What to Do If It Rains on Your Emerald Coast Wedding Day

When planning a wedding on the Emerald Coast, most couples dream of sunny skies and a perfect beach backdrop. However, Mother Nature can be unpredictable, and sometimes rain or wind might make an appearance. While most couples want to avoid rain at all costs, the key to navigating a rainy wedding day is preparation. At Emerald Coast Marriage, we have best practices to help you make the most of your wedding day, no matter what the weather brings.

Emerald Coast Marriage Best Practices for Dealing with Rain on Your Beach Wedding Day

1. Rescheduling in Case of Rain One of the most common questions we receive is whether it’s possible to reschedule if it’s raining on the big day. While rescheduling a wedding can be difficult due to time constraints and vendor availability, we always ensure that our couples have plan B options to consider. If rain looks like it will make an outdoor ceremony impossible, we may have the opportunity to switch to an indoor space, but typically, couples choose to move the ceremony to the next day or another time during their stay in the area. Sunrise ceremonies the next day can be a great backup plan as well. 

2. Covered Structures as a Backup Another frequently asked question is whether we have covered structures available in case of rain. The answer is yes! While not every venue will have a built-in covered option, there are venues along the Emerald Coast that can provide a covered structure or indoor ceremony space. Some vendors also offer tent or canopy rentals as an add-on option, though it’s typically priced higher. We’re always happy to help you explore these alternatives so that you can stay dry and comfortable on your big day.

3. Planning for Multiple Rainy Days What if you’re in town for multiple days and the forecast calls for rain during your entire stay? This is a common concern. If the weather looks gloomy for several days, we suggest preparing ahead of time by considering indoor venues or booking a contingency date for a ceremony reschedule. Our team is experienced in quickly pivoting plans to ensure you still get the dream wedding photos you envisioned. In most cases, we can schedule a photo session the next day when the weather clears, so you get the beach wedding photos without worrying about the rain.

4. Windy Days: How to Dress and Manage Hair Wind is another factor that can affect your wedding day on the beach. Many brides ask how they should dress for wind and how to style their hair. First, we recommend wearing a dress with less flowy fabric that won’t get caught in the breeze. Consider a shorter train or even a tea-length dress to avoid any hassle. For hair: If it’s windy, loose waves or an updo are great options. Many brides opt for a style that’s more structured, like a braided crown or a low bun, to keep their hair in place and still look stunning in the photos.

5. Embrace the Rain for Photos (But Only If You’re Open to It!) While most couples dread the thought of rain on their wedding day, we always advise embracing it when the situation allows for a few moments of light rain. However, we understand that the majority of couples prefer to avoid rain entirely, and that’s why we make sure our couples have a plan in place. In the rare event that rain interferes with your ceremony, our lead planner, Lindsey, is happy to work with couples to reschedule the ceremony for a quick photo session the following day. This way, you still get the stunning beach wedding photos you’ve dreamed of, with a dry and relaxed experience.

Final Thoughts on Your Emerald Coast Wedding in the Rain

We get it. No one wants rain on their wedding day, especially for a beach ceremony. But by following these best practices, you’ll be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws your way. Whether you need to reschedule your ceremony or find a covered structure, Emerald Coast Marriage is here to ensure that your wedding day is nothing short of perfect. And remember, if it does rain, you’re not alone – we’ll make sure you have options and still get those gorgeous photos you’ve been dreaming of!