Dog-friendly Wedding Venues

January 2018

Including dogs in weddings has become a coast-to-coast phenomenon! Lancaster has joined the trend, as more and more venues are welcoming pets to take part in the weddings of their humans. Here’s a sampling …

1. Pheasant Run Farm Bed & Breakfast: Co-owner Vivian Abel views dogs at weddings as “a trend I have seen grow in probably the last five years. Dogs are considered part of the family, so it’s only natural that some couples want their dog in their wedding. In recent years, we have gotten two or three requests each year to have the pet dog in the wedding.” Out of concern for the cats who live on the farm, Viv and her husband, Bob, ask that dogs be removed from the property after the ceremony. One of their cats, Molly, loves weddings. “She always seems to appear when we have a wedding,” Viv notes. Details: Pheasantrunfarmbb.com.

2. Eden Resort & Suites: This pet-friendly hotel permits dogs to take part in wedding ceremonies, but because of health regulations, they cannot attend receptions. Proof of vaccinations must be submitted prior to the wedding. Details: Edenresort.com.

3. Weddings On The Green at Willow Valley & The DoubleTree Resort Lancaster: Dogs can participate in outdoor wedding ceremonies but must leave the premises when the reception begins. Details: Lancaster.doubletree.com.

4. The Farm at Eagles Ridge: According to co-owner Paige Flowers, “We are dog-friendly, and our policy is that they remain outside on a leash throughout the day and then be taken off-site once cocktail hour begins.” Details: Farmateaglesridge.com.

5. John Wright Restaurant: Molly Cook, the assistant director of operations, reports that dogs are welcome to participate in wedding ceremonies, many of which are conducted riverside, but because of health regulations, they are not permitted to attend receptions. Details: Jwrpa.com.

6. White Chimneys: Jessica Meyer notes that dogs are welcome as long as they have a clean bill of health and proof of vaccinations. “Because we are an active farm with other animals, we request that clients’ dogs be kept leashed, and we highly encourage having a dedicated sitter to attend to the dog throughout the day.” Details: Whitechimneys.com.

7. The Willows at Historic Strasburg (Fireside Tavern): Dogs are permitted to participate in outdoor wedding ceremonies. Details: Dsfireside.com.

8. Ironstone Ranch/Star Barn Village: Jamie Berger of C&J Catering (the property’s exclusive catering firm), explains, “Occasionally, we do allow dogs on the property to participate in the weddings.” Details: Ironstoneranch.com.

9. Drumore Estate: Personal pets are welcome to attend weddings at the estate. There are no restrictions as to the length of time dogs are on-site. Details: Drumoreestate.com.

10. Moonstone Manor: Owner Gina Dambrosio describes her property as “super dog-friendly. Dogs have always been a big part of our lives, and we love when our couples include their dogs in their special day. They add so much joy and comfort to a celebration. I love seeing the guests’ eyes light up and their smiles when they get to interact with the dogs. We provide a quiet place for our furry guests should they need respite from the large crowd and music. We open up our private office space and provide food and water bowls and, of course, lots of tummy rubs and hugs. My 12-year-old daughter, Willow, offers to walk the dogs and dog-sit in the mansion while the owners enjoy time in the celebration tent. Our policy is that dogs be on a leash and that the owners clean up after their pets. We have never encountered an issue with any of our dog visitors.” Details: Moonstonemanor.com.

11. Bear Mill Estate: According to owner Kerry Kegerise, “Bear Mill is dog-friendly, and we’ve had many take part in ceremonies.” Details: Bearmillestate.com.

12. The Inn at Leola Village: Stephanie Lambert, the inn’s director of special events, shares that dogs have participated in several weddings at the venue. To further accommodate such requests, the inn has designated several hotel rooms as “pet-friendly” (for weddings only), which allows dogs to participate in the ceremony and photography and then relax while the reception is in progress. Details: Theinnatleolavillage.com.

13. The Booking House: Michaela Perron, the venue’s marketing and sales coordinator, reports that dogs are permitted on the premises for ceremonies and photography. They must be accompanied by a designated handler and leashed when they are in the building. Details: Thebookinghousemanheim.com.

14. Mulberry Art Studios: Assistant Lino Seijo-Herbert reports that this city-based venue is dog-friendly. Details: Mulberryartstudios.com.

Note: Policies are subject to change. Discuss your idea with the venue of your choice from the outset.