As wedding photographers, we’ve seen my fair share of rain on wedding days. While it may be a source of stress for some couples, with the right preparation, it can actually lead to some stunning and unique photo opportunities. In this blog post, we will share some guidance and tips on how to prepare for rain on your wedding day from a photographer's point of view.

Stunning Backdrops: Rainy days offer stunning backdrops for wedding photos. The moody skies, raindrops on the windowpanes, and reflections on the pavement can create a dramatic and romantic atmosphere that is perfect for capturing intimate, emotional moments. These images will be unlike anything you’ve seen before and will truly stand out in your wedding album.

Cozy Ambiance: Rain can also create a cozy, intimate ambiance that is perfect for capturing intimate, candid moments between the bride and groom. The sound of raindrops tapping against the windows and the warm glow of candlelight can add a touch of magic to your photos, making them truly unforgettable.

Unpredictable Beauty: Rain can bring an element of unpredictability to a wedding day, and that can result in some truly unique and beautiful images. From the raindrops on the bride’s dress to the guests huddled under umbrellas, these moments can be truly special and will be treasured for years to come.

Reduced Stress: Rain can actually help to reduce stress levels for the bride and groom. If you’re worried about the weather on your big day, rain can take some of that worry off your shoulders. With the weather taken care of, you can focus on what truly matters, like enjoying your special day with your loved ones.

Unique Memories: A rainy wedding day can create unique and unforgettable memories. From the sound of raindrops tapping against the windows to the look of your guests dancing in the rain, these memories will stay with you for a lifetime. Furthermore, having a rainy wedding day can also make your wedding stand out from the rest, giving you a unique and memorable story to tell for years to come.

Now that I know it isn’t the end of the world.. how do I prepare for rain for my wedding?

Have a Backup Plan: One of the most important things you can do is to have a backup plan in case of rain. This might mean having an indoor venue as a backup or renting a tent to cover your outdoor space. If you're planning an outdoor wedding, consider choosing a location with plenty of indoor options nearby. Lots of venues have a backup plan, so ask them about it when doing your tours. Especially if you are planning a wedding for a time of year that it rains frequently. This way, if it starts to rain, you'll have some covered areas where you can still take photos without looking like you just went swimming.

Umbrellas: Your photographer, planner, or venue might all be prepared with photogenic, clear umbrellas. So before you stress about the financial burden or buying 100 umbrellas (or wondering what to do with them afterwards!) ask if your vendors already have some that you can use. Whenever rain is even slightly in the question, we bring about 20 umbrellas and several ponchos with us. At the bare minimum, this will get us some lovely bridal party and family photos.

Embrace the Rain: Instead of letting the rain ruin your day, embrace it! Rain can add a romantic and intimate feel to your wedding photos. Have fun dancing in the rain! Not many people can say they did that on their wedding day, live life like the movies and go have fun with it! When we went to Ireland this past summer, we had an engagement session scheduled that didn’t really have a lot of flexibility for rescheduling. It was absolutely POURING at the beginning of our session, and although I was initially bummed about my curls falling out and looking like a sewer rat, we had SO much fun dancing in the rain and our photos show it. Don’t let the weather get you down- have fun with it! P.S. Our photos turned out amazing and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Be Flexible with Your Timeline: Rain can sometimes delay your wedding day timeline, so it's important to be flexible. Work with your planner to come up with a plan that allows for extra time in case of rain delays. This might mean starting hair and makeup earlier or scheduling a first look before the ceremony to get some photos taken before the rain starts.

Trust Your Photographer: Finally, trust your photographer to make the most of the situation. Experienced wedding photographers know how to work with all kinds of weather conditions and will know how to capture beautiful photos even if it's raining. Let them take the lead and you'll be amazed at the results.

In conclusion, rain on a wedding day can actually be a great thing for photographers. The unique and unpredictable beauty of a rainy wedding day can result in stunning, one-of-a-kind images that will be treasured for a lifetime. So, if it rains on your wedding day, embrace it and let your photographer capture the magic.

"What if it rains on my wedding day?" Here's what you need to know!

Now that I know it isn’t the end of the world.. how do I prepare for rain for my wedding?