One of our favorite times of the year is officially here: the Vermont Weddings Best of Series! And we could not have thought of a more fun category to kick things off with. There’s something undeniably special about animals being part of a Vermont wedding day. From beloved dogs proudly walking down the aisle to cats lounging near the ceremony décor, and yes, even the occasional charming farm animal cameo, these furry (and sometimes feathered!) friends bring personality, warmth, and unforgettable moments to celebrations across the state.
More than just adorable additions, they reflect what makes a wedding day truly meaningful: personal details, intentional choices, and moments that feel authentic to you as a couple. This Best Of category highlights the wedding-day animals that completely stole the spotlight. Whether you’re deep into planning or just beginning to dream, scroll through these sweet, scene-stealing moments for inspiration and vote for your favorite wedding guest at the end of this blog post.
What Is the Vermont Weddings Best Of Series?
Each year, the Vermont Weddings Best Of Series celebrates the incredible creativity and talent of Vermont wedding professionals, venues, and the real wedding moments that made this past wedding season unforgettable. It’s part inspiration, part celebration, and part Reader’s Choice awards. Browse the entries below, discover standout weddings and vendors from across Vermont, and cast your vote using the form at the end of this post. Once voting closes, our team will reveal the Reader’s Choice winners and celebrate everything that made the 2025 wedding season oh so special!
Pooch Smooch
While getting ready for the day ahead, this bride leaned in for a smooch from her four-legged best friend, floral collar and all. A small, love-filled pause that reminds us weddings are just as much about these little moments as the big ones.
Venue: Lake Bomoseen Lodge
Coordinator: Rebecca Fields
Florist: M’s Wedding Flowers
Photographer: Sean Hood Photography
Videographer: Mason Mashtare
Makeup Artist: Jesi Dubois
Hair Stylists: Kaylee Lamber + assistant
Officiant: Greg Trulson
Caterer: Lake Bomoseen Lodge
Baker: Blue House Bakeshop
Linens: The Linen Shop
DJ: Soundtraxx Entertainment
The Chicken Dance
Per the bride’s request to unleash as many farm animals as possible during her big day… meet Earl. Equal parts unexpected, iconic, and very Vermont, Earl officially stole the show (and possibly the dance floor).
Venue: Bliss Ridge Farm
Photographer: Grant Daniels Photography
One Proud Pup
Standing tall like they’re the one getting married, this pup was thrilled to be included in their parents’ big day. And that floral collar perfectly matching the bridal bouquet? Absolutely main-character behavior!
Venue: Kimpton Taconic Hotel
Photographer: Caroline Moretz Photography
Florist: Glad Farm VT
Peak Wedding-Day Relaxation
While the celebration buzzed all around him, this pup found the perfect sunny spot and lounged belly-up, completely unbothered. Proof that wedding days are best enjoyed at your own pace, and that being the (cute!) center of attention can be “ruff”.
Venue: Mountain Top Resort
Photographer: Idena Beach
Florist: Meadow’s Edge
A Bear Cub Cameo
Only in Vermont could you find yourself celebrating alongside a black bear cub! This curious party animal just wanted to stop by and say hi. You never quite know who or what might make an appearance on a Vermont wedding day.
Venue: Tälta Lodge
Planners: The Event Sisters
Photographer: Katie Palatucci Photography
Post-Wedding Chaos, Perfected
Two little kids, one happy dog, and zero interest in slowing down! This joyful trio took full advantage of the post-ceremony freedom. Sometimes the best wedding moments happen when no one’s posing at all.
Photographer: Ben Hudson Photography
Venue: Lareau Farm Inn
Planner: Odyssey Events
Flowers: Flower Power VT
Let’s Paw-ty!
The cutest (and tastiest) way to include your pup on your wedding day! Not every wedding venue allows for furry friends to join in on the fun, so we love these cookies that double as wedding favors because no one should miss out on celebrating, even your four-legged best friend!
Baker: Sweet Vermont Treats
The Perfect Catch
ECHO is the only aquarium wedding venue in Vermont, and this couple fully leaned into the magic. Captured in front of the venue’s new freshwater tank, they scored the perfect shot as a curious fish friend drifted by, flawlessly framing the moment.
Venue: ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
Photographer: Arielle Thomas Photography
Florist: A Clover and One Bee
Hee-Haw Ever After
Bolo’s Big Day Out
Sweet pup Bolo adored being included and clearly loved being the center of attention. Just look at that smile as he soaks it all in among the bridesmaids. And his perfectly posh plaid bandana? A detail we’ll never get over!
Photographer: Peaks & Pearls Photography
Venue: White Barn Farm
An Animal-Lover’s Dream Wedding
Ashley and Tom, a veterinarian and her groom, celebrated their love of animals at the Vermont Wedding Barn with the famous running of the alpacas! Other details of the day included beloved farm cats mingling at the reception, as well as a woodland-themed dessert table complete with a handcrafted figurine of their cherished dog.
Planner: Green Mountain Gatherings
Readers Choice Awards
Now that you’ve seen our team’s picks for the best Vermont furry friends in 2025, it’s time for you to vote! We’ll share your top picks for each category at the end of the month.