Wedding Photography Tips for Rainy Days
May 26, 2025
If you’re planning a wedding in Tennessee, you’ve likely heard the phrase “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” While this Southern charm has its perks — hello, moody skies and lush greenery — it also means there’s always a chance of unexpected rain on your big day. Consider these wedding photography tips for rainy days carefully to ensure your photos still shine.
But here’s the good news: rain doesn’t have to ruin your wedding photos. In fact, with the right planning (and a calm photographer who’s used to navigating Tennessee’s temperamental weather), rainy-day weddings can make for some of the most romantic, intimate, and downright stunning images in your gallery.
Let’s walk through how we prepare for a rainy wedding day in Tennessee and what you can do to make sure your photos are nothing short of gorgeous — even if the skies open up. Effective wedding tips for rainy days include preparing a solid plan and staying flexible.
1. Choose a Venue with a Beautiful Indoor Option
This is your first line of defense when it comes to wedding-day rain. Tennessee boasts some incredible venues that offer gorgeous indoor spaces, not just as a backup plan but as a feature in their own right.
Whether you’re getting married in the Smoky Mountains, downtown Knoxville, or on a farm just outside of Nashville, make sure your venue has an aesthetically pleasing indoor option that feels like a part of your wedding vision — not an afterthought.
Look for venues with:
- Large windows for soft natural light
- Neutral or warm-toned interiors that complement your color palette
- Architectural interest like wooden beams, chandeliers, or brick walls
- Plenty of space for portraits and group shots
When touring venues, always ask, “What happens if it rains?” and request to see the rain plan area. You’ll thank yourself later!
2. Have a Plan B — and Love It Like Plan A
While hoping for sunshine is perfectly fine, it’s wise to embrace the possibility of rain with a solid Plan B that still excites you. Talk to your planner and photographer ahead of time about rain logistics, and create a plan you actually love. These wedding tips for rainy days emphasize that a great Plan B can add unexpected charm.
Rain plans can still be:
- Romantic: Think cozy indoor vows by candlelight.
- Creative: Use clear umbrellas for dreamy couple portraits.
- Comfortable: No muddy shoes or frizzy hair disasters.
As a photographer who’s shot many Tennessee weddings (rain or shine), I always scout both outdoor and indoor photo locations in advance. I also bring gear to protect my camera and lighting equipment, so we’re ready for anything.
3. Humidity-Proof Your Hair with Hairspray + Prep on Rainy Days
Ah, Tennessee humidity. Even if it’s not raining, the air can be thick with moisture — especially in spring and summer. For rainy days, come prepared with:
- Strong-hold hairspray
- Bobby pins and touch-up tools
- A travel-size fan for quick cool-downs
Ask your hairstylist to do a trial with a weather-resistant style. A sleek low bun, boho braid, or textured ponytail tends to hold up better than loose curls on muggy days.
Bonus tip: Assign a bridesmaid or friend to carry a mini emergency kit with your hair products, blotting papers, and a dry towel — just in case you need a quick refresh before portraits.
4. Understand the Look of Indoor Flash Photography
This one’s big when it comes to managing expectations. Many couples love the soft, dreamy look of natural light wedding photography — but when you’re indoors on a rainy day, flash might be necessary.
Indoor flash photography has a different vibe than natural light. It can look:
- Crisper and more contrasted
- A little more editorial
- More evenly lit, even in dark venues
And that’s not a bad thing! When used properly, flash can highlight your details, reduce shadows, and make everyone’s skin look flawless. As your photographer, I always balance ambient light with flash to keep your photos looking true to your style while still crisp and clean.
If you have a vision for your photos, talk to your photographer about how we’ll adapt it for indoor light.
5. Let Go and Trust the Process
You can plan and prepare, but sometimes the best photos happen in the unscripted moments — like laughing under an umbrella, dancing barefoot on wet pavement, or sneaking a kiss in a cozy, candlelit corner while the rain taps on the windows.
Some of my favorite wedding galleries are from rainy Tennessee days, where couples embraced the unexpected and trusted the process. Rain has a way of slowing down the day, pulling people closer, and creating truly magical moments.
Final Thoughts
Rainy wedding days in Tennessee aren’t a disaster — they’re an opportunity. With the right mindset, a thoughtful Plan B, and a photographer who knows how to work with any lighting situation, your wedding photos will still be every bit as beautiful as you imagined. These wedding tips for rainy days ensure you can enjoy every moment regardless of the weather. I share additional tips on how to get the great wedding photos on my blog.
So whether the forecast calls for sunshine or showers, take a deep breath. You’re marrying your person, and that’s always going to be picture-perfect.
Looking for a photographer who knows how to handle rain, humidity, and all the curveballs Tennessee weather throws your way? Let’s chat. I’d love to help capture your wedding day — come rain or shine.
