What to do if it rains on your wedding day

Now, you will have undoubtedly read hundreds of generic AI generate articles on countless wedding photographer websites that talk about wellies, or umbrellas – blah blah blah. However, what you need to read up on, is real experiences from a professional wedding photographer that has seen it all, and still managed to get amazing photos – even when it’s pouring down.

Over the years, I have seen all kinds of weather at weddings, from arriving at the brides house where the road was flooded, to an entire group of wedding guests getting caught in the middle of a downpour. Whatever happens, you need to have ideas in the back of your head and to adapt to the weather, and you need a wedding photographer that handle this when it happens.

Church weddings when it rains

If you are getting married in a church, you will often have to go with what the church has to offer. I know many people want to get married in the village church where their parents were married, or it’s their local church that they attend regularly. Older parish churches are often more picturesque than some modern churches, but they can be quite dark inside. As a wedding photographer, I’d aim to do some formal photos outside the church door, and some natural / candid photos as people congregate in and around the church. Confetti shots also do wonderful with the church as a background to your images. However, when it rains, these beautiful old churches have limited options and limited space, so sometimes your only option is to do everything at your wedding venue later in the day.

The venue

The first thing to really think about when it rains on your wedding is the venue. I have been to plenty of venues that don’t have a contingency plan for your day if it’s going to be wet. In the past, I was often surprised that venues would not keep this in mind. What I am talking about, is those types of venues that have a ceremony room that has to be turned around into the wedding breakfast room, and then the evening party. Where this becomes an issue, is that if you are expected to be outside whilst the venue staff turn the room around for the next part of the day, when it’s raining you will be stuck inside with limited space.

When visiting venues, ask them about what their plan is if it rains. Where are your guests expected to be, and what options do they have for photos if you can’t go outside. There are plenty of wedding venues throughout the country that have gorgeous grounds and beautiful gardens, but the inside is dark, has limited options, or is poorly decorated.

Things to consider in your wedding venue for when it rains

Are there multiple large rooms where guests can congregate
Do these rooms have comfortable seating – not just chairs, but sofas etc
Does the venue have any large windows in well decorated rooms for professional photos – I often use natural light coming through windows to create beautiful photos
What does the interior decoration look like?
Are there any beautiful features such as an staircase, ornate fireplace, large open room that can be used as a tuning backdrop to your photos?
If you want some traditional ground family photos, where can you do them?
How far will guests have to walk from their car to get into the venue. It sounds like a simple thing, but if the car park is far away, your guests may be soaked by the time they get inside.