Pet-Friendly Wedding Venues in Rochester, MN

Selecting the right venue is crucial for both your experience and photography. Most of the time, we put a lot of work into finding the perfect venue: the brightest, biggest one, and, of course, the most beautiful one. However, something we often overlook is our four-legged friends. 

If you are parents of a dog, statistically speaking, there is a 38% to 45% chance ( source: WeddingWire, 2020) that you want to include it in your wedding day. Therefore, you have to ensure the venue is dog-friendly.

As a wedding photographer, I love taking pictures with your dog (and with animals in general). They are like kids; they bring spontaneous moments.

In this article, you will find a list of the best pet-friendly wedding venues in Rochester, MN, and some advice on including your furry family members even when the venue does not accept dogs. 

However, first, let’s discuss a subtle difference: the true dog-friendly venue versus the one that accepts dogs only for the ceremony. 

In this guide, you’ll learn how to:

True Dog-friendly venues are not all equal.

List of Dog-related questions to ask your venue.

Will your dog be allowed inside or just outside? 

Most venues with a location for an outdoor ceremony usually allow pets during the ceremony. However, they might not allow them inside the reception room or preparation room, which might be a game changer if you want your best friend with you all day long. 

Is your dog allowed only for the photos and the ceremony?

Some venues would allow your dog only for the bride and groom photos and the ceremony (and sometimes for the group photos). 

That will be sufficient for most clients. 

Is there a special room inside where your dog can stay? 

Sometimes, on a wedding day, you may not be able to take care of your pet, and you might need a room with water for it. 

Leash or unleash? 

Some venues require you to keep your dog on a leash at all times. This is usually a good idea because your dog might be distracted and want to run everywhere. 

Is your dog allowed during the reception?

As you will see later, laws don’t allow dogs in the reception room, so 99% of the time, the answer is “no”. The main reason is that it’s the law (we will explain that in detail in the next part).
But let’s assume you have an outdoor wedding that would respect the law.

Would it be other dogs? 

You may want to check with the manager to see if another dog will be present on D-Day. As you know, some dogs get along pretty well; others don’t. And you don’t want to worry about that all day long!

If you have other furry animals, consider visiting the venue with your pet and observing how they interact with each other. 

Is there a dog deposit?

Some venues might accept your dog on the condition of adding a deposit in case your dog damages something.

Last option: Can you negotiate a dog fee?

Venues that try to stay within an affordable range sometimes can’t offer the opportunity to welcome your dog, as it implies more work. And, an employee’s time is money. 

Therefore, you can try to negotiate to pay an extra fee to have your pet with you on the event day. 

Dog and food establishment. What does the law say in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, non-service dogs are generally not allowed inside rooms designated for food service at any time the space is considered a food establishment, which includes before, during, and after dinner service, because of contamination risks. In other words, it’s a health concern.

As you will see later in the list. It appears that some venue, to our greatest pleasure, has a specific setup that allows you to bring your dog during dinner.

Legal Exceptions for Dogs at Wedding Venues

While it’s tempting to find loopholes to include your beloved dog in your wedding festivities, it’s essential to understand the legal framework:​

• Service Animals: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are permitted in public areas, including dining rooms, as long as they are under control and not disruptive. However, they are typically prohibited from areas like kitchens due to health regulations.​
• Law Enforcement Animals: Police officers may have their patrol dogs with them while on duty. However, this exception doesn’t apply to personal events like weddings.​
• Care Facilities: Certain care facilities may have specific allowances for animals under particular conditions, but these are generally not applicable to standard wedding venues.​

In summary, unless your dog is a trained service animal, it’s unlikely they’ll be legally permitted in the dining area of your wedding venue.

The Risks of Misrepresenting a Pet as a Service Animal

For the most twisted mind that might be willing to falsely register their dog as a service animal in the goal to have them on their side on the big day, can lead to legal consequences. Moreover, it’s not a straightforward process:

• Medical Assessment: A licensed healthcare professional must evaluate and confirm that you have a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities.​
• Training Requirements: The dog must be individually trained to perform specific tasks related to your disability. This includes passing a Public Access Test to ensure appropriate behavior in public settings.

Bottom line, if your dog is a service animal, you will be able to have it on your side all day.
Remember, emotional support animals, therapy animals, and pets do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
That’s why you need to carefully pick your venue.

But, wait, before jumping to the list, ask yourself if you really need your dog during the reception?

Why should you probably not include your beloved pet fur during dinner?

The reception is a busy time with many people moving around. Waiters are serving food, and guests frequently change tables to mingle with others. During this time, your dog could easily be injured if someone accidentally steps on it.

Additionally, a person could also hurt themselves by tripping over their dog. While some rare venues might allow dogs in the evening, it is generally advisable to leave your dog at home during dinner.

Even though a photo of the bride feeding her dog may seem charming, it’s often best for everyone’s safety and comfort if the dog does not attend.

Why should you consider a dog keeper service for D-day?

Most dogs require a lot of attention, and having someone take care of them might be a great idea! You could, of course, have one of your siblings / best friends handling this part, but it might not be the best for them. 
Therefore, I suggest that couples who want to include their dog in their big day hire a professional dog keeper. It makes it easier for everyone. Yes, that’s one of the numerous vendors requested for a wedding. If you don’t know where to look, check our vendor list in Rochester.

If you don’t have a dog sitter, designate a handler.

If hiring a dog sitter feels too complicated or costly, make sure you have a designated handler for the day. Weddings can be overwhelming for people and pets. If your dog gets overstimulated, anxious, overly excited, or just needs a quiet break, you’ll be glad to have someone ready to step in.

This person should keep an eye on your dog’s basic needs, making sure they get water, food, and a few breaks throughout the day. They can also help manage interactions with guests, especially young kids who might not know better. (Let’s be honest—who hasn’t seen a 4-year-old try to ride a dog like a pony or offer it chocolate?)

Additional Dog-Related Considerations to Keep in Mind for a Wedding Day

How to know if your dog will behave well on the photo wedding day? 

In other words, is it worth having your dog for the photos?
The best way to know if your dog will behave well during the photo session on the wedding day is to include your dog in your engagement session (check our guide on how to include your dog in your photo session).
Choose a quiet outdoor spot, such as a park or better, a family farm. That would already give you and him/her an experience. And you would see how long we can really need. 
Some dogs can pose for a long time, so other dogs are just crazy. 

And to determine if your dog would behave well throughout the day with many guests around, the best is to bring it to a crowded place, such as a city event.

What to pack for a smooth wedding day with your dog

Minnesota’s weather and dogs on wedding day

Winter can be super cold, with snow. Summer can be very hot. Extreme weather might not be suitable for your dogs (even if, as you see in the picture, some dogs really love playing with the snow).
Make sure to take that into consideration.

Should you dress your dog?

I have never seen a big dog dressed, and I am quite unsure if they would enjoy or accept it. But I have witnessed several times small dogs dressed in tuxedos or even dresses. This is just cute and pretty fun. Plus, it works extremely well for photos.

Alternative to having your dog with you on the wedding day?

Beyond the simple convenience or legal authorization, there could be many reasons your dog can not be assisted on a wedding day (sickness, travel complications).

In the worst-case scenario, where you can not have your dog with you on your wedding, what could you do to include it in your photos still?
A quick answer that I have seen pretty often is printing a real-size picture of your dog on a cardboard, and having it set up for photos during different parts of the day.

Another common thing is having special socks with photos of your dog, or even printing their face on the paper towel for dinner.

What photos should you take with your dog on your wedding day?

Here is a short list of the must-have photos with your dogs.

Getting Ready (if the dog is allowed inside)

• The dog is sitting at the bride’s/groom’s feet while getting ready
• Bride/groom hugging or playing with the dog
• The bride and groom are dressing the dog in its outfit
• Dog with “wedding day” accessories (bow tie, flower collar, bandana)
• Close-up of the dog sniffing the wedding shoes or the bouquet

First Look with the Dog

• Bride or groom holding the dog while reacting to seeing each other
• Dog trotting between the bride and groom as part of the reveal
• All three are cuddling

Pre-Ceremony Portraits

• Walking the dog on a leash together
• The dog is sitting between the couple, looking at the camera
• Holding the leash together (symbolic unity)
• Close-up of dog paw with rings (if safe)
• Sniffing, licking the groom’s boutonniere
• Candid shot of the dog licking one of the bride or groom
• The dog is running everywhere and acting crazy
• Wide shot of a couple with a dog in a scenic location

Group photos with dogs

If your dog behaves well, then you can include it in some of your group photos.

Ceremony

• Dog as ring bearer, flower pup, or best man.
• Walking the aisle with the couple or a handler
• Sitting beside them during vows
• The dog is reacting during the kiss (some bark or jump!)

Post-Ceremony / Cocktail Hour

• Champagne pops with the dog reacting, dog licking the champagne drops
• Group photos with the wedding party and the Pup-of-Honour / Dog of Honour
• The dog is getting pets from guests or flower girls
• Lounging in the grass while the couple kisses in the background

Golden Hour / Sunset

• Silhouettes with the dog in front of the setting sun
• The dog jumps up while the couple laughs
• All three are walking away from the camera into the light

Reception

If you have an outdoor wedding or a venue with a specific setup that allows your dog during the dinner.

• The Dog at the sweetheart table or sniffing the cake table
• First dance with the dog watching
• Candid moments like the dog sleeping at their feet or under a table

Candid, unexpected, funny situation with your dog on the wedding day

What’s wonderful (and sometimes challenging) with dogs is that they behave like the animals they are, according to social convention. That can often create unexpected and funny situations such as :

• sitting on the bride’s dress
• liking the delicious flowers
• urinating inappropriately
• Reproducing with other dogs

Now, let’s explore some of the wonderful pet-friendly options Rochester has to offer and dive into the list!

List of Pet-Friendly Venues in Rochester, MN

As a quick preamble, most of Rochester’s venues with an outdoor option are dog-friendly.
I have extended the range of research up to 45 minutes around Rochester to come up with more options. I might extend the range to 1 hour later if I receive good feedback on this article.

To get the information, I have directly contacted the venue.

Keep in mind that many farms, which can be great locations for photoshoots, also offer wedding services and are, by nature, pet-friendly. 

Conclusion:

That’s it for the list. As you can see, in the Rochester area, there are not many options for you to enjoy your dog all day long on your wedding day.

I highly recommend reaching out directly to your chosen venue to inquire about their updated pet policies. While some venues may be open to exceptions, policies can vary and may change over time based on their experiences. For instance, certain venues have revised their policies after specific incidents, while others have accommodated unique requests, such as allowing a pony as a service animal. It’s always best to have a clear understanding of the venue’s current stance to ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved.

If you’re planning a modest celebration, consider dining at a restaurant. For instance, the Forager is pet-friendly and features a small celebration area, where music is played during the summer.
Indeed, Minnesota state law gives cities the power to decide if they want to allow dogs on outdoor patios of restaurants and cafes. And in Rochester, some restaurants allow dogs on patios.

Suppose you are willing to drive an additional hour. In that case, there are other locations to consider, including The Joy Ridge Event Center, Good Earth Village, The Isle Bar and Events, Hidden Meadow and Barn, and the Villa Bellezza Winery & Vineyards in Pepin, Wisconsin.

Even if the perfect pet-friendly venue isn’t available, with a bit of planning—and maybe a trusted dog-keeper—you can still include your pup in meaningful ways.

TIPS: List of 8 dog-friendly hotels in Rochester, MN

If your venue doesn’t allow dogs during the getting-ready portion of the day, but you still want great photos with your pup, a dog-friendly hotel can be a perfect solution. It’s also a good option if some of your guests are traveling with their pets, for example, if your mom is bringing her two little Yorkies along for the celebration.

8 Dog-Friendly Hotels in Rochester, MN

1. Centerstone Plaza Hotel Soldier Field / Mayo Clinic Area
401 6th St SW, Rochester, MN 55902

• Allows two pets up to 60 lbs
• $10 per pet, per night (max $100 per stay)
• Grassy pet relief area
• Free shuttle to the Mayo Clinic

2. TownePlace Suites by Marriott Rochester
2829 43rd St NW, Rochester, MN 55901

• Allows two pets of any size
• $15 per pet, per night
• Grassy areas available

3. Rochester Marriott Mayo Clinic Area
101 1st Ave SW, Rochester, MN 55902

• Allows two dogs up to 60 lbs
• $50 per pet, per stay
• Green space on the property

4. Baymont by Wyndham Rochester Mayo Clinic Area
1230 Broadway Ave S, Rochester, MN 55904

• Allows two pets of any size
• $25 per pet, per night
• Pet relief area available

5. Sleep Inn & Suites West – Near Medical Center
2109 Commerce Dr NW, Rochester, MN 55901

• Allows two pets up to 50 lbs in designated rooms
• $20 per pet, per night
• Small dog park and waste station

6. AmericInn by Wyndham Rochester
3228 6th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901

• Allows two dogs of any size
• $25 per stay
• Grassy pet area on site

7. Homewood Suites by Hilton Rochester – Saint Marys Area
165 13th Ave SW, Rochester, MN 55902

• Allows two pets up to 100 lbs
• $75 (1–4 nights), $125 (5+ nights)
• Dogs and cats are welcome

8. Hotel Indigo Rochester – Mayo Clinic Area
220 Broadway Ave S, Rochester, MN 55904

• Allows two dogs up to 75 lbs
• $125 per stay
• Dogs must be crated if left alone in rooms

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Whether you’re including your dog in your ceremony or just want them nearby during your stay, these Rochester hotels make it easy to travel with your pet. Once you’ve picked your wedding venue, don’t forget to book your pet-friendly hotel early — spots can fill quickly, especially during peak wedding season.
And after all that, if you still have a bit of energy left, think of hiring a pet-friendly photographer attuned to capturing moments with animals. And guess what, I love dogs.

COMPLEMENTARY GUIDES