How to Make the Most of a Rainy Wedding Day: Planning Tips & Real Talk

Let’s Talk About the Weather...

If you're planning a wedding in New England, you're probably already tracking the forecast months in advance—especially after the stretch of rainy summers we’ve had lately. It seems like every weekend brings a new chance of showers, and while we all dream of that golden-hour glow, the truth is: rain happens.

But guess what? A rainy wedding day doesn’t mean a ruined wedding day. In fact, some of the most emotional, intimate, and jaw-droppingly beautiful moments I’ve captured have happened under cloudy skies or with umbrellas in hand.

Why Rainy Weddings Can Be Beautiful

There’s something so romantic about rain—soft light, cozy vibes, and that sense of everyone huddling together to celebrate love, no matter the weather. Overcast skies actually make for incredibly flattering, even light in your photos (no harsh shadows!), and the moodiness can add depth and drama in the best way. Think: twirling under an umbrella, running through puddles, slow dances under twinkle lights with raindrops falling around you.

Planning Ahead: Tips for a Rainy Day Wedding

1. Talk to Your Photographer
Make sure your photographer is comfortable shooting in rainy conditions and has a plan in place. As someone who has worked through all types of weather, I come prepared—with creative ideas for making rainy shots shine. Bonus: rain can give your gallery a unique, editorial feel.

2. Choose Your Venue with a Rain Plan in Mind
If you're still venue hunting, look for places with a beautiful indoor or covered option. Barns, glass greenhouses, historic estates with wraparound porches—all of these give you flexibility without sacrificing style.

3. Embrace the Umbrellas (and Maybe Even Boots)
Clear umbrellas are a must—they look chic, keep you dry, and photograph beautifully. Some couples even lean into the weather with fun rain boots, capes, or shawls that match their wedding palette.

4. Communicate With Your Guests
Let guests know ahead of time that your wedding may involve a little weather. Include a note on your website or in your welcome bag about bringing umbrellas or walking shoes. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping spirits high.

5. Let Go and Lean In
One of the biggest tips I can give is to let go of the need for perfection. Weather is unpredictable, but your love and your celebration are what matter most. Laugh through the raindrops. Get muddy. Dance barefoot if you want to. These are the moments that make your wedding yours.

Bridal Portrait Session

If the weather didn’t cooperate on your wedding day, don’t worry—you can still get those dreamy, golden-hour portraits you were hoping for. A bridal session after your wedding is the perfect way to have the best of both worlds. You’ll be more relaxed, there’s no rush, and you can choose a day with ideal weather to recapture the magic in your wedding attire. Whether you head to the mountains, the coast, or a lush field at sunset, it’s a beautiful opportunity to celebrate your love all over again—this time, with full creative freedom and no umbrellas needed. 🌦️✨💍

Final Thought: Your Story Is Beautiful, Rain or Shine

Yes, we’ve had a lot of rain lately—and yes, it might show up on your wedding day. But with the right prep and mindset, you can embrace the weather and create something beautifully, uniquely you.

So whether you’re swapping vows under the clouds or having your first dance with thunder rumbling in the distance, just know this: the magic isn’t in the forecast. It’s in the way you show up for each other—no matter what falls from the sky. ☔💛