Dog friendly wedding venue in The New Forest

For couples who want a wedding that’s trule paw-fect

A wedding day you can share with your dog

At Woodlands Lodge, we’re proud to be one of the few genuinely dog friendly wedding venues in the New Forest.

We know how important it is for your dog to be part of your special day, which is why we welcome them throughout your celebration, from the ceremony and photos to staying overnight in our pet friendly rooms.

Couples from across the UK choose us for our flexible dog friendly spaces, private grounds and beautiful woodland setting, making it the perfect backdrop for dog friendly weddings.

For more information contact Gina or Tilly in our wedding team.

Celebrate your day with everyone you love – paws included

Dog Friendly Weddings at Woodlands Lodge

Planning a wedding with your dog is incredibly special, and at Woodlands Lodge we make it simple, relaxed and stress-free.

Whether your dog is walking you down the aisle, joining you for photos or staying overnight in one of our pet-friendly rooms, we ensure they feel just as welcome as the rest of your guests.

For full details of our weddings, including dog-friendly options, you can download our brochure and view our latest packages and pricing below.

Planning a Dog-Friendly Wedding

Many couples choose Woodlands Lodge because they want their dog to be part of their day.
Here are a few simple tips to help you plan a smooth, enjoyable dog-friendly celebration.

Choose someone to be your dog’s handler

A friend, family member or professional chaperone can help with walks, feeding and keeping your dog calm during the busy parts of the day.

Bring familiar items

A favourite bed, lead, toy or blanket can help your dog relax in new surroundings.

Decide how involved you want your dog to be

Some dogs love walking down the aisle, posing for photos or greeting guests. Others prefer quieter moments. Plan roles that suit their personality.

Plan breaks and quiet spaces

Weddings are exciting but can be overwhelming. Make sure your dog has a quiet space to recharge between photos, ceremonies and receptions.

Check timings and travel

Allow time for comfort breaks, walks and a calm introduction to the venue before the festivities begin.

Consider a dog chaperone service

If your dog needs extra care, or you want to fully relax on the day, a local dog-sitting or wedding-chaperone service can help.

Dog-Friendly Weddings

All our doggie guests will receive a complimentary rice bone, and towel and blanket for use during their stay. We also have water bowls and dog beds in the bar.We have direct New Forest access and so you and your guests can relax with a walk too….

Bring your pooch along

Woodlands Lodge is a pet-friendly hotel, located in the New Forest, and we welcome dogs to be part of your wedding day. So more the merrier, whether they are part of the wedding procession or just part of the day with our Exclusively yours and Romantic Weekend packages dogs are welcome in all areas of the hotel.

What our

Guests Say

Woodlands is perfect for a break with your dog as our dog Max will testify! We can confidently recommend this hotel without hesitation.

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Ozzie, our border collie, is quite impressed with hotel life, having a bed to lie on in the bar and lots of people admiring him, plus the delicious chew bone left for him in the room on top of the dog towels. Thank you to all for a much needed mini break.

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This is the third time we have stayed at the hotel and have always enjoyed our stay. Excellent customer service and very dog friendly. Thank you to all the team.

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We had a lovely break at Woodlands with our 2 dogs. Breakfast and all the staff we encountered were so good. Also the fact that the dogs were so welcomed and catered for was excellent, as was the direct access from the room to the garden and forest.

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This is a lovely dog friendly hotel so if you have dog, would definitely recommend it. (We never had a dog with us but loved how they are thought of with dog cushions , various water bowls dotted etc and are definitely thought of as one of the family.)

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The most dog friendly hotel I have ever been to, dog blanket, dog towel and a rice bone waiting for your hound in your room on arrival and plenty of dog beds around the bar area and in the lounge where you can have your dog with you whilst you eat, absolutely fantastic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can my dog be part of the wedding ceremony?

Yes. Dogs are welcome to join you for the ceremony, photos and the key parts of your day. Many couples choose to have their dog walk down the aisle or greet guests.

Are dogs allowed inside the venue?

Yes. Woodlands Lodge is a fully dog-friendly venue, and dogs are welcome in indoor ceremony spaces, reception rooms and designated dog-friendly bedrooms.

Do you offer dog-friendly accommodation?

Yes, we have a selection of pet-friendly hotel rooms so your dog can stay overnight with you as part of your wedding celebration.

Where can I get married with my dog in the UK?

Woodlands Lodge is one of the few UK venues that fully welcomes dogs throughout your wedding day. Here in the New Forest, your dog can join the ceremony, photos and stay overnight in our pet friendly rooms.

Do you work with dog-chaperone or pet-sitting services?

Yes. Couples are welcome to arrange their own chaperone, and we can recommend local services if needed.

Are there good walking areas nearby?

Absolutely. We’re set in the New Forest with woodland walks right on the doorstep, making it perfect for pre-wedding strolls and dog exercise breaks.

Can we bring more than one dog?

Yes, multiple dogs are welcome, as long as they are well behaved and under control.

Are there any restrictions for dogs during the day?

We simply ask that dogs remain on a lead in shared areas and are supervised at all times for their comfort and the comfort of your guests.

Can my dog walk me down the aisle?

Yes. Many couples choose to have their dog walk them down the aisle or join them during the ceremony. As a fully dog friendly venue, we’re happy to accommodate this as long as your dog has a handler to help keep them settled.

Is Woodlands Lodge suitable for nervous or reactive dogs?

Yes. Our peaceful woodland setting and flexible indoor spaces allow plenty of room for dogs that prefer quieter surroundings.

Enquire now

AP Hotels Group Ltd t/a Woodlands, Bartley Road, Woodlands, Southampton, Hampshire SO40 7GN

02380 292257

[email protected]

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