How to Get Amazing Wedding Photos—Even if It Rains

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Anthony Vazquez

Unfortunately, perfect weather isn't always a given on your wedding day, but that doesn't mean you can't get great wedding photos. Jess Levin, founder of Carats & Cake, asked top photographers their best tips using Mother Nature to your advantage on your big day.

"Use the crazy weather to your advantage. In this case it was windy and pouring, but I made my clients comfortable so that I could get the shot."

Anthony Vazquez, owner Anthony Vasquez Photography

01 of 07

Be Patient

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Melani Lust

"Sometimes the weather gives you an opening. We were in the middle of the reception when the heavy rain lightened a little and the fog rolled in for this gorgeous atmosphere. I knew that if I gelled the light, the background would turn a beautiful blue."

Melani Lust, owner Melani Lust Photography

02 of 07

Experience Matters

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Brian Dorsey

"I don't actually think there is much you can do to prepare for rain, or the myriad other variables, except work with experienced people. An experienced photographer or planner, or other wedding vendor has the resources, confidence, and know-how to deliver the desired results when things don't go according to plan. It is probably impossible, and certainly too costly to try and anticipate everything that could go wrong."

Brian Dorsey, Founder and Principal Photographer Brian Dorsey Studios

03 of 07

Be Resourceful

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Charlie Juliet Photography

"There was a downpour the entire day and I knew the rain wasn't going to stop anytime soon. We really needed to get more photos of the bride and groom regardless so I had my assistant hold the largest umbrella around me I could find so that my equipment would stay dry, and we gave the couple the other largest umbrella we could find."

Charlie Juliet, owner Charlie Juliet Photography

04 of 07

Brave the Elements

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Liz Banfield

"The day before Christina & Alex's wedding in La Crosse, WI, a blizzard moved through the region, turning highways into virtual parking lots. In this picture, the sun had peeked through but as everyone in the Midwest knows, sunshine usually means bitter cold. The temps did not crack zero that day but the bride and groom still braved a quick outdoor session."

Liz Banfield, owner Liz Banfield Photography

05 of 07

Go with the Flow

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Sabine Scherer

"One of the side effects of rain is copious amounts of mud that do not pair well with wedding shoes or dresses. We had several plan B's for the couple on their rainy day, but the bride's heart was set on getting some nature shots. So rather than donning her fine shoes, the bride picked up her best friend's combat boots and trudged out into the mud for all the couple shots."

Sabine Scherer, owner Sabine Scherer Photography

06 of 07

It's All About the Attitude

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Beale & Wittig

"When it comes to bad weather, the most important thing is attitude. It's about how people react to the weather that makes or breaks a photo. This starts with setting the right expectations. Photographers can't control the weather, or the millions of other factors that can influence a day. But, we let our clients know that regardless of what happens we will get the best possible photos. If the client is happy, then rain only makes the photos better."

—David Wittig, Beale & Wittig

07 of 07

Embrace the Obstacles

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Sara Wight

"This couple got married at Battery Gardens the day before Hurricane Sandy, when all of Lower Manhattan was being evacuated. Rather than fight the obstacles, we decided to embrace the circumstances and incorporate the sandbags into the photos!"

Sara Wight, Founder and Principal Photographer Sara Wight Photography

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