1. Bring on the Clear Umbrellas
Transparent umbrellas keep you dry and let the scenery (and your faces) shine through. Stock a few extras for the wedding party so group shots stay cohesive. Bonus: they act as giant diffusers, giving beautifully soft light under overcast skies.
Pro-tip: Choose dome-style umbrellas; curved edges funnel rain away from dresses and flash gear.
2. Back-Light the Raindrops for Sparkle
At dusk or nighttime, ask your photographer to place a flash behind you while you huddle under an umbrella. The light catches each raindrop, turning the shower into glittering bokeh around your silhouette. It’s pure romance—even worth a quick sprint into the drizzle.
3. Hunt for Puddle Reflections
Shallow puddles are nature’s mirror. Kneel (or stand) just beside one and have your photographer shoot low so your reflection doubles the drama. Cobblestone courtyards, venue walkways, and city streets all work; just watch your train when stepping back up.
4. Mix Indoor Intimacy & Outdoor Drama
Pair cozy, window-lit portraits inside the venue with epic, umbrella-clad frames outdoors. Large windows or open doorways provide flattering side-light for tender moments indoors, while a quick dash outside gives you those cinematic wide shots against moody skies.
5. Keep Things Moving (Literally)
Movement prompts—twirls, hip-bumps, even a quick “drunk walk” toward the camera—spark laughter and keep you warm. They’re perfect when everyone’s a bit nervous about the weather and need to shake out tension.
6. Build a Rain-Proof Timeline
A flexible schedule means less panic if a downpour hits during portraits. Pad each portion of the day by 10–15 minutes and have an indoor backup plan. For step-by-step timing advice, check out our Ultimate Wedding Photography Timeline guide on the blog.
7. Gear & Comfort Checklist
- Towels + blotting cloths for quick dry-offs.
- Non-slip shoe covers or a second pair of shoes.
- Anti-frizz serum & bobby pins in the styling kit.
- Plastic bags for bouquet stems and electronics between shots.
- Warm blanket (neutral color) for those in-between minutes.
8. When It Pours—Celebrate!
Some couples run into the rain for one dramatic, full-on downpour shot. If that’s you, embrace the moment: laugh, splash, kiss! Authentic joy outweighs perfect hair, and you’ll relive that fearless memory every time you open your album.
Ready to plan photos that shine—rain or shine?
Browse more inspo in Beyond the Veil: Unique Wedding Photography Poses or drop us a note to chat about your weather-proof wedding vision.
Let’s make magic—umbrellas optional.
