Photographing a wedding in the rain can be a challenging yet rewarding experience for photographers. As a Jackson Hole photographer I have captured my share of elopements in the Grand Tetons on rainy days, and I can confidently say that each one of them turned out magical! There is an underrated beauty that comes with a rainy wedding day that I think should be embraced! Here are my top tips to help you capture stunning images in wet weather conditions

Protect Your Gear When Photographing A Wedding In The Rain

Of all my tips, this one will save you the most stress and money. Protect your gear! Make sure your cameras are good to go when the rain starts coming down. Most cameras are fairly water resistant which is awesome. However, I always carry plastic rain slingers/camera covers in my camera bag so I can have that extra layer of protection if needed. As a photographer you have invested a lot into your equipment, and sometimes it can be difficult to replace. So the extra measure and protect your gear!

Photogenic Umbrella

I personally carry a bag of 10 large white and a few clear umbrellas in my vehicle to every elopement. We want everyone to be comfortable despite the weather conditions, but we also don’t want polka dotted umbrellas throwing off the bridal feel of your elopement. This has been a wonderful investment for my photography business. Not only does it make my clients happier with their gallery and my portfolio look better. But it also is somewhat of a selling point because it is a testament to my character as an elopement photographer. I am thoughtful, prepared and ready for any circumstance. It makes me look more professional.

Prep Your Clients

This is by far the most important thing you can do when capturing a wedding in the rain. Even before my clients book with me they will hear me say “weather is not something we can predict”. I advise my couples in choosing dates that will give them the highest chances for the weather they are wanting, as well as help them prepare for inclement weather. Reassuring them that we will document their day and create beautiful memories & photos for them regardless of the weather we are blessed with. Having these conversations before the day of can adjust expectations. Then if it does end up raining be sure to give them a pep talk, and talk about how beautiful this will be in their photos.

Be Creative While Photographing A Wedding In The Rain

Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative. Use rain as a subject or as a backdrop for your photos. Play with composition and lighting to create unique and memorable images! And if your couple is adventurous, suggest more exploration and wild photo ideas like dancing in the rain, wading in the water as the rain falls, and so on. Just be sure you stay safe and work around your clients comfort level.

Want to learn more? Book a coaching call and let’s chat one on one!