Dogs in church?

Posted by DonnaW

Dogs in church?
October 21, 2009 12:00PM

Registered: 9 years ago
Posts: 39

A strange question, but I have heard of people having their dog at their civil ceremony, and I would really like our dog to be a "page boy" for our church wedding. Has anyone seen this done? I don't want to make a total fool of myself by asking the vicar!

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MIKEY

Re: Dogs in church?
October 21, 2009 12:08PM

Our Catholic church has a blessing service for animals every year, and I know CofE churches sometimes have a procession with a donkey at Christmas, so I don't think the vicar would think you are too mad. Good luck and let us know.

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lily

Re: Dogs in church?
October 21, 2009 01:57PM

Registered: 9 years ago
Posts: 9

Can you rely on your dog behaving? The worst thing would be if he or she barked or had an accident. Also you need to consider who would look after the dog during the service, and what happens after the ceremony ,as you are going to be busy doing other things.

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DonnaW

Re: Dogs in church?
October 21, 2009 02:33PM

Registered: 9 years ago
Posts: 39

No, he is very well behaved! Can you imagine it when the vicar get to the bit about "is there anyone here with reason for them not to get married" ... "WOOF"!

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Emo

Re: Dogs in church?
October 30, 2009 04:57PM

Im going to have my two dogs at my ceremony. I want them there more than anyone els.
It will help me relax.

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MagicC

Re: Dogs in church?
November 02, 2009 10:11PM

I agree - there is nothing like having animals around to make eveyone relax and feel a bit less formal. I think it is a great idea, and I don't even have a dog.

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Vinney

Re: Dogs in church?
November 04, 2009 12:53PM

I heard of a company who hires out dogs to go to your wedding as a Best Man or Cheif Bridesmaid. Sounds like the sort of thing that would only happen in america but it was in England. I can understand wanting your own dog there if it is an informal wedding but not in church. Seems strange.

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DonnaW

Re: Dogs in church?
November 04, 2009 01:06PM

Registered: 9 years ago
Posts: 39

Yes, I can't see the point in taking someone elses dog. What an unusual idea - and I thought I was the mad one! We are seeing the vicar tonight so I will be brave and just ask!

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Vinney

Re: Dogs in church?
November 04, 2009 01:07PM

Good luck!

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Re: Dogs in church?
November 06, 2009 03:12PM

Are you being serious? I realise that a lot of people get married in church without any remote idea of the meaning of Christian marriage but surely even the dimmest airhead has SOME idea of decorum and that having a dog as a pageboy is a ludocrous idea.

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Sharon

Re: Dogs in church?
November 20, 2009 10:22AM

It's actually illegal to have dogs in church but it's an old law and a lot of Vicars wouldn't worry. With regards to decorum, I would like to point out that Christianity is about love and tolerance. Calling someone you don't know a 'dim airhead' is probably not the best demonstration of this.

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sandra

Re: Dogs in church?
November 24, 2009 01:41PM

i was going to take my donkey but realised there were enough asses already going! smiling smiley

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Old Bag

Re: Dogs in church?
December 16, 2009 10:00PM

The trouble is dogs have no immortal soul and taking a dog into a solemn Christian ceremony is technically heresy. Sorry, can't chat...witches to burn, unbelievers to smite etc. Bizzeee!

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Old Bag

Re: Dogs in church?
December 16, 2009 10:01PM

Quote
Anonymous User
The trouble is dogs have no immortal soul and taking a dog into a solemn Christian ceremony is technically heresy. Sorry, can't chat...witches to burn, unbelievers to smite etc. Bizzeee!

Oh yeah - and spelling to teach!

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DonnaW

Re: Dogs in church?
December 16, 2009 10:48PM

Registered: 9 years ago
Posts: 39

I love it!! Thank you Old Bag, you have brightened a tedious evening!

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carleen

Re: Dogs in church?
January 19, 2010 01:46AM

Registered: 8 years ago
Posts: 1

hi , ive just registered and im also getting married but not till 2011, i have 2 small dogs and wanted 2 include them in my wedding , was just wondering how you got on about your dog?
if you would let me know that would be great thanks
carleen smiling smiley

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bulldogentertainment

Re: Dogs in church?
January 19, 2010 10:34AM

Registered: 8 years ago
Posts: 13

My sister is getting married in July (2010).

She asked for her Labrador to be present during the ceremony and the Vicar said this was not a problem at all. He's 13 mind so isn't exactly going to be jumping around.

Welcome carleen.

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Bex819

Re: Dogs in church?
January 21, 2010 12:31PM

Registered: 8 years ago
Posts: 5

My friend is getting married in October next year and they have picked a dog friendly venue in Tetbury and will be having their dog plus others at the ceremony and reception, apparently it is becoming more common!

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a.rowlands

Re: Dogs in church?
January 21, 2010 12:35PM

Registered: 10 years ago
Posts: 47

By "venue" do you mean reception venue? I had always assumed you can only have guide dogs if it is a hotel / restaurant type place.

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Bex819

Re: Dogs in church?
January 21, 2010 12:45PM

Registered: 8 years ago
Posts: 5

Its a wedding venue, I think it is called the hare and hounds in Tetbury and they even have dog friendly accommodation so you can stay over with your pets if you wish!

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a.rowlands

Re: Dogs in church?
January 21, 2010 12:47PM

Registered: 10 years ago
Posts: 47

Ha Ha, it would have to be called the Hare and Hounds!!

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Lisa D

Re: Dogs in church?
May 15, 2011 02:05PM

I would like my dog to be there, I've been told who my bridesmaids are :-( If she is not allowed in church I will hire our local dog walker/sitter who ironically lives next door to the church, to wait with her until we come out so we can have her in some of the pictures. She is a big girl, relaxed and will be old by the time the wedding comes around, but even now, in my opinion she is an outstanding, well behaved dog -who only uses our garden to do her business.