I remember the day I decided to get married in Europe. I looked at my dog, and I knew she had to be there. She is a member of my family. Why should she miss the most important day of my life? I soon found out that a Dog Friendly european destination wedding takes a lot of work. Europe dog friendly countries are everywhere, but you must know the rules. Is europe dog friendly? Yes, it absolutely is. However, the paperwork can be a nightmare if you do not plan ahead.
First of all, I had to figure out how to get my big girl across the ocean. Many airlines only let small dogs stay in the cabin. I did not want to put her in cargo because of the stress and the heat. K9 JETS saved us. They offer a pay-per-seat service where dogs can sit right next to you in the cabin. It feels like a movie. You get a pillow and even champagne. On top of that, each seat lets you bring two pets under 50 pounds or one pet over 51 pounds. The cost is high, but the peace of mind is worth every penny.
The Legal Hurdles and Paperwork
I spent weeks learning about the EU Pet Passport. This small blue booklet is a golden ticket for travel between member countries. It contains the microchip number and rabies records. Since the United Kingdom left the EU, things changed. Now, travelers from Great Britain need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). You must get this from a vet no more than 10 days before you travel. It usually costs between £100 and £150. In some places, it might even cost £180.
Every dog must have a microchip. You must do this before or at the same time as the rabies vaccine. Additionally, your pet must be at least 12 weeks old before they get the vaccine. After the first shot, you must wait 21 days before you can travel. Therefore, you cannot rush this process. I also learned that countries like Ireland, Finland, and Malta require a tapeworm treatment. A vet must give this between 24 and 120 hours before you arrive.
Spain has a new law since 2023. It says you must have liability insurance for your dog. The fine for not following animal laws can be as high as €200,000 for very serious cases. Plus, you cannot leave your dog tied up outside a shop anymore. I found that most dog friendly hotels europe are happy to help you follow these rules.
12 Best Dog Friendly european destination wedding Venues
I searched for dog friendly wedding venues across the continent. Here are the top 12 places that I found to be truly special.
Logie Country House, Scotland
This place is an exclusive-use Scottish castle. I love that it has 130 acres of fields and woodlands. Your dog can even be the ring bearer. They once had seven Labrador puppies and a tortoise at a wedding. The floors are hardwood and stone, so you do not have to worry about muddy paws.
Château de la Rocherie, France
This castle is in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. It has light stone walls and beautiful woods all around. It feels very private. You can have up to 320 guests here. France is one of the best europe dog friendly countries because they love pets at their chateaus.
Villa Sol, France
I found this luxury property in Nice. It has direct access to the beach. You can stand on the terrace and see the Mediterranean Sea. It is a dream spot for a sun-soaked wedding with your pup.
Castel Santa Cristina, Italy
This 17th-century building is in southern Tuscany. It is about 90 minutes from Rome. It has all the history you could want. The staff here really understands that dogs are part of the family.
Villa Cariola, Italy
Located in the hills of Lake Garda, this villa has a park and a swimming pool. The view of the Italian nature is spectacular. Your pet will have so much room to run and play.
Hotel Melia Palacio de los Duques, Spain
I found this palace in the center of Madrid. It was built in the 19th century. It has a historic garden that is perfect for a fancy city wedding. They can host up to 200 people.
Farineria Sant Lluis, Spain
This old flour factory is in Catalonia. It has 130 hectares of land with lakes and gardens. The exterior is vast. Your dog will find so much happiness in these green spaces.
ME Ibiza, Spain
I wanted a beach wedding, and this hotel sits on S’Argamassa beach. It has an infinity pool and a rooftop bar. The sea is turquoise. It is very luxury and totally pet-friendly.
Buen Amor Castle, Spain
This castle dates back to 1227. It has stone vaults and vineyards. It feels like a fairy tale. They have renovated it to include modern things like air conditioning.
Villa Retiro, Spain
I saw this hotel in Catalonia, and the tropical plants caught my eye. It has waterfalls and a small lake. It was built in 1890 and is very traditional.
Vidamar Resort Madeira, Portugal
This resort makes you feel like you are standing on the water. It has exotic gardens and a saltwater pool. It is one of the most modern places I found.
Forest Wedding in Denmark
I watched a video of a couple named Anna and Florian who had a forest wedding in Denmark. It looked so peaceful. Denmark is very open to dogs in their natural spaces.
Logistics for the Big Day
I realized that I could not watch my dog and get married at the same time. I needed a wedding dog chaperone. These professionals take care of your dog so you can focus on your vows. They can pick up your dog, take them for walks, and even dress them in a tuxedo. In Italy, a service called Wedding Dog Sitter has been around since 2010. They have managed over 1,500 dogs.
The cost for a dog sitter in Italy starts around €400. A full package might cost €2,500. This includes a photographer who takes photos from the “dog’s point of view”. I think that is a wonderful way to see your wedding. Also, you must check with your priest if you want the dog in a church. Some allow it, but it is their choice.
Similarly, you should think about the music. Loud noises can scare animals. I told my DJ to keep the volume lower when my dog was around. Additionally, I made sure there was a quiet corner with water and food where she could hide if she got stressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best place to vacation with dogs?
- European countries like Spain and Italy offer diverse landscapes, from sunny beaches to historic countryside estates, that cater to pet owners. Scotland also provides excellent options, such as private castles with extensive woodland walks and fields for dogs to roam.
- Where is the best place in Europe to get married?
- For a romantic setting, Verona, Italy, is recommended as the “city of love,” while the French countryside offers historic castles for an intimate atmosphere. Spain is ideal for those seeking a sunny wedding with cultural diversity.
- Can I take my dog to a wedding?
- Yes, many venues in Europe specifically allow dogs to attend and even participate as ring bearers. You can also hire professional wedding dog-sitting services or chaperones to manage your pet’s well-being, ensuring they remain relaxed and happy throughout the ceremony.
- Where can I go abroad with my dog?
- You can travel with your dog to various countries in the United Kingdom and the European Union. Modern flight options, such as semi-private charters, now allow large dogs to fly in-cabin to destinations like London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Lisbon.
- Are vacations stressful for dogs?
- Vacations can be stressful due to factors like isolation in aircraft cargo holds, temperature fluctuations, or the overwhelming environment of a large wedding with loud music and many guests. Using specialized chaperones or in-cabin flight services can help mitigate this stress.
Concluding words
Planning a destination wedding in Europe with your dog is entirely possible with the right preparation and venue selection. Countries like Spain, France, Italy, and Scotland offer stunning, pet-friendly locations ranging from medieval castles to luxury seaside resorts.
To ensure a smooth experience, owners must strictly follow EU travel regulations, including microchipping, rabies vaccinations, and obtaining valid Animal Health Certificates. By utilizing specialized services like wedding dog chaperones, you can ensure your furry best friend is a happy participant in your big day without adding stress to your celebration.
