Rain on your wedding day: why it doesn’t ruin a thing (promise)
Rain on your wedding day sounds like a nightmare… (there’s even a song about it, courtesy of Alanis Morrisette) but it doesn’t have to change the feeling of the day at all. Annabel and James had a mid-July downpour, and their rainy wedding photos are exactly why I’ll always say: a wet forecast isn’t a disaster – it’s just a different version of beautiful.
Annabel and James live in London, but wanted to marry in Shropshire. They got in touch because I had the pleasure of photographing James’ sister’s wedding back in 2021. I love getting every enquiry in my inbox because it’s such a privilege people want ME (what?!) to photograph their wedding, but referrals are a special kind of joy as they mean I get to see some of my couples and their loved ones time and time again.
Getting ready at home, just minutes from the church
The day started off calmly, with Annabel getting ready at her parents’ home. In their silky pale champagne dresses, all of her bridesmaids waited downstairs to see the bride in her dress for the first time: and when Annabel came down the stairs, it did not disappoint.
A modern take on vintage bridal for a church wedding ceremony
Annabel’s wedding outfit was a modern take on vintage bridal: a two-piece dress custom made by Lucy Martin Bridal. The base layer was a silky slip dress, completed by a stunning lace top with a dramatic high neck and fluted sleeves, which were both beautiful and helpful for some extra coverage when we were taking rainy wedding photos!
She paired this with a sleek updo and a long veil, which was not just vintage, but belonged to Annabel’s Mum when she married her Dad, 40 years ago. Talk about an amazing something old and borrowed!
The church was a short walk away and, not put off one bit by the weather, Annabel, her bridesmaids and her Dad walked down the road with umbrellas for coverage. There, James was waiting at the top of the altar to say those two magic words in front of their loved ones (which, in this case were “I do”, though “that dress!” would have been acceptable too.)
What to do if it’s raining at confetti time
After gathering everyone under some tree cover (umbrellas at the ready) for a joyous confetti throw,
Annabel and James hopped into their cream vintage wedding car and headed to their reception at Shropshire’s Goldstone Hall.
An elegant Shropshire wedding reception at Goldstone Hall
Their guests weren’t far behind – and neither were the bubbles or the nibbles (including, in a genius move, platters of posh crisps and dips alongside the canapés). While everyone tucked in, I whisked Annabel and James (and their fave people) to a covered spot outside for group photos.
Also: the tailoring. The groomsmen looked sharp in classic tuxes, and James’ double-breasted jacket photographed so well.
The secret to gorgeous rainy wedding photos: light, cover, and a tiny bit of slack in the timeline
Once these were done, I kept the bride and groom behind for some more portraits, just the two of them. Part of my job as your wedding photographer is to have Plans A, B and C in my back pocket if something were to go wrong, so I always scout out your location either before your wedding day or arrive earlier. This is how I knew about the covered location, and that it would be an ideal spot for some plan B wet-weather couple photos.
Clear umbrellas are the unsung heroes of wedding photos
By that point the rain had eased off a little, so we strolled through the manicured lawn, with umbrellas being drafted in as and when, to get back to the main party. (We also came back after the meal, for a golden hour portrait session, which we did in the garden.) With his smart bow tie, her vintage veil and a glass of prosecco in hand, Annabel and James looked every bit movie stars of a bygone golden era – which I played on with a number of black and white shots in their final gallery, to really emphasise that beautiful nostalgic feeling.
How to get gorgeous rainy wedding photos (without feeling soaked or awkward)
- Bring two clear or white umbrellas (the big dome ones) – they keep you dry and you can still see your faces + outfits.
- Pick a venue with cover options: porches, archways, barn doors, glass corridors, big trees… you might like this planning guide on questions to ask your wedding venue before you book.
- Add a little buffer into your timeline – even 10–15 mins of breathing room means we’re not sprinting around in the drizzle. This guide gives you more info on timelines!
- Lean into indoor window light: bright doorways, big windows, conservatories… it’s honestly some of the prettiest (and my favourite), softest, but also dramatic, light of the day.
- Do a second mini portrait slot later (10 minutes is plenty) – if the rain eases or we get a break, we’ll grab those “just married” outdoor frames.
- Pack a comfy shoe swap for moving between spots and walking on grass if you’re happy to still head outside when it’s damp (trainers, sliders, whatever) – no one needs soggy heels and gritted teeth in their gallery.
Refined wedding styling with pale pink and white flowers
Annabel and James had chosen a refined feel for their wedding decor, using beautiful pale florals by Big Little Things as the main décor element. Across the bouquets and the tables, every single arrangement was bursting with creamy white and pale pink flowers with gorgeous full petals. Flowers also formed the decoration for the cake, with individual rose heads studded around the bottom of each layer, accented with picture-perfect leaves, and a teeny-tiny spray of flowers in a vase as the cake topper.
Like rain on your wedding day
Annabel and James’ rainy wedding photos are a shining example of how your wedding day can still be perfect, even if it tips it down. I pride myself on being able to empathetically but practically problem solve both during the planning and on the day itself, so if there is anything worrying you that you think might get in the way of you just fully relaxing and allowing yourself to live in every single moment during, then let me know – I’m there to help.
Planning a Shropshire wedding (or UK wedding) and worried about rain?
My approach is effortless, attentive and unobtrusive, with gentle direction when it helps, so you can be fully present while I capture how it felt. I’m based in Shropshire but cover the whole of the UK and love an intimate London wedding!
If you’re searching for a wedding photographer who brings calm confidence, emotional storytelling, and a elevated but laid-back feel, please say hello via the contact form.
Rainy wedding photo FAQs
Should we move portraits indoors if it rains?
Not automatically. I’ll always try for a quick “outside but sheltered” option first (doorways, arches, covered terraces) because you still get that fresh, just-married energy. If it’s properly tipping it down, we’ll use gorgeous window light indoors and you’ll still get a mix that feels like you.
Do we need to buy umbrellas?
You don’t have to, but having 1–2 good clear umbrellas is such an easy win. They keep you dry, don’t block your faces, and they don’t throw weird colour casts onto your skin. If you’re not buying, I’ll usually suggest borrowing a couple.
What if it rains all day?
Then we roll with it – and your photos will still be stunning. I’ll build in little pockets of time, use covered spots, and grab a second mini portrait slot later if there’s even a tiny break. Honestly? Some of the most atmospheric, romantic galleries I’ve delivered were “rain-all-day” weddings. And this is why time really is so important on your wedding day.
Will rain make the photos look dark?
Not if you’re in safe hands. Rain clouds actually gives beautiful soft light – it’s like nature’s diffuser. And if it’s gloomy, I’ll prioritise bright indoor spaces, window light, and a few strategic angles so everything still looks clean, flattering, full of life and has that atmospheric, romantic feel.
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