PAWFECT WITNESS™
Pet-Inclusive Wedding Ceremonies in Vancouver
At the heart of every wedding is a deep sense of family. Not only the people you love but also the animals who have stayed close through every season of life. Pets are more than companions. They are gentle, loyal and irreplaceable family members who make your world feel whole.
Vancity Officiant offers pet-inclusive wedding ceremonies in Vancouver and Richmond, BC through our Pawfect Witness™ program, a meaningful way to include your pet in your vows, your photos and the moments that matter most to you. A family is complete only when everyone is here.
What Is the Pawfect Witness™ Ceremony?
The Pawfect Witness™ Ceremony is a symbolic ritual that honors the bond between couples and their pets.
Pets cannot serve as legal witnesses in British Columbia, but they can share the emotional and symbolic parts of your ceremony. Many couples say this becomes the warmest and most memorable part of their day.
During the moment, your pet will place a gentle pawprint on your keepsake unity certificate. This imprint represents love, presence and the quiet comfort they bring into your life.
Can My Pet Join a Legal Signing Ceremony?
Yes, your pet can be present with you during your legal signing ceremony as part of the celebration. Human witnesses are still required by law, but your pet is welcome to sit with you, walk in with you and be part of your vows and photos.
Vancity Officiant is one of the few officiant teams in Vancouver that openly welcomes pets at legal signings, micro weddings, elopements and vow renewals. Their presence brings warmth and grounding energy that makes the moment feel complete.
How the Pawfect Witness™ Ceremony Works
Participation is simple and heartfelt.
By making a small donation to an animal-related charity of your choice, you may include your pet in this symbolic ceremony. This is our way of giving back to animals in need while celebrating the love they bring into our lives.
There is no additional officiant fee. Our team members are lifelong pet lovers, and we understand how important it is for your family to feel whole on your wedding day.
Why Couples Choose a Pet-Inclusive Ceremony
Couples often share that including their pet:
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creates a more intimate and meaningful ceremony
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brings softness, joy and connection
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makes the moment feel more like home
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results in beautiful and emotional photos
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transforms a simple signing into a treasured memory
For many couples, this becomes the moment they remember most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can pets legally serve as witnesses in BC?
A: No. BC law requires two human witnesses for the marriage documents. Pets can join symbolically during the ceremony, but they cannot sign or act as legal witnesses.
Q: Can my pet be present during the legal signing?
A: Yes. Your pet may sit beside you, stay in your arms or be part of the atmosphere during the legal signing moment. Human witnesses must still sign the marriage documents, but your pet is welcome to be present and included in the experience.
Q: Which ceremonies allow pet participation?
A: Pets are welcome in any ceremony held at a pet-friendly location. Couples often include their pets in classic weddings, legal signings, micro weddings, elopements and vow renewals, both indoors and outdoors.
Q: Is this service available in Vancouver and Richmond?
A: Yes. Pawfect Witness™ is available across Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby and the Lower Mainland, at any location where pets are permitted. This includes The Ensora, our officiant-led ceremony space designed for intimate indoor ceremonies.
Q: Is there an extra cost?
A: There is no additional fee to add Pawfect Witness™ to any of our ceremonies. We simply ask for a small donation of forty dollars or more to an animal-related charity of your choice.
Q: How can my pet participate?
A: Pets join symbolically through a gentle pawprint stamping on your Unity Certificate as a keepsake. Our pet-loving officiants can also share a little story and offer a small blessing for your pet, wishing them health, joy and happiness as they continue life with you as a family.
Q: What kinds of pets can participate?
A: Any pet who is part of your family is welcome. A family is complete only when everyone is here. We have celebrated with dogs, cats, bunnies and reptiles, and we have no limitations. If they are family, they belong.
Q: My pet has passed away. Can they still be included in the ceremony?
A: Yes. Many couples choose to honour a beloved pet who has passed. You are welcome to bring a photo, a small keepsake, a collar or anything meaningful to you. We can include a short moment of remembrance during the ceremony, acknowledging the love your pet gave and the place they will always hold in your family. This can be as simple or as symbolic as you wish, and we will guide you gently so it feels comforting and heartfelt.
A Ceremony Filled With Heart
If you feel connected to the idea of including your pet in your ceremony, we would be honored to help you create this moment. You are welcome to reach out through our contact form or WhatsApp.
We would love to hear your story and meet the pet who walks beside you.
Follow @PawfectWitness on Instagram to see how love, paws and vows come together.
