If you’re getting married outdoors, there’s a good chance that you’ve thought about what you should do in case of rain – especially when it comes to your photos. While it may feel like rain is unlucky to have on your wedding day, especially if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, there are still many ways to get stunning, rainy-day wedding photos and make the most of your day (despite the weather).
Just because it might rain on your wedding, I’m here to reassure you that it doesn’t mean your day is completely ruined. I’ve photographed some weddings in the rain, and the photos turned out to be some of my favorite I’ve ever taken in my career!
Keep reading to learn how to get the best rainy day wedding photos!
How to Get the Best Rainy Day Wedding Photos
If there’s rain in the forecast on the day of your celebration, here are a few of my expert tips on what you can do to prepare in advance and what you should bring along with you:
Work out a rain plan with your venue if you are having an outdoor wedding
Most outdoor venues will have some sort of backup plan in place in case of inclement weather, but it’s important that you communicate with them beforehand if you are expecting rain so you and all of your vendors can be on the same page!
If your wedding venue doesn’t have an indoor location, make sure you come up with a backup plan. This doesn’t mean you have to rent two different venues for your wedding, but it’s good to think about where you could go if you absolutely needed to.
If the venue doesn’t have a backup plan, I’ve found the most straightforward solution is to rent a tent. Porches are also a great alternative!
Schedule in more time/breaks throughout the day
If it’s raining on your wedding day, you’ll want to have extra time in your schedule to be able to touch up before you head to the next part of your wedding. It’s also nice to just have a few minutes to escape from the rain (especially if it’s pouring).
Also, sometimes everything just runs a bit slower in the rain, so building in some breathing room in your day can make all the difference.
Bring along matching umbrellas
Matching umbrellas look amazing in photos, and they will keep you, your partner, and your wedding party dry. You can always ask your venue if they have some umbrellas on hand – if not, I would recommend ordering some online.
Clear or White umbrellas are much better than darker umbrellas, as darker umbrellas can create unflattering shadows in your images, whereas white umbrellas still let in lots of natural light.
Don’t forget a pair of rain boots
This is especially true if it’s a bit colder outside! There is nothing worse than cold, wet feet! Bring along some rain boots or even just a second pair of shoes and an extra pair of socks. Rain boots can help keep you dry and add a cute moment to your wedding day that you can look back on and smile at.
Embrace the rain and trust your photographer
I know that can be easier said than done, but if you feel upset about rain throughout your day, trust me, it won’t make things any better. Remember, the most important part of this day is that you are finally getting married to your partner, the love of your life – everything else is secondary. Stay focused and present on the day with what’s most important.
It’s also important to trust your photographer – especially when the weather isn’t ideal. Your photographer has likely photographed weddings in the rain before and still knows how to get incredible images. Let them work their magic, and know they will do their very best to capture beautiful photos of you and your partner.
Why Rain on Your Wedding Day Can Actually Be a Good Thing
Did you know that a cloudy sky can actually provide some of the best lighting for your photos? A cloudy sky creates a gorgeous contrast in colors and will add a moody, dramatic feel to your photos.
Also, just so you know, rain really doesn’t show up that much in your photos. So, the good news is that you don’t need to worry too much that all of your images will have streaks of raindrops on them!
Remember, there are always things we can do to adjust to the rain and make sure you are not only comfortable and dry, but also get the incredible photos you want to remember this big day by.
Plus, we can talk through specific ideas and plans for your wedding to make sure you are feeling confident and stress-free before your big day – even if it’s going to be raining.
Ready to Book Your Wedding Photographer?
I hope you found these tips on how to take rainy day wedding photos helpful. No matter what the weather is like on the day of your wedding, embrace the day for what it is and remember that you’re getting married. Rain can’t diminish the excitement and joy of this incredible chapter you are starting with your partner!
And…if you are still looking for the perfect New York or destination wedding photographer for your celebration, I’d love to connect. Your story is one-of-a-kind, and my mission is to preserve it with care, authenticity, and intention. You can click the link here to check out my wedding photography services or get in touch here!
Read these next:
The Importance of Wedding Detail Photos: What They Are and Why They Matter
How to Pick a Wedding Photographer: Finding the Right Fit for You and Your Day
