TL;DR: If it rains, don’t panic. Trust your plan B, and embrace the magic.
After being to more than my fair share of rainy wedding days, here’s my advice on what to do if it rains on your wedding day. Before we start, let me just say this: some of the most magical days I’ve ever captured happened in the rain.
Now, I know that when you picture your wedding day, grey clouds and umbrellas aren’t part of the dream. But it’s wise to prepare for the possibility.
The truth is, we can’t control the weather, but we can plan for it.
That’s exactly what I do with my couples. When we get close to the date, I’ll always create a photography plan that works with your timeline and includes a solid Plan B in case the skies open.
No panic, no stress – just confidence that you’ll still get beautiful, meaningful photos whatever the forecast. But more important than any plan? Your mindset.
Practical Tips For a Rainy Wedding Day
Here’s how to stay ahead of the weather and stay in a good mood about it.
01.
Have a Plan B (and C)
Talk to your venue and suppliers about indoor options. Make sure you love those options too, so nothing feels like a compromise. If you might need hands to help move chairs etc, designate helpers ahead of time.
02.
Get Stylish Umbrellas
Clear umbrellas photograph beautifully and let the light through. Buy them, rent them or ask your venue if they supply them – if it rains you’ll be glad you did.
03.
Think About Footwear
Especially if you’re having an outdoor ceremony or photos. Bring a pair of dry shoes to change into and maybe stash some boots somewhere handy if there will be much walking involved.
04.
Don’t Forget Towels & Touch-Ups
Handy for hems, hair and makeup if the weather turns really wild. Keep a small emergency kit nearby and a fresh clean towel, just in case.
05.
Embrace Cosy Spaces
Greenhouses, covered porches, barns, your accommodation – look for sheltered spots that still give you beautiful backdrops. If you are planning a city wedding, research nearby restaurants or pubs with functions rooms as these are often empty in the daytime.
06.
Chat With Your Photographer
(That’s me 👋) We’ll adapt the plan, pivot if needed, and still get amazing photos. I promise. It’d be great to know in advance what’s possible at your wedding venue if the weather doesn’t play fair.
07.
Allow a little extra time
If we are factoring in bad weather, just expect that some things might take a little longer if you need to freshen your look after being out in bad weather or dry off.
08.
Trust That It’s All Still Beautiful
Rain makes colours pop. It brings atmosphere. It adds texture and softness to your photos. It can be very, very romantic.
The Finer Details
JOANNA+ GARETH | RAINY WEDDING DAY
LET GO OF “PERFECT”
If you’re holding tight to a vision of a picture-perfect wedding day, you might be setting yourself up for a wobble. Rain doesn’t ruin a day – stress does. But if you adopt the mindset that you’ll roll with whatever comes, I promise, your day will feel just as joyful. Possibly even more so.
People won’t remember the drizzle. They’ll remember how you laughed in it.
Take Jo and Gareth’s wedding at The Secret Garden in Kent as a perfect example. Rain was very much on the cards, and yes, the venue had a beautiful indoor Barn space licensed for ceremonies. But these two? They were unbothered by a bit of rain and said let’s go for it anyway.
They were prepared with plenty of clear umbrellas, and we embraced the elements. The ceremony went ahead outdoors in the gardens they loved so much. For portraits, we used the venue’s dreamy greenhouse – lush, romantic, and dry. By the time the group photos rolled around, the rain had passed. And later that evening, we got the most gorgeous golden-hour light and that fresh, peaceful feeling you only get after summer rain.
Jo and Gareth weren’t trying to control the weather. They were too busy soaking up the joy of the day with their favourite people. That’s the secret.
