Since becoming a wedding photographer, one of the things I pray for the most is sunny skies. Not just on the day itself, but for the entire week leading up to it, I am having serious one on ones with the weather gods.
I know, I know, we don’t want to talk about the rain. We don’t want to jinx it. Maybe if we ignore it, it won’t happen, right? But the truth is, no matter how hard we pray, it’s really not up to us. The best we can do is be prepared so the day flows smoothly, no matter what the sky decides to do.
IT ISN'T AS DISASTROUS AS You Think
Trust me when I say this, it's really not as disastrous as it feels! The past five weddings I have shot were all blessed with a little (sometimes a lot) of rain. We moved ceremonies indoors, rearranged timelines, and for a split second, the mood felt a little heavy. After all, most couples have envisioned and planned for the picture-perfect ceremony, the dappled sunlight spilling through the trees, caught by the flowers on the arch swaying in the breeze, a scene that feels like it was plucked straight from a dream.
And then it rains.
But here’s the thing: when the rain falls, everything else fades into the background. Suddenly, it’s not about the perfect arch or the exact shade of flowers. It’s about you, your fiancé, and the people who’ve traveled far and wide to celebrate your love. It’s intimate. It’s raw. It’s beautiful in a way that sun-drenched perfection simply can’t capture.
Ayesha & Jalal embracing the rain at Markovina Vineyard Estate in Auckland, NZ.
Venues That Shine on Rainy Days
Venues like Kumeu Valley Estate and Markovina Vineyard Estate have gorgeous indoor ceremony spaces for rainy days. The warmth and coziness create a beautiful, ambient atmosphere, intimate, peaceful, and cinematic, turning the day into something truly surreal and magical in its own way. And if you're feeling adventurous, a rainy ceremony can be its own kind of fun.
Note: The rainiest months in New Zealand are from May to September, so it’s helpful to keep that in mind when planning your day.
Raindy day back up at Kumeu Valley Estate.
Know Your Boundaries
Before the day, I always ask my couples how comfortable they are with the rain. Would you go outside under a soft drizzle with an umbrella? Are you down to get your train a little muddy? Are you ready to go full The Notebook? Run through the puddles and kiss like there's no tomorrow? These are all important things to ask yourself before the wedding, knowing your boundaries will help with the flow of the day and it allows your photographer to document your story in the truest form. We are always prepared to get creative photos inside, but we are also ready to get completely drenched, so it all comes down to what you prefer and most importantly, what you're comfortable with.
Even on the wettest days, there will be pockets of sunshine, just enough time to grab some unforgettable, dreamy couples photos (thanks New Zealand weather), I've also noticed that some of the best sunsets are right after a day of rain. I do recommend bringing a pair of slides or slippers, your heels might not love the sludgy grass.
I carry a couple of clear umbrellas in the car at all times, and most venues will have some handy too, so you’re never unprepared. The smell of the dewey grass, the soft patter of rain on the roof, the wind rustling through the trees. It's truly, truly one of a kind.
It will be beautiful... rain or shine
So yes, the rain might alter the plan a little. But it can also transform your day into something so intimate, so unforgettable and so profoundly yours. It’s messy, it’s real, it’s laughter and closeness and short glances under the umbrella. It’s hearing dad’s speech and seeing everyone wipe away tears. It's all of your favourite people in the world in one place and it's love in so many different shapes and forms. And in the end, when you look back on your day, it won't be the rain you remember the most, it'll be everything else.
