Slow, Steady, and Eternal: A Tortoise Witness at The Vancouver Club (and how to include pet in weddings)

For Judy and Chris, their lunch wedding at the historic Vancouver Club was a beautiful study in contrasts. While the grand architecture of this Downtown Vancouver landmark typically hosts formal galas, on this day, it welcomed a truly "one-of-a-kind" guest: Kam Kam, the couple’s beloved pet tortoise.

Redefining Tradition with Vancity Officiant

Collaborating with our frequent partner, Vancity Officiant, allowed us to move beyond a standard legal signing. Judy and Chris participated in the "Pawfect Witness" program. A heartwarming initiative that officially involves non-human family members in the union. While pets cannot serve as legal witnesses in British Columbia, but they can share the emotional and symbolic parts of your ceremony.

We’ve documented other pets at some Intimate Weddings, witnessing a tortoise "step up" to the keepsake unity certificate was a first for our team.

How to Include Pets in Weddings : The Pawfect Witness™ Ceremony

How to include pets in weddings? Through the Pawfect Witness™ program by Vancity Officiant, involving your pet is simple and heartfelt. Here is how it works:

• A Symbolic Signing: While pets cannot sign legal government documents, they can "sign" a custom keepsake unity certificate with a paw (or claw!) stamp.

• Giving Back: Instead of an additional officiant fee, couples make a small donation to an animal-related charity. It’s a beautiful way to honor your pet while supporting animals in need.

• Expert Handling: The team ensures the process is seamless and respectful of your pet’s comfort. Whether they are a dog, cat, or tortoise.

Kam Kam: The World’s Most Unique Witness

Kam Kam undeniably stole the show. One of the most touching moments to document was the "claw-stamp" ceremony. With a bit of ink and a lot of patience, Kam Kam left his mark on a custom keepsake unity certificate.

Capturing the macro details of a tortoise’s foot leaving its mark inside the elegant halls of The Vancouver Club was a highlight of 2025. It perfectly embodies our philosophy: your wedding should reflect your authentic family, no matter how many legs (or shells) they have.

Mastering the Light in Heritage Spaces

The Vancouver Club is a masterpiece of Western historic architecture, but its dim, moody interiors present a technical challenge: the risk of underexposure.

To preserve the rich textures without losing shadow detail, we utilized directional window light. By positioning the couple near the expansive heritage windows, we wrapped the couple in a soft, natural glow. This approach maintained the "old-world" soul of the room.

The Shell-Level Challenge

Documenting a tortoise witness requires a change in perspective. To capture the precise moment Kam Kam’s foot met the paper, we shot at "shell-level". In a low-light environment, this meant managing a shallow depth of field to ensure the stamp remained tack-sharp while keeping the historic backdrop beautifully blurred. It’s the perfect balance of technical precision and raw emotion.

Common Questions About Pet-Friendly Weddings in Vancouver

Q: Can my pet legally witness my wedding in BC?

A: While a pet cannot sign the legal government marriage license, you can include them in a symbolic capacity through programs like the "Pawfect Witness" by Vancity Officiant. They can "sign" a commemorative certificate with a paw print, making them a central part of your ceremony memory.

Q: How can we ensure our pet stays calm and cooperative during the "signing" moment?

A: Preparation is key! We recommend having a designated "pet handler" (someone who isn't in the wedding party) to manage their needs and breaks. For the "paw-stamp" itself, we suggest acclimating your pet to having their paws touched a few weeks before the wedding. During the ceremony, high-value treats (or favorite leafy greens for tortoises!) ready to reward them for their "signature."

Vendor Team

A huge thank you to the incredible team that made Judy and Chris’s vision a reality:

Venue: The Vancouver Club

Makeup Artist: Roberta S. Makeup

Officiant: Vancity Officiant

Pet Witness Program: Pawfect Witness™

Photography: Somethink Studio

Ready to capture your 'Pawfect' day?

Whether your vision includes a historic venue or a unique pet witness, let’s document your one-of-a-kind story with the artistry it deserves. Contact Us to discuss how we can capture your wedding day with your furry (or scaley) family member! Check out J&C album here