A couple kissing beneath a triangular floral arch at their riverside ceremony, attendants either side, Deschutes Riverfront Retreat near Sunriver, Oregon

Dog-friendly weddings

A dog-friendly wedding venue on the Deschutes River near Bend and Sunriver

Bring the dogs. Pet-friendly here means dogs only, of any size and with no limit on how many. Your dog can be part of your ceremony. We are on 450 feet of the Deschutes River, with room for a wedding of up to 45 guests.

Updated October 2026

Your dog and your ceremony on the Deschutes

A newly married couple holding a golden retriever puppy between them, the river behind, Deschutes Riverfront Retreat near Sunriver, Oregon

A wedding couple with a golden retriever puppy, photographed at the retreat.

Your dog can be part of your ceremony. Some dogs will trot down an aisle like they own the place. Some would rather watch from a lap. You know your dog best.

Ways dogs join a wedding ceremony

These are ideas from weddings everywhere, not a menu of things we provide. Take what fits your dog and leave the rest.

  • Ring bearer. The rings ride on a pillow or a collar clip. Many couples tie on a fake pair and keep the real rings with someone trustworthy.
  • Flower dog. A floral collar or crown, or a petal-tossing job for a dog who is willing. Check that any flowers near a dog are dog-safe.
  • The aisle. Walk with the couple, with the wedding party, or just ahead of the procession.
  • Beside you. A dog who sits next to the couple during the ceremony, with a treat in someone's pocket.
  • A first look with your dog. A quiet moment before the ceremony.
  • Portraits. A portrait with your dog and a river behind you is hard to beat.
  • Your dog in the vows. A line about the dog works even if the dog stays home.
  • The dog's-eye view. A small camera clipped to a harness.

A little planning goes a long way

A few suggestions. These are suggestions, not rules at the retreat.

  • Pick a designated dog handler who is not in the wedding party.
  • Practice the walk, and any outfit, before the day.
  • Bring treats.
  • Use a comfortable leash or harness so an excited dog can be held.
  • Keep the dog's part short and early, so the dog can relax for the rest of the day.
  • Tell your photographer and your guests that dogs will be part of the day.
  • If your dog is anxious around crowds, a smaller role, or none, may be kinder. The dog's comfort comes first.

Stay together near Sunriver

Your wedding weekend is a stay. The estate has 11 bedrooms that sleep 30, so the wedding party stays on site.

Every booking has a 2-night minimum, and weddings are up to 45 guests. No amplified music: no DJs, no subwoofers, no professional music setups. Live music ensembles and small Bluetooth speakers are fine. If unsure, please ask.

Good to know

The property is not fenced and sits on the Deschutes River. Dogs must be well-behaved.

QuestionAnswer
Dogs allowedYes. Dogs only, no cats or other animals.
SizeAny size, large dogs included.
Number of dogsNo limit.
BehaviorDogs must be well-behaved.
Pet fee50 dollars per dog, charged once per stay, not per night
FencedNo. The property is not fenced.
Wedding sizeUp to 45 guests.
Your staySleeps 30, with a 2-night minimum on every booking.

More about dogs near Bend and Sunriver

For the full picture on dogs, the pet fee and local dog daycare and vets, see the large dog friendly page. For wedding details, see micro-weddings and elopements.

Ask about your date

Tell us your date, your guest count and how many dogs are coming. Start at contact us, or check dates on book now.

What a wedding group said

“We had our micro wedding celebration here for a long weekend and it was excellent. The guests loved the airbnb and had so much fun spending time relaxing by the river in the hammock, or playing frisbee golf on the property. It perfectly accommodated our guests!”

Caroline · Group trip · Airbnb · October 2024

Read all guest reviews

Frequently asked questions

Can our dog be part of the ceremony?

Yes. Your dog can be part of your ceremony.

How many dogs can we bring, and what size?

Dogs of any size are welcome, and there is no limit on the number of dogs.

Is there a fee for dogs?

The pet fee is 50 dollars per dog, charged once per stay, not per night.

Can we bring pets other than dogs?

Dogs only.

Is the property fenced, and do dogs need to be well-behaved?

No, the property is not fenced. Dogs must be well-behaved.

How many guests can a wedding have?

Up to 45 guests.

Ask about dates

Ask about dates