Inspiration for a Rainy Day Elopement

You can’t go wrong with a Rainy Day Elopement! Honestly, I don’t blame you for preferring the moody vibes over all else!

If Twilight and dancing in puddles are some of your favorite things, and you want to incorporate those vibes into your wedding day, then keep reading!

SEVEN TIPS FOR A MEMORABLE RAINY DAY ELOPEMENT

As an elopement photographer based in Shenandoah National Park, I am no stranger to rainy days. At first, they stressed me out. However, as I became more familiar with the magic they produce, I have learned to love them more than anything.

When my couples hear that rain is present on the forecast, I always do my best to calm anxious thoughts. Did you know that rain on your elopement day is actually a sign of good luck?! The most important thing is to be prepared and focus on celebrating your love.

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ONE | YOU MIGHT NEED TO SWITCH UP
YOUR LOCATION

If you are planning on having your elopement on the peak with a mountain view, you may need to change things up! Having your wedding in the woods, or among enough rocks, will allow the fog to break. Not only that, but it will give you a romantic backdrop.

TWO | BRING PROPS TO ADD TO
THE AMBIANCE

Props, for any wedding, are always a good idea. Bringing them to add to the ambiance of a rainy day elopement can make moments so special. My favorite a lanterns. The way they match the mood of the weather makes for incredible photos.

THREE | EMBRACE THE WEATHER
THE BEST YOU CAN

No matter how hard you try, you cannot change the weather. Trust me, I have tried plenty of times. Do you know what you can change though? Your thoughts and feelings. Mindsets are hard to alter, but if you can manage to focus on your love, the rain and fog won’t be so bad.

FOUR | DITCH THE HEELS

I promise that there is nothing worse than experiencing your Rainy Day Elopement in heels or other shoes that aren’t meant for mud and water. If you are having your wedding in the forest, you may want to consider hiking boots!

FIVE | BRING UMBRELLAS

I know this one seems pretty obvious, but you would be surprised by how many people don’t even own an umbrella! I recommend going with clear ones. Not only do they look cool, but they are completely functional too! I like to believe that whoever created them made them purposely with Rainy Day Elopements in mind.

SIX | KNOW THAT YOUR ELOPEMENT ATTIRE
WILL GET DIRTY

Be prepared for your dress to pick up some extra “adventure.” Even on a dry day, your wedding dress will probably pick up an “elopement ombre.” However, it will happen 10-fold on a rainy day! If that doesn’t sit well with you, just think of it as proof that you really did go on an adventure on your wedding day.

SEVEN | KEEP A BACKUP LOCATION IN MIND

Having a backup location such as an Airbnb or a coffee shop can be a gamechanger if you don’t want to be in the rain the entire time.

Do you need a photographer to capture your Rainy Day Elopement? Let’s chat! I would love nothing more than to help you remember your day forever.

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See more Rainy Day Elopements
& Photo Shoots!

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March Sunrise Hiking Elopement Ceremony with Friends and Family in Shenandoah National Park

A beautiful short and sweet sunrise elopement in Shenandoah National Park on Stony Man Summit in March, with friends and family along for the hike and ceremony!

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Bethany and Devon | November Sunset Elopement on Stony Man Summit | Shenandoah National Park

One of our Short & Sweet elopement days -
in two hours we met up, hiked to an incredible view, Bethany changed into her beautiful white boots, and held onto her beautiful bouquet by Flourish Root. They held a ceremony where they exchanged their own vows, had a handfasting ceremony, and received the eucharist.

Afterwards, they shared champagne, bourbon, and apple cider donuts (from The Apple House!) while reading letters from their family and watching the sunset before hiking back down to our cars.

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Bethany and Devon traveled all the way from Oklahoma with their best friend, and pastor, Jonathan, so he could officiate their ceremony.

Because they traveled in to Virginia, they wanted to include specialties from the area. In the days leading up to their elopement they visited local distilleries and breweries, and for a picnic after their ceremony they had local Apple Cider Donuts.

From Bethany :

“Each moment was ours from the promises we each made to the handfasting to the letters from family to the apple cider donuts and bourbon/wine in celebration. I could probably write pages about this experience but instead I will just say this was my most favorite day to date!”

From Jonathan, their officiant :

“One of the most stunning, spectacular, moving weddings I’ve ever officiated. Obviously the setting—we hiked another 40 minutes after already driving into nowhere. There’s surely something to be said for a wedding that is only about the thing. Bride, groom, photographer, officiant. 1,000 colors at sunset, but only the primary colors of love, otherwise.

Bride & groom read their vows only to one another. Bride & groom cried. Officiant also cried. Shared some words that were just for them, the cows, & the Holy Ghost, if cows or Holy Ghost were paying attention—I couldn’t blame any of them for just enjoying the view; sermons are weightless up here.

Serving the Eucharist to them on top of the mountain is an experience I will never forget.”

Beautiful flowers by Flourish Root

Donuts from The Apple House