Rain on a wedding day is not anyone’s dream. Except in the movies, when they kiss dramatically in the moonlight. No one wants it in real life. I know the feeling! When I got married 13 years ago I prayed and prayed that it wouldn’t rain. However, as a photographer for 12+ years, I have learned how to create beautiful images anywhere in any condition, how to have a wonderful attitude, and even find joy in difficult situations!
I am sharing the best ways for you to be prepared when you have rain in the forecast!
This couple had a lot of rain, and we loved how stunning their reception space was! It was perfect!
A rain-proof venue
It could always happen
This is the most important question I would ask any bride, “can you handle the risk of difficult weather and making your guests uncomfortable being outside in the rain?” For myself, I couldn’t (just being honest). We got married 2 weeks after I graduated from college and I was running my business and needed to make sure my plans could be executed easily. I opted for an indoor ceremony and reception to avoid the risk. I hope it doesn’t rain, but you need to understand, that it could and we can handle it!
Favorite Venues
We love The Stone Mill Inn , Cameron Estate Inn, and The Farm at Eagle’s Ridge because they have amazing covered and indoor venue options that are gorgeous and still align with the overall aesthetic of the venue. You can prepare for an outdoor ceremony and then if needed, the day of, change to be inside.
Stay flexible with your location
When do you have to decide on the ceremony location – Some venues require you to decide 24 hours before your wedding where you will have your ceremony. I have even heard horror stories of venues charging hundreds of dollars to move chairs on the morning of your wedding day to an indoor location! What?? That sounds terrible! I recommend selecting a venue that allows you to decide the morning of your wedding or even 3 hours before the ceremony since the weather can change so fast! Have this conversation with your venue specialist and wedding coordinator as soon as you can in the planning process so it isn’t a surprise!
If it’s forecasted to rain
The weatherman isn’t God
As much respect as we have for meteorologists, the weather can change within 10 minutes of a forecast. We have seen it in person where storm clouds come in, it pours heavily for 15 mins then it’s sunny. Our tip is to seriously evaluate the weather 3-5 days before. Then 24 hours before at your rehearsal, make a firm rain plan! Any sooner than that it’s not going to be as accurate.
Let’s chat!
We also have a final consult about 3 weeks out from your wedding day. If there is rain in the forecast, we will schedule a brief (15 – 20 min) phone call to ensure we are on the same page and prepped to go. We recommend that you talk with other vendors that would be affected such as live musicians, DJs, florists, and rental companies to know about your contingency plan.
Be prepared with a few “must haves”
Our brides have loved having the following items on hand for their wedding day to handle any rainy weather issues:
- Matching clear umbrellas – keep the tags on so you can return them if it doesn’t rain
- Pretty flat shoes and boots – nothing is worse than sinking and ruining high heels in damp grass or having cold and wet feet.
- Pretty wrap – Sometimes with rain comes chilly temps so if you have a strapless or sleeveless gown, purchase a pretty shawl or pashmina to stay warm.
- Extra hair and makeup touch-ups – At times hair and makeup react to the moisture from the rain and you need a little touch-up throughout the day. Have your makeup artist and hair stylist make a little touch-up kit with hairspray, makeup setting spray, extra powder, etc. so you look perfect all throughout your wedding.
I have photographed TONS of these glamorous Kate Spade tennis shoes and brides love how comfortable they feel and they can walk anywhere all day. Also – how cute?!
It rarely rains all day long! We got a beautiful break in the rain and did these amazing veil shots (Peter the amazing veil thrower). So, stay positive and flexible to work with what you have and take the opportunities when you can.
When it’s raining on your wedding day
Attitude is everything
Don’t panic! Stay positive and work with your wedding vendors to make your wedding a beautiful success. This is where your bride tribe and family play a huge part – we need to stay positive to be creative and give you gorgeous photos
Secondary amazing spaces
Over the years we have learned how to turn porches, overhangs, barns, and other random structures into beautiful portrait locations to keep you dry and looking beautiful! It’s important to hire experienced professionals who have learned how to embrace unexpected situations and adapt well without compromising their experience or final images!
Embrace the weather and have fun
When bridal parties go with the flow and use their umbrellas we all enjoy it more! This is where you umbrellas, wraps, and flat shoes come in so handy! Your wedding day is truly about saying yes to forever and that is amazing rain or shine!!
The bride wanted to do their first look in a park close to the capital. I found this stunning entrance when I was scouting the day before and fell in love. Honestly, if it wasn’t for the rain I probably wouldn’t have taken photos here. Such a blessing!
AH! So beautiful and elegant, we felt like we were in DC!
This group was so positive!! During the bridal party portraits, it was barely sprinkling and I asked if they wanted to stop and it was a unanimous “no – keep going, it’s good luck”.
Some of these photos are my all-time favorite and were “backup locations”
The Stone Mill Inn mansion has a beautiful porch. For this couple, we did their engagement session and look at the RAIN … I love this image. Tells a great story!
It rained all day and WOW – look how magical the rain made this photo. The smile on her face says it all … be joyful regardless of the weather!
