WHAT TO DO IF IT RAINS ON YOUR WEDDING DAY: A PHOTOGRAPHER’S GUIDE TO EMBRACING THE WEATHER
It was a wedding I will never forget. There I was attempting to shoot Emma and Connor’s ceremony while huddled under an umbrella as the wind and rain blasted through what would have been the most perfect ‘summer garden party’ wedding, and there was the happy couple…. absolutely drenched. But with the biggest smiles on their faces.
Instead of hiding from the rain, they danced in it. Hearts set on having as much fun as possible, they braved the most extreme weather and made every moment look effortless. With their picturesque valley views now covered in clouds and their stunning attire now soggy and muddy, they let their love be the star of the show and their photos look nothing short of a fairy tale!
Because here's the thing about rain on your wedding day - while it might not be what you planned for, it often creates moments of pure joy that simply wouldn't exist otherwise. Those shared laughs as you navigate the rain, the intimacy of huddling under an umbrella… it’s all there to remind you that this is your person - through rain, hail or shine.
So, what should you do if it rains on your wedding day?
From practical planning tips to the unique photo opportunities that only rain can bring, I’m going to share everything I've learned about making the most of wet weather weddings as a wedding photographer. Because with the right preparation (and mindset), I can tell you that rain doesn't have to dampen your celebration. In fact, it might just add an extra splash of magic to your day.
Planning Ahead
The best way to make sure that wet weather doesn’t ruin your day is to plan for it! Factor in what it will mean for your timeline and make sure you include buffer time because everything takes longer when it rains. Have a back up plan for your venue, including undercover areas for photos, and decide on how/when you’ll make the call to switch plans if necessary.
Umbrellas are an obvious must-have, and it's important that you have enough for your entire crew as well as make sure they are white or clear for the best photos. Have some emergency supplies on hand like towels, back up shoes, extra hair and makeup essentials for touch ups and anything you need to protect special items from being ruined by the rain.
Embracing the day
If it’s looking like rain is on the cards for your big day, keeping spirits high and embracing the rain is your best bet for a smooth wedding. Communication is key - how will guests be informed of any alternate plans? Who will coordinate any changes with your vendors? Make sure you have someone else taking care of these details so you’re free to focus on having fun and marrying your person.
When the weather is unpredictable, it’s a good idea to make the most of indoor spaces, keeping your guests as comfortable as possible. Consider some activities for indoor waiting periods like lawn games adapted for indoors, polaroid stations or a cosy lounge area with some interactive guest games. The more your guests are focused on something else, the less they will care about the weather and whatever they are missing out on outdoors.
Make the most of the photo opportunities
When golden hour goes missing and your views get washed out, there’s still so much magic to be found for your wedding photos and this is where your photographer really gets to unleash their creativity. From reflections in puddles, to backlit rain shots and creative umbrella moments, there are so many amazing ways to leverage wet weather in your shoot. Of course, cosy indoor portraits will also make an appearance and your photographer will be able to guide you on how best to navigate that dance between indoor and outdoor photos depending on the time of day and intensity of the rain.
While it’s rarely someone’s first choice to have rain on their wedding day, it really can make for the most intimate, memorable and fun celebration that you’ve always wanted. Some of the most stunning moments I’ve ever captured have been at weddings with less than ideal weather, but what sets them apart is the couple’s willingness to embrace the day, have fun regardless and not let anything dampen their mood.
If you’re on the hunt for a wedding photographer who can capture your love story in every light, no matter the weather, I’d love to be part of your dream team. Get in touch here and let’s get you prepared to say ‘I do’, no matter the weather.
