Windswept

Mar 3

How to Handle Unexpected Weather on a Wedding Days (And Still Capture Stunning Photos!)

Weddings are planned down to the tiniest detail—florals, seating charts, first dance songs—but there’s one thing no couple (or photographer) can control: the weather. And honestly? That unpredictability can lead to some of the most magical moments.

Take Drew and Ashley’s wedding day, for example. It started with dreamy blue skies and sunshine, but before we knew it, a cold front rolled in, bringing gusty winds and a serious chill. As a photographer, I had two choices: stress out, or embrace the challenge and create something incredible. (Spoiler alert: I went with option two!)

So, if you're a fellow wedding photographer—or a couple wondering how weather might affect your big day—here’s how to roll with Mother Nature’s surprises and still capture unforgettable images.

Bride sitting on rim of bathtub at The Springs Valley View wedding venue

1. Get Familiar with the Venue

Scouting the venue before the wedding isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. I always look for:

Indoor spaces with beautiful natural light
Sheltered outdoor areas for backup portrait spots
Locations that might work in different weather conditions

Because let’s be real: being prepared = fewer last-minute scrambles and more time focusing on what matters—capturing the love story unfolding in front of you.

newly married couple at wedding outdoors Texas wind blowing veil

2. Embrace Wind as a Creative Element

Wind can be your best friend or your worst enemy, depending on how you use it. During Drew and Ashley’s ceremony, the breeze sent Ashley’s veil dancing in the air, and instead of fighting it, I leaned in. The result? Epic, romantic, and totally unposed moments.

Hot tip: If wind picks up, go for movement shots—flowing dresses, hair catching in the breeze, the groom wrapping his arms around the bride to keep her warm. These are the photos that feel the most alive.

3. Master the Lighting, No Matter the Forecast

Lighting is everything in photography, and different weather calls for different approaches:
☀️ Full sun? Position your couple in open shade or use backlighting to avoid harsh shadows.
🌤️ Cloudy? Lucky you! The soft, even light is a dream for romantic, flattering portraits.
🌇 Golden hour? Always, always take advantage of that warm, glowy magic before sunset.

And if you’re caught in unpredictable lighting shifts? Stay flexible, adjust settings quickly, and embrace the mood. Some of my favorite photos have come from those “let’s make this work” moments.

4. Adapt Quickly and Keep the Mood Positive

Weddings move fast, and when weather throws a curveball, your ability to stay calm and adaptable is everything. Maybe that means shifting locations, adjusting the timeline, or finding a creative workaround on the fly.

One thing I always do? Communicate with the couple. Let them know the plan, keep the energy positive, and remind them that rain, wind, or shine—their love story is still the star of the show.

5. Capture the Authentic, Unscripted Moments

At the end of the day, wedding photography isn’t about perfect conditions—it’s about authentic moments. And unexpected weather can actually make for some really fun moments you wouldn’t normally get—the guests huddling together and laughing as they brace against the wind, the couple giggling as they run for cover from a surprise drizzle, the way they hold each other just a little tighter when it gets chilly.

Drew and Ashley’s wedding may not have had “ideal” weather, but their day was full of spontaneity, laughter, and love—and that’s what made their photos real and unforgettable.

Couple dancing at wedding reception soft lighting black and white

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Unexpected

So, whether you’re a photographer or a couple planning your wedding, here’s my best advice: Go with the flow, embrace the elements, and trust that the unexpected can lead to some of the most beautiful, story-driven images of all.

Because at the end of the day? The best photos aren’t about the weather—they’re about the love.

Thinking of booking a photographer who thrives in any condition? Let’s chat!