It’s understandable to feel disappointed, especially if you had your heart set on outdoor portraits. But wedding photos in the rain have a charm of their own. A shared umbrella or reflections on wet pavement can give your photographs something unexpected.
With a little preparation and a photographer who’s comfortable working in wet weather, these 7 ideas could become some of your favourite pictures.
1. Share an umbrella for close-up portraits
An umbrella creates a lovely frame around the two of you. Think a kiss beneath the canopy, a quiet conversation or a photograph of you walking hand in hand.
Clear umbrellas are the best choice because they let light through and keep more of your surroundings visible. A coloured umbrella can also work beautifully if you want to bring your wedding palette into the picture.
Ask your photographer what they recommend before buying and choose one large enough for you both. Keeping it slightly raised helps leave your faces visible.
2. Make the most of cloudy skies
Catherine Bradley Photography
A grey sky might not be what you pictured but overcast conditions can soften daylight and reduce the harsh shadows that bright sunshine creates. This can be particularly flattering for portraits.
If the rain eases, ask your photographer whether there’s time for a few photographs outside. You don’t necessarily need to wait for sunshine; a dry spell beneath the clouds may be enough.
Keep your timings flexible rather than pinning every outdoor photograph to one short slot. Agreeing this beforehand means you can take advantage of a break without spending the reception watching the weather.
3. Turn puddles into reflections
Tobiah Tayo Photography
Wet paving and still puddles can offer something a dry day cannot: a reflection of you and your surroundings.
Your photographer might use a low angle to capture your silhouettes, an umbrella or the venue reflected in the water. Even a small puddle can become an interesting part of the composition.
You don’t have to stand in it, either. A position on dry, firm ground nearby may give the photographer the angle they need. Mention reflection shots during your planning conversation so they can look out for suitable spots on the day.
4. Bring the portraits indoors
Tobiah Tayo Photography
Rain is a good reason to explore the indoor settings you might otherwise have walked straight past. A staircase, an ornate arch or a room with character can give your wedding portraits a completely different feel. At Eastnor Castle, the Great Hall’s arches and high ceilings offer a striking setting, while the castle’s interiors bring texture and detail into the frame.
Browse our wedding photography gallery for inspiration, then discuss your favourite settings with your photographer and our team. Planning indoor portraits from the outset gives them a proper place in your album.
5. Use a window to frame a quiet moment
Weddings by AR Photography
Window portraits offer a more intimate alternative to photographs in a grand room. Picture the two of you sitting together, looking out at the rain or sharing a moment before joining your guests.
Ask your photographer to find a window with suitable light and an uncluttered background. They can position you to make the most of the daylight, even if the room itself feels quite dim.
Rain on the glass can add another layer to the photograph. You stay dry, your outfits remain protected and the weather still becomes part of your big day.
6. Swap your wedding shoes for boots
If you’re happy to head outside in light rain, a change of footwear can make the experience much more relaxed. Wellies or cowboy boots beneath a wedding dress or paired with a suit add a playful detail, especially if they match your flowers or umbrella.
Try a short walk together or a photograph showing your boots beneath the hem. There’s no need to force a pose; the laughter as you change shoes might be the best picture.
Keep a towel and spare footwear nearby and ask someone to help lift any long train. Choose firm paths and save outdoor photographs for conditions you feel comfortable in.
7. Ask about a dramatic evening rain shot
David Liebst Photography
After dark, rain can become a striking feature of your photographs. A photographer experienced with off-camera flash may be able to light the droplets from behind, creating a sparkling backdrop around you.
This is something to discuss in advance, as it needs the right equipment, positioning and conditions. Ask to see examples of their rainy wedding photography so you know whether the style appeals to you.
A brief step outside beneath an umbrella could be enough to create a memorable final portrait before you return to the celebrations.
What if it rains on your wedding day?
If it rains on your wedding day, don't panic! Try and turn it into something positive. Speak to your venue and photographer about indoor portrait locations, somewhere suitable for group photographs and how you’ll fit outdoor shots around showers. Pack umbrellas, spare shoes and a towel, then let the people supporting your day handle the practical details.
At our exclusive-use castle wedding venue, the interiors and grounds are reserved for your wedding party, giving you different settings to explore with your photographer.
If you're interested in having a wedding at Eastnor Castle, book a wedding showround to see the beautiful castle and talk through your ideas with our team. You can’t choose the weather forecast, but you can choose a setting you’ll love in every photograph.