What Happens If It Rains on Your Wedding Day?


Nobody dreams of rain on their wedding day, but let’s be real, Montreal weather can be unpredictable. Whether you’re planning a spring wedding and get surprised with a moody April shower or a summer celebration that gets an unexpected downpour, the key is to be prepared. Rain doesn’t have to ruin your day. In fact, some of the most romantic, cinematic wedding photos happen in the rain. Here’s how to handle it like a pro. At the end of this blog, you will find a curated selection of some of my all-time favourite rainy wedding day photos!


1. Have a Backup Plan for Your Montreal Wedding (and Love It, Just in Case!)

  • If you're having an outdoor ceremony, make sure your venue has an indoor option or a tent available. And not just any tent. Make sure you have one with clear sides and proper flooring so you’re not dealing with mud.
  • Many of the best Montreal wedding venues have beautiful indoor spaces, so ask your venue about their rain contingency plan.
  • Talk to your planner (or venue coordinator) about a solid rain plan in advance. That way, if the forecast turns, it’s a quick pivot instead of a last-minute panic.
  • If you're doing portraits outdoors, scout covered locations ahead of time, think Montreal’s historic architecture, greenhouses, hotel lobbies, or areas with beautiful archways.

2. Purchase Clear Umbrellas for You and Your Guests (the most important point!!)

  • Investing in clear umbrellas isn’t just for you and your partner, having enough for your wedding party and even a few extras for guests can be a game changer.
  • If rain is in the forecast, you can still have an outdoor ceremony without everyone getting soaked. Matching clear umbrellas will keep the aesthetic clean and cohesive in photos.
  • They also allow you to fully embrace the rain for portraits while keeping everyone comfortable and dry.
  • Plus, if the rain stops, they double as cute props for some fun wedding shots.

3. Embrace the Rain for Stunning Wedding Photos

  • A light drizzle? That’s magic for photos. Overcast skies create soft, flattering light, and a bit of mist can make everything look dreamy.
  • As a Montreal wedding photographer, I always recommend clear umbrellas. They look elegant in photos and keep you dry without blocking light.
  • If you’re down for it, running through the rain with your partner makes for not only really fun memories, but also great photos! Some of the best wedding moments happen when couples are able to let go and fully embrace whatever the day throws at them!
  • Bonus: Rain can make colours pop in wedding photos, think rich greens, deep blues, and glowing Montreal city lights reflecting on wet streets.

4. Prepare for the Practical Stuff on Your Wedding Day

  • Have extra towels and a touch-up kit on hand- blotting papers, powder, and waterproof mascara are your best friends.
  • Stash some comfy shoes for outdoor portraits. Wet grass and high heels aren’t a great mix.
  • Plan for transportation logistics. If it’s pouring, having a few extra umbrellas and a plan for keeping dresses dry while getting in and out of cars is key.
  • If you're booking a Montreal wedding photographer, make sure they have experience shooting in different weather conditions and can guide you through rain-friendly poses and locations.

5. The Silver Lining: Good Luck & A Cozy Vibe

There’s a reason people say rain on your wedding day is good luck, it symbolizes cleansing, renewal, and a fresh start. Plus, rainy days have a cozy, intimate feel. Imagine candlelit receptions at one of Montreal’s best wedding venues, all of your favourite people, and the sound of rain softly hitting the windows. Not so bad, right?


And here’s a secret: post-rain sunsets are some of the best for wedding photos. The clouds break, the sky turns into a dramatic mix of pinks, oranges, and purples, and the light is absolute magic. If you get a rain shower earlier in the day, be ready for an epic golden hour!


At the end of the day, weather is one of the few things you can’t control, but you can control how you handle it. A little preparation and the right mindset will ensure you still have a gorgeous, unforgettable wedding; rain or shine. If you're looking for a Montreal wedding photographer who knows how to capture the magic of a rainy wedding day, I’d love to chat!