If you’re thinking about including your dog in your engagement photos, we’re all for it! Pets are such a big part of our lives, and including them in your session is a great way to document this season of your relationship with the whole family. As a Miami photographer and videographer duo, we love when couples bring their personalities and the things they love into their photos.

Anna and Griffin’s engagement session at Matheson Hammock Park in Coral Gables was especially meaningful because their dog, Arya, was at the center of it all. She has been part of their relationship from the beginning, and as she’s gotten older, they wanted to capture this time with her. Rather than bringing her along for just a few portraits, they wanted the session to reflect how much she means to them.

The three of them had so much fun together. Anna and Griffin wanted true documentary-style photos, so we focused on their natural interactions instead of making every moment feel posed. I love that their session celebrated their relationship and the dog who has been there through it all!

Why You Should Include Your Dog in Your Engagement Photos

For many couples, their dog is part of the family. They’ve been there for lazy weekends, daily walks, and all the little moments that make up a relationship. Including them in your engagement photos is a way to remember this chapter of life exactly as it is. Anna and Griffin’s session was a great example of this. Arya wasn’t just an extra addition to their photos. She was part of their story, and they wanted to preserve their time together while they could.

You don’t have to make your entire session about your dog, but you don’t have to limit them to a few quick photos either. If you want your pup involved throughout the experience, we can plan the session around that. Walking together, playing, cuddling, and simply spending time together can create some of the most meaningful images.

Tips for Engagement Photos With Your Dog

Bringing your dog to a photo session can be a lot of fun, but a little planning makes the experience easier for everyone.

Bring Treats and a Leash

Treats can help get your dog’s attention when we need it, and a leash keeps them safe when we’re exploring. Even if your dog is well-trained, public parks can have distractions, especially around other people, wildlife, and water.

You don’t need your dog to sit perfectly or look at the camera every time. Some of our favorite photos happen when they’re simply being themselves! 

Bring Someone Who Can Watch Your Dog

This is one of our biggest recommendations. Ask a friend or family member to join you so they can watch your dog when you’d like a few photos of just the two of you. They can also help with treats, water, and keeping your pup comfortable between photos. That way, you don’t have to worry about where your dog should go while we’re photographing you together.

Plan Around Your Dog’s Needs

Think about your dog’s personality, energy level, and comfort when choosing the location and time of day. South Florida can get hot, so bring plenty of water and plan breaks in the shade. If your dog gets overwhelmed in busy places, a quieter location or an early session may be a better fit. The goal is to make the experience enjoyable for them, too.

Why We Love Matheson Hammock Park for Engagement Photos

Matheson Hammock Park in Coral Gables is one of our favorite Miami locations because it offers so much variety in one place. You can photograph among the greenery, head toward the beach, explore the mangroves, or visit the marina for a different backdrop.

For couples bringing their dogs, having room to walk around and explore can help the session feel more relaxed. We can move between different settings without spending the day driving from one location to another.

The location also makes it easy to plan a date afterward. Noma Beach at Red Fish is nearby and offers waterfront dining overlooking Biscayne Bay. If you’d like to explore the park before your session, visit the official Matheson Hammock Park website for current information.

Planning Your Engagement Photos With Your Dog

Anna and Griffin’s session was such a good reminder that engagement photos don’t have to follow a set formula. For them, having Arya included throughout the experience was important. We loved documenting the way they interacted and how naturally she fit into their relationship.

If you’re planning engagement photos with your dog, think about what you want to remember about this stage of life. Maybe that’s the way your pup follows you everywhere, their excitement when you pick up the leash, or the way they curl up beside you at home. Those little details are part of your story, too.

As a Miami photographer and videographer duo, we love creating photos and films that feel personal to each couple. If you’re dreaming of a relaxed engagement session with your dog, get in touch to start planning!