The Anonymous Officiant: Top Hat & Actual Tails for This Bridal Beagle

Forget bridesmaids and groomsman, say 'I do' with your Best Beagle beside you!

 

 

Listen now: 

 

 

 

 

"A young woman who wanted her long-time companion beagle included in her wedding ceremony approached me – somebody had suggested she ask her wedding officiant whether or not they’d have any objections to the presence of a 'bridal beagle.’

The bride’s rationale was that the beagle had been there for her -- and with her -- for almost every important occasion of her life, and the bride-to-be didn't see why she should lock away her best friend on such a big day.

 

 

My advice to any couple wanting to include a pet in their wedding ceremony is to ask these questions: 

1. Has the fur baby had his or her shots, and is he or she in reasonably good health? 

2. Does the fur baby mind crowds, and is he or she friendly?

3. Can somebody else assume complete responsibility for your fur baby after the ceremony, or is there time enough between the wedding and the reception to take the fur baby back home again? 

4. And probably most important of all, will the venue you have selected for your wedding permit your fur baby to enter the premises?

 

 

Illustration by Jessica Levey

 

 

As an officiant with a multitude of weddings behind me, I can say in all honesty that I have never had a poodle get tipsy and pass out in the lobby of the hotel right before the pictures were to be taken. 

Not once has a Persian cat exposed a risqué tattoo with her low-cut gown. 

And I have never, ever had to retrieve a retriever from the back of the altar, where he was playing with the matches meant to light the unity candle…

In fact, almost any pet at all is easier to fold gracefully into a ceremony than a two-year old human ring-bearer with jet lag, no nap, and a loaded Pull-Up.

If most of your answers are "yes" to these questions, then this officiant has no objections whatsoever to including Mittens or Rowdy."

 

– Anonymous 

 

 

• Read more from The Anonymous Officiant

 

 

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Are you the next Anonymous Officiant?

 

Tell your real wedding story in AMM’s The Anonymous Officiant

 

Hey, Wedding Officiants! Share your real wedding story, rant, or advice anonymously in The Anonymous Officiant.  

 

We’re accepting submissions of true stories, confessions, rants, and other revelations from the wild world of officiating. Do you have a secret, a cautionary tale, a wedding day disaster story, or exciting gossip? A true tale that's funny, heartwarming, scandalous, surprising, or informative? Something you want to confess, or get off your chest? 

 

Your secret’s safe with us! Submit a story or advice in 500 words or less to [email protected] or use the anonymous submission form linked below. 

 

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Read Next: 

 

• Bride chooses cat to be her ‘flower boy,’ now her sister is furious
   
• Weddings For Pets Are Gaining Popularity
   
• A puppy helps with a proposal! Plus how to involve pets in your wedding ceremony
   
• 5 Tips for Including Pets in Your Wedding Ceremony

 

 

Including pets in your wedding ceremony is fun and makes for great pictures and memories, but it's important to prepare ahead of time! Read the full article here.

 

 

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