If you’re dreaming of cinematic wedding photography that captures not just how your day looked, but how it felt, I’d love to connect. Whether your venue is tucked into the hills of South Carolina or a historic Charleston estate, I specialize in intentional, true-to-color documentary wedding photography that tells your story with heart.
📍Based in Charleston, SC — serving weddings throughout South Carolina & destination weddings beyond.
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How to Deal with Rain on Your Wedding Day
Always Make a Plan B…
TL;DR, Worried about rain on your Charleston wedding day? Don’t panic. A thoughtful Plan B can be just as magical as your original vision - and even if the skies surprise you, your vendor team (especially your photographer!) can help you pivot with style.
Are you crashing out, refreshing the weather app more times than you’d like to admit - each new forecast sending your heart racing at the sight of that stubborn rain percentage sign? If that’s you, take a breath… you’re exactly where you need to be.
They say a wet knot is harder to untie, and there’s a specific kind of beauty in the unexpected. Raindrops on a wedding veil, the scent of petrichor rising from cobblestone streets, and the intimacy of ducking under a shared umbrella with your partner are all moments you might not have prayed for but will forever cherish.
You might find yourself questioning the universe - wondering how, out of all the days, this one brought the clouds. However, as a Charleston-based destination wedding photographer who has captured everything from golden-hour vows in Massachusetts to rain-drenched ceremonies in the rolling hills of South Carolina, I’ve learned something essential: rain doesn’t unravel the magic - it reshapes it into something moody, intimate, and unforgettable.
Here’s how to plan for it and even embrace it.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Get Married in Charleston?
…if you still have time for a Plan B (if not, keep reading, I’ve got you!!).
Bad weather does happen. The earlier you can begin thinking about your Plan B, the more peace of mind you’ll carry into your wedding week. Whether you’re dreaming of a garden ceremony or a beachfront “I do,” ensure your rain plan feels just as intentional and exciting as your original vision. This way, you are comfortable with any forecast that may come your way.
Weather can change on a dime (especially in coastal South Carolina), so many times you won’t know until the morning of your wedding what the rest of the day is going to look like. As someone who is in the bridal suite multiple times a month, you do not want to be figuring out how to deal with bad weather while you get your hair and makeup done.
Swap outdoor seating for a tented pavilion strung with bistro lights. Opt for indoor lounge spaces with velvet sofas and signature cocktails. If you have the time and resources to plan for it, let your Plan B feel like a curated experience - not a consolation prize.
Charleston is beloved for its romantic coastal charm, but its subtropical climate means timing matters - especially if you’re hoping to avoid a rainy-day scenario. The best months to get married in Charleston tend to be April, May, and October, when the weather is milder, the skies are clearer, and humidity is low.
Spring in Charleston brings blooming jasmine, pastel sunsets, and a warm-but-breezy atmosphere perfect for outdoor celebrations. Fall, particularly October, offers that golden Lowcountry light with far less chance of tropical storms. Summers, while stunning, can be sweltering - and June through September mark peak hurricane season. Winter weddings here have their own quiet beauty, but keep in mind that temperatures can dip unexpectedly.
If you’re early in the planning process, seasonality should be one of your first considerations. If you’ve already booked your date, keep reading - we’ve got you covered.
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Charleston’s charm is matched only by its unpredictable weather patterns. While spring and fall are the most popular times to get married here, the driest months tend to be April, May, and October - when humidity drops and skies are clearer.
That said, weather is never guaranteed. Even in ideal months, rain is possible.
How to Make a Plan B
Even a small shift in perspective can transform the day. While consulting your wedding planner or coordinator is necessary for the larger decisions, here’s how I guide my couples through rain plans:
Think about the boring logistics. Will you need to move the ceremony indoors? Rent a tent? Have backup transportation or ponchos for guests? They’re not the most fun questions to think about, but planning for these elements in advance gives you flexibility without panic.
Read your vendor’s contracts and ask the scary questions. Do your vendors have a clear rain plan? In my contracts, I specify what the next steps are for dealing with weather, whether it is a light drizzle or a state of emergency. Ensuring all of your vendors are prepared as much as you are for any crazy weather will ensure peace of mind.
Think about slightly altering your timeline. We’ll chase light breaks, use reflections, and find covered gems around Charleston’s historic architecture.
Embrace the rain. Fun accessories like clear umbrellas, moody skies, and stolen moments under shelter all make for cinematic, editorial images. Consider wardrobe add-ons like a bridal cape, cozy shawl, or a curated collection of clear umbrellas (I always bring a few just in case).
Plan for the Best Time of Year to Avoid Rain in Charleston
If It’s Too Late for Plan B
Talk to Your Vendors
Start by reaching out to your core vendors, especially your Charleston wedding photographer, planner, and venue coordinator. These are the pros who can help you pivot gracefully.
- Photographers (like me!) will likely have scouted alternate photo spots, both indoor and covered outdoor, that retain that signature Charleston charm. Think: historic porches, greenhouse interiors, moody hallways lit by windowlight.
- Planners and coordinators can help reroute logistics quickly—whether that’s moving the ceremony indoors, adjusting the timeline, or rethinking guest flow.
- Florists and rental teams may have quick-turn solutions like tenting or waterproof decor fixes on hand, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Most importantly: stay open, stay calm, and lean into the unexpected. Rain might not have been part of your Pinterest board, but it could end up being the detail that makes your day feel all the more cinematic and personal.
How I Plan for and Handle Rain as a Charleston Wedding Photographer
- Specialized waterproof gear for cameras and lenses
- Aesthetically pleasing rain gear for my brides like clear umbrellas and white rain jackets for moving to and from locations.
- Backup lighting options for darker interiors or cloudy conditions
- A flexible, calm approach to reworking our timeline in real-time
Rain teaches us to slow down and savor. Some of my most unforgettable galleries were shot under grey skies, golden puddles, and candlelit porches.
What to Do If There’s Severe Weather (Like a Hurricane or Tornado)
- Review your contracts. Many vendors (myself included) outline rescheduling policies and rain contingencies.
- Communicate with your vendor team early. Don’t wait until the last minute to confirm rain or emergency plans.
- Consider wedding insurance that covers weather-related cancellations or postponements.
Stay flexible - and kind to yourself. Love stories aren’t fragile. They bend, they adapt, they evolve. And so will your day.
Key Takeaways: What to Do If It Rains on Your Wedding Day
- Rain doesn’t ruin your wedding - it reshapes it. Some of the most intimate, editorial moments happen under grey skies and umbrella silhouettes.
- Always make a Plan B if you can. The earlier you plan, the more confidently you can pivot without stress.
- Your Plan B should feel just as magical as your Plan A. Think velvet lounges, twinkle-lit tents, and clear umbrellas that make every photo look like a still from a romantic film.
- In Charleston, aim for April, May, or October. These are the driest and most wedding-friendly months.
- If it’s too late for a full Plan B, rely on your vendors. Your photographer, planner, and venue team are your secret weapons for last-minute solutions.
- Read your contracts ahead of time. Look for weather contingency clauses and rescheduling policies—especially during hurricane season.
As your Charleston wedding photographer, I come prepared. From waterproof gear and clear umbrellas to timeline flexibility and calm energy—I’ve got you covered.
Embrace the unexpected. Rain can be the thing that slows you down just enough to savor what matters most: the moment you marry your person.
