No, not that kind of shot. Okay, maybe just one. Look, it’s raining on your wedding day; you deserve a drink. Fear not, though, all isn’t lost if your wedding day sees some showers. In fact, with the right amount of ingenuity, you can turn this into an opportunity for some really awesome wedding photos that none of your friends will have!
How to Prep for Wedding Photos in the Rain
Protect the Ring
This one should be obvious, but water and wedding rings really don’t mix. Your new his and hers wedding ring set doesn’t have to stay on the shelf if the storm clouds roll in, though. Whatever you do, make sure you have a plan to keep your rings dry. Don’t be afraid to lean on your best man or maid of honor here — that’s what they’re for on days like these!
Source: shutterstock.com/Omelnytskyi
Make Backup Plans
There’s no guarantee it’ll rain on your wedding day. It probably won’t. Even if the weather forecast calls for sunny and 75 for the next eight months, make sure you’ve got a backup plan. This includes a backup venue, shot list and transportation. There’s nothing wrong with an indoor venue for your shots — it can look just as good!
Build in Extra Time
Everything takes longer when it rains. Just how it goes. You want your wedding photos to have extra time in general so that if it does rain, you won’t be behind schedule. If it doesn’t, you’ll have a few extra minutes to relax and breathe! There’s a fine line between enough extra time and throwing off the rest of your schedule, so choose wisely.
Pick the Right Umbrellas
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you don’t have to throw in the towel. You do have to pick an aesthetically pleasing (and functional, of course) umbrella. If it’s going to be in the picture, it’s gotta look good. Clear umbrellas are a popular choice but not the only game in town. Whatever you do, make sure your unique oval engagement ring is the focal point of the shot and not the umbrellas!
Source: shutterstock.com/ANRproduction
Stay Positive
Yeah, easier said than done here. You’re still getting married, though, and that’s what matters most! Communicate with your wedding photographer (and each other) and do your best to stay upbeat. It may not be everything you wanted, but it doesn’t have to be a day ruiner.
Cool Rainy Shots to Try
- Prop-Focused
You’ve got the umbrella, so use it! This is a simple choice for groomsmen or bridesmaid photos, as your photographer can set everyone up symmetrically, with the umbrellas being a fun focal point. You can go this route for couple’s photos, too, but it tends to be better served for bridal parties or groomsmen.
- Pops of Color
Look, we just said not to make the umbrella the focal point earlier. We’re about to contradict that. You probably don’t want to make the umbrella the focal point, but if you do, go all in. It’s going to look good if it’s clear or if it’s the obvious pop of color, but not anything in between. If you’re going this route, really commit to it for the best results.
- Stroll Through the Raindrops
This is a classic shot, rain or otherwise. Hold hands, grab an umbrella each, and do your best impression of Singing in the Rain. If you have access to cobblestone streets, so much the better.
- Go Dark
If one or both of you is already wearing darker colors, really lean into those dark skies. Dark skies and green trees can provide a great backdrop. If you’re getting married in the Pacific Northwest, you’ll have ample options here. The greenery in the background will really pop with the raindrops and against the dark skies.
Source: shutterstock.com/Syrotkin Studio
Go Dark (Metaphorically)
You can get some great shots of brides entering the venue with the gray skies and the rain. It’s really easy for a photographer to evoke meditative and reflective feelings in the photo this way. Talk to your photographer about that theme and see if you can get a shot of the entrance down the aisle with this in mind.
Night Shots
If you live in an area famous for afternoon showers, you’ll always want to have a backup plan. Consider hiring a photographer comfortable with shooting at night after the rain has died down for some unique nighttime wedding photos.
Dance in the Rain
We recommend doing this if you’re taking photos after the ceremony. You probably don’t want to be soaking wet going up the aisle (though, hey, that’s your business). If you’re willing to push your wedding photos until after the ceremony, you can really lean into the rain in a way you won’t be able to any other time.
Rain on your wedding day can be seen as a downer. However, if you know how to lean into it and use it well, you’ll get a full catalog of photos that few others will have!
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