While you’re probably not hoping for rain on your wedding day, I’m here to tell you that it’s not actually the end of the world as you may be thinking! Even if you are planning an outdoor summer wedding. Weather in New England can often be unpredictable no matter the season, so it’s important to plan ahead for possible rain on your outdoor wedding. We are so lucky to have so much gorgeous scenery around making for idyllic wedding settings, but you will feel so much better going into your wedding day if you have a rain plan in place. 

So here are my four best tips.     


 How to Plan for Rain on Your Outdoor Wedding in NH



Tip 1 - Talk with your venue! 


Wedding venues in New Hampshire are going to be very accustomed to planning for inclement weather, so depending on where you are getting married, your venue coordinator most likely already has a few ideas for you for a rain plan! I recommend talking with them to see what they typically do when it rains during a wedding that was planned to be outdoors. They will likely have an indoor option for both your ceremony and your reception, so be sure to have that conversation with them so you’re both on the same page. 


If you are getting married somewhere less traditional (such as a backyard wedding), I highly recommend getting a tent! Since you are planning everything pretty far out in advance, you won’t have an accurate forecast until it’s much closer, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry. There are lots of tent rental companies in New England that are great to work with! 

Rain on outdoor wedding NH backup plan tips Robin Easler Photography
Rain on outdoor wedding ceremony in NH backup plan tips Robin Easler Photography
Rain on outdoor wedding in NH backup plan tips Robin Easler Photography

Tip 2 - Watch the weather once it starts getting close 


Once you have your rain plan in place, it won’t be until much closer to your actual wedding day that you’ll make the final call. So watch the weather the week leading up to your event, and stay in contact with your vendor team to be sure everyone is aware of the plan! Depending on your venue, you may even be able to make the call to move indoors at the last minute, so don’t stress too much about it ahead of time.

Planning for rain on outdoor wedding in NH
NH wedding rainy outdoor ceremony
Rain on outdoor wedding ceremony NH Robin Easler Photography

Tip 3 - Secure some umbrellas ahead of time 


Again, talk with your venue, because chances are they may have some umbrellas on hand for a rainy event! You could have some available for guests if it does start to sprinkle during your outdoor ceremony, and definitely be sure to grab one for photos. The clear, bubble-style umbrellas actually make for really cute and romantic photos, so definitely pick up one of those ahead of time! You can find them pretty easily online and even in some stores like Walmart. 

Tips for rain on your outdoor wedding in NH Robin Easler Photography
NH couple at their rainy wedding Robin Easler Photography

Tip 4 - Finally, embrace the rain if it does happen. 


There’s the superstition that it’s good luck, and you will also wind up with super interesting and stunning photos if it does rain, so try to enjoy it! At the end of the day, you will be having a blast no matter what, so don’t let the weather worry you too much during your planning process. 


New Hampshire Wedding Photographer 


As your photographer, I will definitely be there throughout your planning process, so you can always bounce ideas off of me when it comes to things like coming up with a rain plan! I love hearing about all of your dreams and ideas for your day. 


If you are still searching for your perfect New Hampshire photographer, I would love to hear from you! Reach out to me through my contact form, and I will be in touch to get to know you a little more 😊

This couple decided on moving forward with their outdoor ceremony and moved their reception

inside their family barn. I especially love their ceremony and portrait photos:

NH wedding bridesmaids dresses photo
NH outdoor wedding ceremony in the rain
Outdoor wedding ceremony in the rain in NH
Groom and groomsmen at outdoor NH rainy wedding ceremony
Groom and his dog at NH wedding ceremony
Bride walking down the aisle at her NH rainy wedding ceremony
NH wedding ceremony in the mountains
NH backyard wedding ceremony
Bride and groom portraits in the rain in NH
Bride and groom portraits in the rain at their rainy NH wedding
Rainy NH wedding portrait
Bride and groom and their dog at their wedding
NH backyard wedding reception at family barn
NH backyard wedding by Robin Easler Photography
Sparkler exit at NH backyard wedding Robin Easler Photography

This couple's venue had an option for an indoor ceremony in an old barn. The couple was originally

going to get married outside with an arbor and mountain view. These rainy portraits are some of my favorites!