Every couple dreams of golden light, glowing skies, and perfect weather on their wedding day.
But sometimes, the clouds have their own ideas. Rain on your wedding day doesn’t have to feel scary, lets get rule #1 out of the way.

Rain isn’t the enemy. 

In fact, it’s often the unexpected gift that slows everything down and makes the day feel real.

I’ve photographed dozens of weddings—sunshine, storms, and everything in between—and the photos that stay with me the longest are the ones where couples leaned in, laughed, and danced through it all.

Let’s talk about how to plan for rain on your wedding day and embrace it.

9 Tips for How to Handle Rain on Your Wedding Day

1. Bring the Right Gear

You don’t have to turn into a weather forecaster—but a little preparation goes a long way.

My rain-day kit always includes:

• 2–3 clear umbrellas (they photograph beautifully)
• A few white towels for drying off seats or shoes
• Plastic covers for bouquets and camera gear
• A backup hair brush, extra bobby pins, and hairspray

If you want your photos to stay light and romantic, clear umbrellas are the way to go—they let natural light through and keep your faces visible while still staying dry.

Photographer tip: Avoid dark or patterned umbrellas. They can cast shadows or distract from your outfits.

2. Have a Flexible Timeline

In Georgia (and honestly, most places), it rarely rains all day.
Usually, it’s an hour here, a shower there.

The best way to stay calm is to build buffer time into your timeline. That way, if we need to wait out a quick downpour, no one’s stressed about the clock.

If it’s cloudy but dry, that’s a photographer’s dream—the light is soft, even, and forgiving. So while the forecast might look dramatic, the photos often turn out better than if it were sunny.

3. Create a Backup Plan You Actually Like

Not every couple wants an indoor ceremony—but it’s always worth having a plan B that still feels beautiful.

Here are a few ideas I’ve seen work perfectly:

• A tented ceremony with clear panels so you still get light and sky
• A covered patio or veranda (think cozy, intimate, candlelit)
• A chapel or indoor option that matches your style
  

My Best Tip: Choose your backup space early and decorate it with intention. That way, it feels like part of the plan—not a compromise.

4. Rethink Your Photo Spots

When rain shows up, creativity takes over.

Look for window light, covered walkways, or porches that keep you semi-outside but sheltered. Indoors, find big windows, white walls, or neutral backgrounds that reflect light softly.

I’ve captured some of my favorite portraits in hallways, under arches, and next to tall windows while the storm rolled through outside.

It’s about light, not location.

5. Protect What Matters Most

Keep your dress hem lifted during travel or portraits on damp ground. Bring a second pair of shoes for outdoor photos, and don’t forget a garment bag for your gown after the ceremony if you’ll be walking outside.

Most importantly, keep your people close—assign someone to be the “umbrella runner” and someone else to grab towels, snacks, and extra drinks. Rain days are a team sport.

6. Focus on the Moments (Not the Weather)

The weather isn’t the story—you are.

Julia and Judah’s wedding day started with a light drizzle that turned into a downpour right before portraits. Instead of stressing, they took a deep breath, grabbed the umbrellas I always carry, and laughed their way through it. The photos? Pure joy.

A few months later, Frankie and Eric’s outdoor reception was hit with a quick summer shower. Guests huddled under the tent, clinking glasses and dancing barefoot in puddles once it passed. Their photos look like a music video—real, cinematic, and completely them.

The point? Weather can’t ruin joy. It just changes how it looks.

7. The Silver Lining of Rain on Your Wedding Day

Here’s the thing no one tells you: rainy weddings are photographer gold.
Clouds diffuse light evenly, making colors richer and skin tones softer.
Your hair might frizz a little, your dress might get muddy—but your photos will feel alive.

You’ll remember how the air smelled, the sound of rain on the tent, the way your friends laughed while holding their drinks under umbrellas.

That’s what makes your wedding story yours.

8. Quick Rainy-Day Checklist

• 2–3 clear umbrellas
• Towels & extra shoes
• Waterproof makeup setting spray
• Hair touch-up kit
• Waterproof bags for electronics & essentials
• Flexible attitude (it’s truly the secret weapon)

9. How I Help You Navigate It

As your photographer, I keep an eye on the radar, scout covered areas early, and adjust our photo timeline on the spot so you never have to worry.

If it pours, we pivot. If it drizzles, we adapt. And if it clears, we run outside and grab that golden-hour light the second it returns.

Rain or shine—you’ll have a story that feels like you.

Let’s Plan a Wedding That Feels Real: Rain or Shine! 

Unfortunately, you can’t control the forecast.
But you can decide how your day feels—and that’s what truly matters.

When it rains on your wedding day, it doesn’t mean your plans fell apart. It means the sky decided to join in the celebration.