How to Rock a Rainy Wedding day

By Jada Parrish

Posted: 07/06/18

Category: Wedding Tips

Rainy weddings aren't anyones favorite thing. No one sits around with their fingers crossed for a wedding in the middle of a thunderstorm....but the weather is uncontrollable and sometimes that does end up happening. So here's how to a rock a wedding day in the pouring rain!

Check the weather

Keep an eye on the weather throughout the day. If you notice there is going to be a patch of sunlight, ask the couple if they would consider adjusting their portrait time so you can take them during a break in the rain.

There have been a few weddings where the couple was not planning on doing a first look, but tons of rain was expected after their ceremony when we would normally take their portraits. They were flexible and opted to do first looks instead so we could take the portraits before the rain hit.

[ It started pouring 10 minutes later and everyone was so glad they did a first look ]

Porches are your best friend

Look for any type of covered area and get creative. Photograph the couple + wedding party underneath the porch from muiltiple angles using multiple lenses to create variation within the photos even though you are in the same spot.

Bring a protective covering for your camera

Most professional cameras + lenses are water resistant, but if it is pouring rain your camera is going to need some help! There are all kinds of plastic camera sleeves you can order off amazon to protect your gear in case of rain. This is one of the highest rated ones!

I say this from experience! We photographed an outdoor wedding in a hurricane once, and water got inside the camera. So make sure you protect it!

Get creative with umbrellas

Clear umbrellas + white umbrellas are great for photographing because they evenly distribute the light on your subjects. Rain can be both incredibly playful and romantic. Add variation to your photos by doing a mix of playful and romantic poses with the umbrella.

**This umbrella is my personal favorite and makes for amazing photographs!

Bring a change of clothes

For rainy weddings ALWAYS pack a change of clothes + shoes. When it's raining the goal is always to keep the couple + wedding party dry...which usually means the photographer gets soaked! Being on your feet for 8+ hours with wet socks is no fun (been there done that, trust me). So always make sure you have a change of clothes just in case.

[ Yup, that's me getting soaked ]