What To Do If It Rains On Your Wedding or Elopement Day
Getting married outdoors means you get to have the epic beauty of nature as your backdrop. But what happens if it rains on your wedding day?
As an elopement photographer, I get this question from couples all the time, since the weddings I photograph take place almost entirely outdoors. The answer I usually give is, “Embrace the adventure of it!”
But there are a few other things to take into consideration when it comes to rainy weather during your wedding. Let’s talk about it!
Rain is Actually Considered Good Luck on Your Wedding Day
According to tradition, rain on your wedding day is actually considered good luck! That’s because when you “tie a knot”, as the saying goes, it’s almost impossible to untie if it’s wet, which symbolizes that your marriage will be unbreakable.
Want to learn more about wedding traditions? Check out my guide on how to plan a meaningful wedding!
Here’s What to do if it Rains on Your Wedding or Elopement Day
There’s no one right way to react when the weather forecast looks grim over your wedding day. What you do to move forward is up to your specific circumstances and your personal comfort levels with the weather conditions.
Having a backup plan for rain starts with your venue. For weddings taking place at a traditional wedding venue like one of these, you may want to make sure your venue has an indoor option in the event of bad weather. Some venues will also put up tents in the event of bad weather.
For adventure elopements, your options are a little more limited since you probably won’t have a venue of any kind booked.
How to Be Prepared for Rain on Your Wedding Day
Make a Backup Plan Ahead of Time
Having a backup plan that’s ready ahead of time will save you stress on your wedding day if it rains.
Make sure you coordinate with your photographer, coordinator, and/or venue when developing a backup plan to ensure it works for everyone involved. These are also the first people you should consult when considering a backup plan, as they can provide recommendations and ideas.
For adventure elopements, you’ll need to make sure that your backup location doesn’t require any special permits or reservations if you need to pivot at the last minute.
Tip! Ask your photographer! Many elopement photographers (like me!) can provide location info and even develop a backup plan.
Come Prepared for Rain
If you’re getting married outdoors, there are a few things I always recommend coming prepared with if there’s even a small chance of rain.
Having a plan and coming prepared for rain on your wedding day is the best way to keep the day running smoothly.
As an elopement photographer, these things are always ready to go in my elopement emergency kit to share with clients:
- Clear umbrella’s
- Rain ponchos
- Hand warmers
I also recommend you pack your own:
- Waterproof shoes
- A change of socks (in case they get wet, because wet socks are no fun!)
- Rain jackets
What to Do if it Rains on Your Wedding Day
Don’t Panic
If the weather doesn’t cooperate and you don’t get the picture-perfect day you’ve been envisioning, you might feel some big emotions. And I want to tell you, it’s okay to feel sad about this.
Your wedding day is one of, if not the biggest, days of your life. And it’s frustrating when things don’t go to plan.
At the same time, letting go of expectations can be freeing. You just might be surprised at how much fun it is to dance in the rain, make unique memories with those you’re celebrating with, and you might even get a gorgeous sunset that wouldn’t have been as spectacular without the clouds.
Wait it out
Sometimes storms will simply be passing through. This is especially true in high-elevation locations. Finding a safe spot under tree cover or in the car is sometimes the best thing to do.
See how this couple waited out the rain during their Yellowstone National Park elopement!
Change Locations
If the weather is really bad, then a change of location might be the safest option. This is particularly true for elopements or weddings taking place on public land like State Parks or National Forest Campgrounds.
Moving your elopement to your Airbnb (make sure to get the owner’s permission first) or moving your outdoor wedding ceremony to the indoor reception area instead may be an option.
This will heavily depend on your exact location and what’s available at the venue.
If you are watching the weather forecast a few days out, you may need to alert your venue ahead of time or make a reservation at a new location if you’re eloping.
Embrace the Adventure and Take Rainy Wedding Photos
As long as there are no dangerous conditions, I love embracing stormy weather as a photographer! Sometimes, cloudy skies and wind can work in your favor, creating perfect conditions for moody photos.
Rainy Wedding Photos
These couples embraced the adventure and still had the best wedding ever despite the stormy weather!
