Lately, Georgia has seen monsoons come and go with the kind of intensity that makes you double-check your weather app twice before leaving the house. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, you’ve likely felt that extra twinge of anxiety wondering, what if we end up having a rainy wedding day?
Let me tell you—my own wedding might still hold the record for the rainiest wedding day ever. It poured. Cats and Dogs. All. Day. Long. In all honesty, was I bummed? Abso-freaking-lutely! But here’s the thing: I came prepared with a solid backup plan, and it truly salvaged the day. I’m proof that with the right rainy wedding day backup plans in place, you can still have the wedding you’ve always dreamed of—just with a little extra sparkle from the raindrops.
Stay Ahead of a Rainy Wedding Day With a Weather-Responsive Mindset
You don’t need to obsess over forecasts months out, but staying informed and flexible is key. Track the extended forecast in the two weeks leading up to your wedding day and check it daily during the final week. This allows you to pivot early and communicate with vendors, guests, and your wedding party well in advance if adjustments are needed.
Make sure your planner or coordinator has a clear rain plan in place, and is made well aware of your preferences in all possible scenarios. Many venues have an indoor or covered option, but if they don’t, you’ll need to take the lead on creating one.
Choose Venues With Built-In Backup Options
One of the best rainy wedding day backup plans is booking a venue with indoor or covered ceremony One of the strongest rainy wedding day backup plans is selecting a venue with indoor or covered ceremony locations. From lush botanical conservatories to mountain barns, Georgia offers diverse venues that blend outdoor charm with reliable weather protection.
Atlanta
- Atlanta Botanical Garden – A lush urban oasis with outdoor lawns and a tropical conservatory that can comfortably accommodate ceremonies and receptions indoors
- Ashton Gardens (Walters Wedding Estates) – Includes a full indoor ceremony space with setup/teardown, inclement weather readiness, and elegant reception areas
- Swan House at Atlanta History Center – Beautiful gardens for outdoor vows, plus the Draper Room or Grand Overlook Ballroom as indoor backups
Savannah
- Plant Riverside District (JW Marriott) – Offers riverside outdoor ceremony spaces and spacious ballrooms for indoor back-up ceremonies or receptions
- Red Gate Farms – Features a scenic outdoor meadow, but also the Barn, Granary, and Belle Tower that transition smoothly indoors
- The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa – Climate-controlled indoor–outdoor event spaces with river views, ideal for seamless ceremony-to-reception flow
North Georgia
- Hadden Estate (Athens area) – A luxury estate with a 5,800 sq ft barn, lodge, and multiple indoor ceremony locations, all part of an all-season strategy
- White Oaks / Blue Mountain Vineyards – Mountain vineyard venues with Tuscan-style barns that serve as elegant indoor backups
- Blackberry Ridge – Offers a versatile Grand Hall that pivots from ceremony to reception in an indoor rustic–elegant setting
Tip: Always ask prospective venues: “What exactly is the rain plan, and how fast can you pivot indoors if the weather changes last minute?” That proactive clarity is exactly what separates a smooth backup plan from a stressful scramble.
Invest in a Tent Early—Not at the Last Minute
If your venue doesn’t offer a backup indoor option, a rented tent is your best friend. But don’t wait until the week of to secure one—especially in peak wedding season.
Opt for a high-quality, clear-top tent to keep the ambiance of being outside while staying dry. Or a luxurious sailcloth tent for a softer, more romantic look without sacrificing the breezy air! Add string lights, draping, greenery, or chandeliers for added romance, and be sure to consider side panels in case the rain blows sideways.
The following vendors offer tent rentals in and around the Atlanta region:
Keep Guests Dry and Comfortable, Even on a Rainy Wedding Day
Thoughtful touches go a long way when it rains. Provide:
- Cute clear umbrellas for guests (and the wedding party)
- Towels or hand-warmers if it’s chilly
- A designated “dry zone” for mingling and cocktail hour
Having ushers or signage directing guests from parking areas to covered spaces is also key when the ground is slick or muddy.
Embrace the Whimsy of Rainy Wedding Day Photos & Portraits
Rainy wedding day backup plans should definitely include your photography! As a photographer, I promise—some of the most romantic, cinematic images are taken on rainy days. The way light diffuses through clouds and the intimacy of huddling under an umbrella? Pure magic. And nighttime rainy portraits, with a little flash to light up the droplets?? It’s like the sky is filled with sparkling crystals.
Bring backup shoes (think boots or durable flats), and don’t be afraid to get a little damp. We’ll work around the weather to capture the magic, and your photos will tell the story of a couple who embraced whatever the day brought, fully in love come what may.
Be Ready to Pivot Your Timeline in Case the Radar Threatens Your Outdoor Ceremony
A shift in weather might mean shifting your timeline, too. Building a buffer into your day means we might rush outside to take portraits while the sun is out; or we may need to delay your ceremony a few minutes to wait out the final spurt of rain. Communicate with vendors so everyone’s on the same page. Having a little wiggle room lets you stay calm and go with the flow if the rain passes quickly—or lingers longer than expected.
Your planner or day-of coordinator should be the point person for making those calls and communicating any changes to guests. The only thing you should focus on that day is staying present and remembering why you’re getting married in the first place. 🙂
Keep Your Wedding Day Style Rain-Ready
From hair and makeup to attire & decor, a little prep goes a long way. Talk to your glam squad about weather-proof options (hello, anti-frizz spray and waterproof mascara). If your gown has a long train, consider asking your seamstress to add a loop on the inner layer to help you hold it up; or you might consider bustling it early as a backup look for portraits.
Bridal party outfits should also be practical—heels and puddles rarely mix, so encourage comfortable shoes or a change of rain boots for parts of the day.
Embrace the Unexpected
Rain can be inconvenient—but it can also be breathtaking. There’s something beautifully symbolic about starting your marriage with the reminder that even when things don’t go as planned, you can still create joy, beauty, and unforgettable memories.
Lean into the mood, let your people rally around you, and trust your photographer to capture it all in the most romantic light.
Your love story isn’t defined by perfect weather—it’s defined by how you show up for each other no matter what. And that starts on your wedding day.
If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony and want a photographer who thrives in every kind of weather (yes, even sideways Georgia rain!), let’s connect. Rain or shine, I’ll help you capture your wedding day exactly as it unfolds—with warmth, intention, and artistry.
Want to see some rainy wedding days I’ve captured? Check out the blog posts below:
