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Hounds & Heritage Weddings

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Hounds & Heritage Weddings

Hounds & Heritage Weddings The company is independently owned and operated by Jemma Cox, who brings over 13 years of experience in pet care and six years in weddings and events.

• YOUR Dog at YOUR Wedding!
• Expert Full-Time Wedding Chaperones
• Insured & Licensed
• Multi-Award Winning Service
• Covering Scotland & North East England
• Special Discounts for Blue Light, Students, Teachers & Wedding Industry Professionals Hounds & Heritage Weddings was established in late August 2021 following the decision to specialise in wedding services by separating from a long-s

tanding pet care business of nine years. Hounds & Heritage has experienced significant growth, including the recent expansion of its team. While Jemma Cox continues to lead as the sole full-time Wedding Chaperone in Scotland, she is now supported by a growing team of dedicated professionals who share her passion for ensuring that every wedding day is perfect for both the couple and their beloved pets. This expansion reflects the increasing demand for their specialised services and allows Hounds & Heritage Weddings to offer an even higher level of personalised care and attention. The company has garnered significant recognition within the wedding industry, including being named a FINALIST in both The Scottish Wedding Awards 2023 and the Confetti Wedding Awards 2023. Hounds & Heritage Weddings was also honoured with the Luxlife Global Excellence Award 2023 for Best Wedding Day Chaperone & Pet Sitting Service in the UK, and the Luxlife Global Wedding Award 2023 for Best Pet Chaperone in the Scottish Lowlands. Recently, the company was recognised as 'Highly Recommended' in the Scottish Wedding Awards 2024 and achieved finalist status as the only chaperone business in both the Your Scottish Wedding Awards 2024 and The Nations Wedding Awards 2024. Hounds & Heritage Weddings remains committed to providing wedding-specific services only. All advertised packages are subject to availability, and booking proposals that have not been accepted may be adjusted to reflect changing costs or package modifications. All bookings require a 30% retainer or full payment if the wedding is within 8 weeks of initial contact. Jemma Cox is currently the only full-time Wedding Chaperone operating in Scotland and holds a DEFRA Type 1 Transportation License, along with all relevant insurance and licenses. Hounds & Heritage Weddings is exclusively dedicated to wedding-related services. The offered packages include:
- One, Two, or Three Night Home Boarding Stay, including chaperoning duties.
- One Night Client Home Stay, including chaperoning duties.
- Half Day Care or Full Day Care with an option to extend to midnight at the venue, including chaperoning duties.
- Wedding Day Pet Sitting, available as Half Day or Full Day services, without chaperoning duties. Hounds & Heritage Weddings does not offer home boarding or pet sitting services outside of weddings. For inquiries, please contact Hounds & Heritage Weddings via Email, Website, Instagram, or WhatsApp, as Facebook Messenger is currently unavailable.

16/03/2025

Wee Reggie was the dog of honour at todays wedding at the Radstone 🥹

15/03/2025

A good day spent with Nelson & Cora. We headed to Dundas Castle for their parents wedding this afternoon, and whilst I had my hands full so no pictures of them at the venue, they were very well behaved all things considered. 🥰

12/03/2025

Friendly Reminder – Working Hours & Preferred Contact Methods

We know that emails can sometimes get missed, and we want to ensure you can reach us easily. WhatsApp is our preferred method of communication for quicker responses, as emails may occasionally go astray.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀:
• Tues, Wed, Thurs: 10am-2pm / 6pm-8pm
• Fri: 11:00am-3:00pm
• Sat: 6pm-8pm
• Mon & Sun: OFF (Excluding Wedding Days)

𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 (for booking requests, familiarisation meeting availability, and general admin tasks):
• Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
• Extended admin hours until 10pm on Tuesdays

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗨𝘀:
• Email: [email protected] (general) | [email protected] (for booked clients)

(Our email changed from .co.uk to .uk at the end of 2023—please ensure you’re using the correct address).

• Text/Phone/WhatsApp: 07799 642893 (Preferred method for quicker responses).

• Instagram:

𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲: Facebook Messenger is turned off, so messages sent there won’t be seen. 🚫

Thank-you for your understanding, and we appreciate your support in helping us streamline communication. We look forward to being part of your special day!

11/03/2025

Wedding season is well and truly on the horizon for Hounds & Heritage. 🖤

With 77 weddings left this year, and 7 weddings already completed, our familiarisation meetings are ramping up, and we’re preparing to schedule:
- An average of 134 meetings
- 23 trials (estimated 7 retrials)

…all between April and July, alongside the weddings themselves. 🫶🏻

Every single dog, couple, and experience is important to us, which is why we take a structured, tailored approach to ensure each pup is fully prepared for their role on the big day.

These meetings aren’t just a formality—they allow us to build trust, assess comfort levels, and make sure every dog feels at ease in what can be an overwhelming environment.

We appreciate the patience and trust of our couples as we work through the diary—each meeting is carefully planned to keep things running smoothly while ensuring every dog gets the time they need.

A full breakdown of the familiarisation meeting process will be shared in an upcoming blog post, so keep an eye out.

Looking forward to meeting you all soon. 🖤

28/02/2025

Jack Russell; Toby, Dog of Honour 🫶🏻

Toby’s involvement in today’s wedding was carefully considered from the start. While his owners initially thought about including him in the ceremony, they ultimately decided it might be too much for him. Instead, during our familiarisation meetings, we explored alternative ways for him to be part of the day—ensuring he still had his special moments without feeling overwhelmed. 💙

From the moment he arrived, Toby took everything in his stride. 🐶✨ After settling into the venue, we touched base with the photographers and videographers to discuss the best approach for capturing him throughout the day. He then had the chance to spend some quiet time with the groom and groomsmen away from the rest of the guests.

As the guests arrived, Toby took his place outside the marquee, offering a warm welcome alongside the groom and groomsmen before the bridal party made their entrance. 👰✨ A moment we’ve recently started offering our couples is allowing the bride to see her dog just before walking down the aisle—a small but incredibly meaningful gesture. 💕🐾 We’ve found it helps ease nerves and creates a truly intimate moment before the big moment unfolds. This was definitely the case for our Bride; Erin, and her bridesmaids who were overjoyed to see Toby waiting for them.

After a short rest during the ceremony, Toby rejoined his newly married parents for some beautiful photos 📸—and I already know they’re going to be stunning! He was such a natural in front of the camera, and I can’t wait to see the final images.

A perfect day for a very special pup. 🐶💙✨

18/02/2025

🌿 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗣𝗲𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 & 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲𝘀: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀 & 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 🌿

Hounds & Heritage wasn’t built overnight—it’s the result of a lifetime shaped by dogs, nature, and unexpected turns.

Growing up, every dog walk with my dad was a lesson in trees and wild landscapes, sparking a love for the outdoors that led me to study Outdoor Studies at university in the Lake District. But life had other plans. After a few months, I realised it wasn’t the direction I wanted to take.

Alongside university, I had already started basic pet care as a side job, not realising it would soon become so much more. What began small grew into daycare, then home boarding, then adventure days, and before I knew it—wedding dog chaperoning.

I went from working with dogs during the day to caring for them overnight, while also working a different job within the wedding industry. Eventually, I found myself combining two industries I knew and loved. Pet care gave me the freedom I craved, weddings gave me the creative outlet I’d always loved, and together, they gave me the teamwork and connection I secretly thrived on.

Now, in a way I never expected, I’ve come full circle—giving back to the wild landscapes that shaped my childhood through The Hounds & Heritage Grove, recently launched at the beginning of 2025.

🌳 This initiative symbolises growth, new beginnings, and a deeper commitment to nature and sustainability. For every dog we chaperone, a tree is planted in their honour—ensuring their role in their humans’ wedding day isn’t just a fleeting moment, but a lasting presence in Scotland’s wild forests.

🐾 Whether it’s a solo pup or a family of three, each dog has their own tree—marking their place in their humans’ love story. On milestone anniversaries (5, 10, 15, 20 years and beyond), more trees will be planted, allowing their story to keep growing—**quite literally—for generations to come.

Life is fleeting, and we never have enough time with the people and things we love. But while our time together feels too short, there’s something comforting in knowing that what we leave behind can continue to grow, thrive, and be cherished by others—of all life forms.

With many trees living for hundreds of years, their presence will long outlast our own—standing tall as a symbol of love, connection, and legacy.

🌲 With 7 trees already planted, we can’t wait to watch this forest grow—one dog at a time. 🌿💚

Because love never truly fades—it just finds new ways to grow.

📍 You can find The Hounds & Heritage Grove here; https://treesforlife.org.uk/groves/533655/

🌱 The 2025 trees planted so far are for:

🕊️ Penny – Rachael & Petr – 04.01.2025
🌿 Wallace – Charlene & John – 25.01.25
🌲 Arlo – Carla & Nathan – 01.02.2025
🌳 Bonnie – Chloe & Andrew – 02.02.2025
💚 And more to come…

*********

Mr & Mrs Fenton ft. Puppy & Boo 16.10.2021 🐾

16/02/2025

Out of Office 16th-19th 🖤

06/02/2025

Familiarisation Meetings for 2025 Weddings 🥰

05/02/2025

I’ve been so eager to share little Rolo, the Chihuahua, on my feed—he completely stole my heart with how affectionate and loving he was!

We started his familiarisation process the way we do with every dog—full of optimism and the reassurance that if he needed extra time, we’d happily give it. His parents were understandably a little hesitant, describing him as a very nervous boy, so we took things slowly. Since he was booked in for a home board, we began with a relaxed outdoor walk, letting him set the pace while I learned more about his personality and their wedding plans.

By the time we moved on to his home visit—helped along by a few treats—Rolo’s nerves started to melt away. He was thrilled to see both Steven and me, settling in far quicker than expected. And when it came to collection day for his overnight trial, his poor gran barely got a look in—Rolo was all over us! Seeing him so comfortable and excited reassured his parents that he was in safe hands.

But what truly amazed them was how completely unphased Rolo was by our Maine C**n! Many owners worry about how their dog will react to a cat in the home, especially a large one, but Rolo took it all in his stride—no stress, no fuss, just happy to be part of the household. 😍

Of course, no wedding would be complete without the perfect outfit, and Rolo’s parents had chosen a little collar for the big day. However, when we tried it on, we realised it didn’t quite fit! With a bit of quick thinking (and a little Velcro tape), we made some last-minute adjustments, ensuring he looked dapper and comfortable for his moment in front of the camera. 🖤

On the big day at Boclair House, Rolo joined for a short but special stint of photographs. While we knew he was completely at ease with us, we also understood that the buzz of a big wedding might be overwhelming for him. His happiness was our priority, so we made sure his experience was just right—letting him soak up the moment with his family while keeping everything calm and stress-free. 🫶🏻

Photographer: Julieanne Whyte Photography

04/02/2025

I never imagined when starting Hounds & Heritage that it would grow into what it is today. Being named finalists in the People’s Choice Awards 2025 for Best Wedding Supplier and Best Customer Service feels like such an incredible milestone. 🫶🏻

These last few years have been full of challenges I never expected to face, but they’ve also been full of moments that have reminded me why I started this journey in the first place. Seeing how much our work means to you, and knowing we’ve been able to bring your furry friends into some of the happiest days of your lives, is the most rewarding feeling.

If you’d like to show your support, we’d love your vote—it only takes a moment and would mean the world to us.

🖤 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdpekg68osyke896c8FmH0lM-hAajF6xgfE0Dyt4T8PnEEnog/viewform?pli=1 🖤

Categories; Best Wedding Supplier & Best Customer Service 💍
Area; Edinburgh

From the bottom of my heart, thank-you for trusting us, supporting us, and being part of this incredible journey. Here’s to creating even more unforgettable memories together!

With love,
Jemma x

03/02/2025

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of spending the day with Bonnie, a sweet and slightly nervous golden retriever. True to her name, she was a bonnie lass and kept me company from 11:30am right through to 11:30pm.

The day started with a long 90-minute walk in some very chilly and windy conditions. Once we got back to the lodges at Lochside House Hotel, it was time for a good groom to make sure she was dry and mud-free, ready for her big moments.

We then made our way to the hotel entrance to wait for her newly married mum and dad. Although she was a little nervous and tired, Bonnie absolutely stole the show in front of the fountain, posing like a superstar for some beautiful photographs.

Back at the lodge, Bonnie did her bit to help tidy up so her parents could return to a clean space. And by “help,” I mean she made herself cozy, leaving the perfect Bonnie-shaped dent in her bed while I got to work.

With the odd cuddle here and there, some lunchtime sandwich supervision, and a full pack of meaty treats, we were best pals by the end of the day. She was an absolute delight to look after and such a good girl. 🖤

02/02/2025

This weekend, I had the pleasure of spending time with the most gorgeous cocker spaniel boy, Arlo 🐾. Arlo was booked under our Etive Package, which included two nights in dog-friendly accommodation while his parents celebrated their wedding at the Radstone 🖤💛. Although he was originally booked for chaperoning duties, his parents ultimately decided to prioritise his comfort and opted to remove him from the wedding day itself, ensuring a completely stress-free experience for their beloved boy 🫶.

Familiarisation Process

In the three weeks leading up to the big day, I met Arlo for three familiarisation sessions: one dog walk, one home visit, and a final dog walk. These sessions were invaluable in getting to know his unique personality, his routines, and, most importantly, his parents’ concerns about his mild nervousness and reactivity. It’s so important to me that I fully understand my clients’ worries and fears, so I was really glad to see their openness and transparency 🫶.

🐾 The first meeting was a low-pressure dog walk in a quiet public area, allowing me to observe how reliant Arlo is on his parents and how he responds to other dogs. His reactivity clearly stems from fear, so we took things slowly. I avoided taking charge of the walk initially, instead letting him get used to my presence while he explored on a longline, which gave him a little freedom. During this session, I suggested some activities to engage his brain and build confidence, such as scatter feeding (scent games) and recall training. I was delighted to hear from his owners that these activities had a positive impact—they noticed a real improvement in his engagement with them 🖤.

🐾 The home visit focused on how Arlo responds to new people in his space. At first, he showed his nervousness with fear-based barking, but we approached the situation calmly, chatting and moving around as naturally as possible, much like a friend would. By creating an environment of calm and reassurance, Arlo began to settle quickly. Before long, he was happily accepting treats, offering licks, and even playing ball by the end of the visit—a big win for his confidence 🫶.

🐾 For the final walk, we returned to the same quiet location to provide a sense of familiarity. This time, I gradually took charge of the walk, encouraging Arlo to focus on me rather than his parents. To everyone’s delight, we managed to maintain a 75-yard distance from his parents while they chatted, and Arlo stayed completely engaged with me. At the end of the walk, we practised getting him in and out of the car boot—a task he initially hesitated over. With a bit of patience, positive reinforcement, and teamwork, Arlo’s confidence grew, and he eventually hopped in and out of the boot with much more ease 🖤💛.

Arlo’s Stay

When the wedding weekend finally arrived, Arlo showed just how much progress he had made. He came for cuddles, played happily, and exhibited no significant signs of reactivity throughout his stay. A real highlight was when he joined my own springer spaniel, Loki, for a walk. Loki’s calm, composed demeanour seemed to help Arlo feel more relaxed and confident. While Loki isn’t one to actively engage with other dogs, his steady presence was a reassuring influence on Arlo, who appeared more at ease with each step 🐾.

A Stress-Free Success

Arlo’s transformation over these few weeks was a testament to the power of patience, preparation, and tailored care 🖤💛. Watching him grow more confident and stress-free was incredibly rewarding—not just for me but for his loving parents, who could truly enjoy their special day knowing Arlo was in safe hands 🫶.

Tailored care, like what Arlo received, ensures that even the most nervous pups can have a positive and fulfilling experience, whether or not they’re directly involved in the wedding day.

Arlo was an absolute joy to care for, and I couldn’t be prouder of how well he adjusted. It’s always such a privilege to see nervous dogs gain trust and confidence, and I know Arlo’s parents were just as thrilled as I was with his journey 🐾.

30/01/2025

Wee Wallace. 🖤

You’ll kind of see me in the background holding on to Wallace - the only reason for this was because he was soaked after his group photos, and we didn’t want his mum getting covered in paw prints. 🖤

29/01/2025

✨ Why I Love Dogs in Confetti Shots ✨

Confetti shots are such a big part of the wedding day—whether or not the dog is involved. It’s that beautiful moment right after the ceremony when the couple is showered with colour, celebration, and so much love!

This is Quinn the Border Collie at the McKelvie-Roy wedding, and this moment happened just after the main confetti photo. While his parents were showered with confetti, Quinn patiently waited at the end of the line to say hello. Afterward, he had his own personal moment with them, which made this shot even more special.

When it comes to dogs and confetti walks, not all dogs react the same way. Breed, genetics, and upbringing can all play a part in how they respond to the noise, movement, and excitement.
However; if having your dog included in the confetti walk is something you’d love, but they’re not happy with the idea, don’t worry! This is something we can carefully organise to ensure they’re comfortable and still part of the moment in a way that works for them.

It’s never about the ‘perfect’ shot—it’s about creating memories filled with love, laughter, and your furry best friend by your side. 🐾💖

Photographer: David Long Photography

26/01/2025

Yesterday, we spent the day and night with the sweetest Cockapoo boy, Wallace. His parents got married at Dalmeny Park, and since he can be a bit anxious around large groups and new faces, he only popped by briefly for some gorgeous photos with the newlyweds and their children.

The weather wasn’t exactly on our side—snow quickly turned into slushy mud, which made keeping Wallace dry and the bride’s dress pawprint-free quite the challenge. Thankfully, armed with plenty of towels, we pulled it off!

Once his moment in the spotlight was over, we headed back to his home, where we stayed until just after midnight. Wallace spent most of the evening snoozing—either sprawled on top of me or snuggled up on the fluffy oodie—with just a few interruptions for dinner, toilet breaks, and treats, of course. 🖤

16/01/2025

Remembering Halo 💫 My Favourite Wedding Moment of Last Year 💫

Out of the 100+ weddings we were part of last year, this one will always have a special place in my heart. On 10th November, we spent the day and evening with the most gorgeous German Shepherd boy, Halo.

Halo’s at that stage in life where his body isn’t quite what it used to be. He’s sadly dealing with incontinence, weakness in his back legs, and dementia. When I met with Halo’s dad a few weeks before the wedding, it was clear just how much he meant to their family—he’s not just their dog; he’s family, and his dad’s absolute best mate.

It was a bittersweet moment, knowing Halo was facing those struggles, but also seeing just how much they loved him—so much so that they couldn’t imagine their day without him by their side.

Halo was absolutely delighted to see his mum and dad again when I brought him along to House for an Art Lover for their photos. The love in this moment says it all—unconditional, pure, and utterly heartwarming. 🐾❤️

Thank you for trusting us with Halo and letting us share in such a beautiful and emotional day.
This is exactly why we do what we do. 🖤

******

We were heartbroken to learn that Halo passed away just before Christmas. He was truly one of a kind, and it was a privilege to know him and be part of such a special day in his life. Halo, we hope you’re running free in endless snowy fields, surrounded by love. Your mum and dad miss you deeply, and we know how much joy and light you brought to their lives. Thank-you, Halo, for being part of ours too. 🫶🏻

Photographer: Tommy Hamilton Photography

15/01/2025

I’ve been dying to share this wedding with you! 2024 was a whirlwind year—manic at times, but moments like this remind me why I love what I do.

This wedding was extra special. Not only did it fall on my wedding anniversary, but it was our first elopement and our first trip to the breathtaking Glencoe—a triple milestone for Hounds & Heritage!

The dramatic October weather brought its challenges—mud, wet paths, and sludge—but the warmth and friendliness of the couple, their family, and the suppliers made the day feel so joyful and welcoming.

I spent the day with the sweetest Hungarian Vizsla, Ru (short for Rupert), and we were best pals from the moment I arrived. Vizslas are known for being stubborn, loyal, and vocal, but Ru was the perfect gentleman and left the stubbornness and volume at home! He sat like a superstar during the ceremony at Ralston Cairn, fueled by plenty of treats, and joined his parents for jaw-dropping photos across Glencoe.

It’s not just about making sure dogs look the part; it’s about ensuring they enjoy the day as much as their humans—rain, mud, or shine. Ru was an absolute star, and this day was one I’ll never forget. 🐾

Photographer: Danielle Stewart Photography

14/01/2025

Every year, I get asked, “What’s the most popular breed you see the most of?” Last year, it was undoubtedly the cockapoos—we had them coming out of our ears! 🐾

This year, while cockapoos are still stealing hearts, it feels like the year of the dachshunds! With so many already on the books and even more funnelling in with quotation requests, these little charmers are certainly having their moment. ✨

One of my absolute favourite weddings last year featured Ralph, the dachshund, in July. If you know me, you’ll know how much I love involving dogs in their own confetti shots—it’s become a bit of a Hounds & Heritage signature! It’s such a fun way to capture the playful side of our couples and their furry family members. 🫶🏻

I can’t wait to share more dachshund wedding magic this year—watch this space! 🖤

Address

Third Floor, 3 Hill Street, New Town
Edinburgh
EH23JP

Opening Hours

Tuesday	10am - 2pm
	6pm - 10pm
Wednesday	10am - 2pm
	6pm - 8pm
Thursday	10am - 2pm
	6pm - 8pm
Friday	11am - 3pm
Saturday	6pm - 8pm

Telephone

+447799642893

Website

http://www.houndsandheritageweddings.uk/, https://quotation.houndsandheritageweddings.uk/, https://linktr.ee/houndsathea

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Videos

Mr & Mrs Fleming ft Jonty & Otis | 03.08.24 - The Cruin

This was probably one of the only times I’ll ever hear a bride say she wants her dogs off-lead and able to swim freely on her wedding day. Victoria was adamant that Jonty and Otis should enjoy the moment with her and Stuart. I even joked that I’d need written confirmation that she didn’t mind getting her dress muddy! 🤣 I’ve never been at a wedding where the bride was so unconcerned about getting muddy, wet, or jumped on. It was refreshing and so much fun! They did their couple, dog, and family photos first, and then let the boys have their fun. It brought a tear to my eye watching this unfold— as it’s such a rare and special moment. Since they didn’t book a videographer, we made sure to capture these memories for them to cherish for years to come.

Hounds & Heritage Weddings | Wedding Dog Chaperone 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Just like a dog at a wedding, our new sonic logo comes with a bark of approval! As we embrace wedding season, keep an ear out for the exciting changes on the horizon! ✨

Mr & Mrs Teo ft Molly 14.06.24 | Seamill Hydro ✨🐾

A little snippet of the newlyweds, Mr & Mrs Teo with their Jack Russell Molly 💛🥰

Come to work with me as a Wedding Dog Chaperone 💛🐾💒🐶