Washington is very green for a reason…it’s all of our rain that keeps our forests vibrant! Your elopement day is supposed to be perfect and magical, but unfortunately, the weather doesn’t always cooperate. A rainy elopement day may not have been part of your vision, but it DOES NOT have to ruin your special day.  Sometimes, it can actually be a lot of fun and add some amazing texture to your photos! 

My Top 5 Tips for What to Do If It Rains During Your Elopement

1. Keep an Eye on the Forecast: 

Or rather, let me keep an eye on the forecast for you! Along with being an elopement photographer, I am a self-proclaimed meteorologist…or try to be haha! I also know how certain weather conditions will impact us at different locations and elevations. In the days leading up to your elopement, we’ll keep a close eye on the forecast and then as we get closer, there are certain weather apps, websites, and even weather cams that I will use to give us the most updated weather.

2. Have a Backup Plan: 

It’s essential to have a backup plan in case of rain. Often times this is an airbnb with a covered shelter or swapping locations to a canopy forest to cut down on the amount of rain. Typically if there’s heavy rain, moving away from high elevation and under trees is my go-to! Note, your backup plan may be to embrace the rain, and as long as it’s safe, that’s perfectly okay with me too!

3. Umbrellas:

If you’re expecting rain, you can incorporate umbrellas. I recommend clear umbrellas for the bride and groom- they aren’t nearly as distracting as you may think and photograph well. You can even have some for your guests and can find 10 packs on Amazon! 

4. Choose Attire that works:

If you’re the bride, it’s crucial to choose a dress that can withstand rain. You can opt for a dress made that’s lighter and textured or a dress with a detachable train that you can remove if it starts to rain.

5. Embrace the Moment: 

Sometimes, the best thing to do is to embrace the moment and enjoy the rain. Rain can create some beautiful and romantic moments, such as kissing in the rain or dancing under the umbrella. Don’t be afraid to get a little wet and have fun with your partner and guests. I’ll be by your side to help you with what to do if it rains during your elopement! 

I know it may not be what you envisioned, but a rainy elopement day can still be beautiful. Some of my favorite elopements I’ve photographed have been in the rain. Embracing the rain during your outdoor elopement requires a positive mindset and some creative planning. I will be with you every step up the way. With the right preparation and attitude, you can turn a rainy day into a memorable and unique experience that you and your guests will cherish for years to come.

Ben and Tiffany’s rainy elopement at Longmire at Mount Rainier is a beautiful example of what embracing the rain looks like. No amount of rain was going to stop these two, and I hope that it won’t stop you either!