings: Real Moments, Real Memories
Children have their own rhythm. Whether they’re dancing before the music has started or wandering curiously during the ceremony, they bring movement and spontaneity. These moments aren’t interruptions. They’re reminders that weddings aren’t performances. They’re about people.
Children tend to react with honesty. You might get big smiles, bursts of laughter or even a dramatic lie-down halfway down the aisle. And rather than taking away from the day, this brings it to life. Guests relax. Everyone laughs. It is a real moment.
As a father myself, I know that kids have their own timelines and needs. That’s why I anticipate these moments with patience and understanding, never pressure. I want children to be themselves, and I want parents to know that these are not problems to fix, but stories to capture.
Pets at Weddings: Personality with Paws
I love pets at weddings! For a lot of people, animals are family. Including them in your wedding is a way of showing who you are. Dogs walking down the aisle, horses as part of your entrance, a cat lounging in the background are all little details painting a fuller picture of you!
Some couples worry about things not going exactly to plan. But with animals, that’s kind of the point. The joy of involving pets is that they bring a bit of unpredictability. A tail wag during vows. A bark during the speeches. It’s all part of the day. And from behind the lens, I’m always ready to catch those moments.
Pets also tend to put people at ease. They make you smile. They give you something familiar and comforting on what can be quite a big and emotional day. Whether it’s a quiet nuzzle or a playful interruption, it always adds character to the story we’re telling.
Weddings That Feel Like You
The truth is, both children and animals add something valuable. They keep things grounded. They stop the day from becoming too polished or rehearsed. And in photography terms, that’s gold.
I mainly work in a documentary style meaning I don’t ask for people to pose or repeat things. I’m watching and listening for the moments and photographing them as they unfold. This is especially important when children and pets are involved. You don’t need to direct, you just need to be present. Ask a child to do something and, more often than not, they won’t do it!
When a couple look back at their wedding album, I want them to really feel those moments. The laughter, the nerves, the hugs, the glances, the chaos, the calm. Including every member of your family in that story makes it more meaningful. More human.
Practical Tips if You’re Including Children or Pets
- Let things flow. Don’t expect perfection. Their charm is always spontaneous so no need to force things
- A job or role can help them feel part of things, but don’t worry if they go off-script. If you want some group photos with them do them earlier rather than later and all in one go. That lets them go off and get scruffy.
- For pets, think about their comfort. Is someone able to look after them during the day? Is the venue pet-friendly? A popular option is a company or friends to bring them along for a little while. My dogs would be a nightmare if i let them off the leash but they would be always part of the day!
- Pack some extras. Toys, treats, leads. These little things go a long way. I’ve always got some treats and a poo bag!
- Trust your photographer to capture the good stuff. You don’t need to make moments happen. They’ll appear on their own.
Every Member of the Family Counts
I’ve worked with plenty of couples who have decided to include animals in their wedding. Every single time, it has brought colour and depth to the experience. It shows the bigger picture of your lives together. It reminds everyone what really matters.
If you’re planning a wedding and wondering whether to include your four-legged friends, my advice is simple. Do it. Let them be part of the memories. Let them help shape the story. You won’t regret it; even if you have a someone look after your pet for the day and bring them along for 5 minutes.
If you’d like to chat about how we can make that happen, or what it might look like, I’d love to hear from you. You can get in touch any time to talk through your ideas or check availability. I’m always happy to help. Let’s make some memories together!
