A bride and groom stand smiling on stone steps, each holding a clear umbrella in the rain. The bride wears a white dress and holds a bouquet; the groom wears a beige suit. Large urns and arched windows are behind them.

Rainy wedding photos can be stunning—you just need to work with the weather instead of fighting it. Here’s how to manage a wet wedding day and still walk away with photos you’ll love forever

Tips for amazing wedding photos on a rainy day

1. Use rain as a feature, not a problem

  • Wet pavement = reflections (romantic, cinematic, editorial vibes).
  • Light drizzle looks magical on camera, especially backlit.
  • Mist and clouds soften light—no harsh shadows or squinting.

✨ Some of the most award-winning wedding photos happen in the rain.

A bride and groom hold hands and smile at each other while walking through a sunlit field, with the bride’s long veil flowing behind her and trees in the background.

2. Bring the right umbrellas

  • Clear umbrellas are the gold standard (faces + outfits stay visible).
  • Avoid bold patterns or logos unless they match your style.
  • Bring a few extras for the bridal party.

Pro tip: one umbrella shared between the couple looks intimate and romantic.

A bride and groom stand smiling on stone steps, each holding a clear umbrella in the rain. The bride wears a white dress and holds a bouquet; the groom wears a beige suit. Large urns and arched windows are behind them.

3. Choose covered but open spaces

  • Porches, archways, doorways, glasshouses, trees, overhangs.
  • You stay dry but still get natural light and rain in the background.
  • Even a simple awning can frame a gorgeous shot.
A bride and groom stand together in front of a large, white, two-story building with tall windows, columns, and greenery on either side of the entrance.

4. Protect outfits without panic

  • Lift dresses between shots; don’t drag hems.
  • Assign a “dress helper” (bridesmaid or coordinator).
  • Keep a towel or cloth handy for quick fixes.
  • Consider photos before the ceremony while everything’s fresh.

Shoes tip: bring a backup pair or do a few barefoot shots—they’re often crowd favorites.

A bride and groom stand smiling under a large white archway, surrounded by greenery and flowers, with a scenic landscape in the background.

5. Adjust the photo timeline

  • Build in extra time—rain slows walking, posing, everything.
  • Break portraits into short bursts between showers.
  • Trust your photographer’s call on timing; they’ll chase the best light.

6. Embrace movement

  • Walking, spinning, laughing, cuddling under umbrellas looks more natural than stiff posing.
  • Rain adds motion—drops, fabric, hair—which gives photos life.
A bride and groom stand closely together outdoors, gazing into each others eyes and smiling. The background is blurred, highlighting the couple. The image is in black and white.

7. Go bold with lighting

  • String lights, candles, car headlights, street lamps = drama.
  • Night rain photos with lights reflecting off the ground? Unreal.
A joyful bride and groom walk arm in arm down a sunlit, tree-lined road, smiling and laughing together as golden sunlight glows around them.

Managing the mental side of a wet wedding day

This part matters more than the weather.

  • Accept the rain early—don’t spend the day hoping it stops.
  • Laugh about it. Guests feed off your energy.
  • Remember: no one sees “ruined plans.” They see two people getting married.

A calm, joyful couple always photographs beautifully—rain or shine.

A bride and groom walk hand in hand down a sunlit path, with the sun low in the sky behind them. The bride lifts her dress slightly as they walk, and the scene is warm and romantic with trees in the background.

If you’re planning a Hampshire or West Sussex wedding and are looking for a relaxed, timeless and romantic wedding photographer, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re getting married in a marquee, a countryside barn, or a country house, I photograph weddings in a natural, documentary style with plenty of fun and real moments throughout the day.

If you’re searching for a documentary, timeless and fun-loving Hampshire and Surrey wedding photographer, your search may well be over. I’d love to chat with you about your wedding plans — please get in touch and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

You can also explore more of my work in my wedding portfolio or find out more about my wedding packages, including shorter coverage and full-day wedding photography.

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Venue Rockbeare Manor is an award-winning, exclusive use, wedding and event venue in Devon that delivers unique and expertly managed occasions.

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