Advice for Rainy Wedding Days in Scotland – turn rain into romance

It’s natural to feel a little apprehensive about rain on your wedding day, but let me introduce you to an idea that might surprise you: rain in Scotland can add a magical touch to your special day.

In fact, many of my clients secretly wish for a bit of drizzle rather than clear, sunny skies. Why? Because rainy wedding photos have a romantic, dramatic and cinematic character that sunny ones just can’t match.

Although rain on your wedding day might sound like every couple’s nightmare – here in Scotland, rain isn’t just a very likely possibility; it’s a charming part of the experience. Instead of worrying about drizzle or downpours, let’s flip the narrative: rain can elevate your day, making it more extraordinary.

In fact, Scots believe that rain on your wedding day brings good luck, symbolising blessings, cleansing, and unity as you begin your new life together. And if anyone knows rain, it’s people living in Scotland – we have dozens of words to describe it, from smirr (a fine, drizzly rain) to drookit (drenched) to haar (misty rain).

So don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Here’s why embracing a rainy wedding day is one of the best decisions you can make.

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes”

Scottish comedian Billy Connolly once said, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes, so get yourself a sexy raincoat and live a little.”

This wisdom perfectly captures the Scottish spirit and my approach to rainy wedding days.

Rain creates an atmosphere that’s utterly unique. Think of the haunting beauty of scenes from Outlander or Harry Potter. For example, during the filming of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Glencoe, it rained for five straight weeks while they shot scenes around Hagrid’s hut in the stunning Scottish Highlands. The rain added an unparalleled, moody aesthetic to the film – one that could add a similar dramatic yet romantic touch to your wedding photos.

Now, imagine that same dramatic beauty, but with you and your partner as the joyful, romantic stars at the centre of the scene. The result? Photos that look like they’re straight out of your favourite films.

Just think of some of the most iconic romantic scenes in film and television: the passionate kiss between Noah and Allie in The Notebook in a downpour, or the unforgettable upside-down kiss between Peter Parker and Mary Jane in Spider-Man. There’s the intense, heartfelt kiss between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, or the iconic kiss between Miranda and Steve in Sex and the City, where the rain-soaked moment marks a beautiful reconciliation.

Why are rainy weddings so special

Some of the most cherished wedding photos I’ve taken are in the rain. Whether it’s the sparkle of raindrops in your hair, the way the landscape glows after a downpour, or the joy of your guests celebrating under umbrellas.

Rain naturally enhances the mood and intimacy of a moment. The soft drizzle on a tartan shawl, raindrops clinging to your bouquet, or your partner holding an umbrella over you as you exchange glances.

Just like in the big screen stories, a rainy wedding day in Scotland will feel cosy and intimate, with the weather adding layers of drama, romance, and joy to every moment. The diffused light created by overcast skies softens shadows and makes colours pop, lending a dreamy, ethereal quality to every shot – which is every wedding photographer’s dream. Very Harry-Potter vibes!

Rain also enhances photography in ways you might not expect:

• Soft lighting: overcast skies create diffused, flattering light that eliminates harsh shadows and brings out the deep, rich tones of your surroundings. None of that overexposed, washed out sunny shenanigans.
• Dramatic backdrops: Stormy clouds add drama to photos, while rain-slicked surfaces like cobblestones or castle courtyards create natural reflections for artistic shots.
• Unique moments: A quick kiss under an umbrella or laughter as you navigate a puddle together adds authenticity to the story – and creates an opportunity for your photographer to capture more candid moments – when you’re simply reacting to your surroundings.

Tips for making the most of a rainy wedding

To ensure your day is as perfect as possible—rain or shine—here are some practical tips to embrace the weather:

• Invest in beautiful umbrellas: Nice-looking umbrellas are a fantastic choice as they keep you dry while letting the scenery and your outfits shine in photos. And if you love the idea of using clear ones, I’ll bring them with you so you don’t have to!
• Bring cosy Accessories: A tartan shawl or wrap not only keeps you warm but also adds a touch of classic Scottish style to your wedding look.
• Plan for practical footwear: Consider packing a pair of stylish boots for any outdoor photos – your dress will still look stunning, and your feet will stay comfortable. Doc Martens, hiking or rubber boots paired with a wedding dress – that’s the bridal style I love!
• Choose flexible venues: Opt for venues that offer stunning indoor and outdoor spaces, giving you flexibility to bring your ceremony indoors if the rain decides to join your celebration.

What if I love the idea of rain, but my wedding guests don’t?

If you adore the idea of rain adding its unique, dreary charm to your wedding day but worry that your guests might not share your enthusiasm, it’s all about preparation and thoughtful planning.

Firstly, consider choosing a venue that offers the best of both worlds: stunning indoor and outdoor spaces. This way, you’ll have the flexibility to decide where to hold your ceremony if the rain decides to join your celebration. Your guests can stay warm and dry while still soaking in the magic of your day.

After the ceremony and a couple of cocktails, let’s embrace the elements together – just you and your partner – for an outdoor adventure, rain or shine.

Offer rainy-day advice to your guests

To ensure your guests stay comfortable, advise them on weather-appropriate attire. For example, high heels aren’t ideal for a winter celebration in the Highlands, where soft grass and uneven terrain might prove challenging. If your venue is somewhere as majestic (and muddy!) as the Kilchurn Castle viewpoint, suggest they bring stylish rubber boots – or simply something comfy but waterproof. And layers are key – better to be too warm than too cold. Guests can always remove heavy coats before the celebrations begin, ensuring both comfort and style throughout the day. Thoughtful preparation will help your loved ones share in the joy of your day, no matter what the weather brings.

Real wedding stories: embracing the rain

Some of my most memorable weddings are those where couples fully embraced the rain, proving that a little weather can make your day even more special.

Take Chris and Radka, for example – they got married in September at the breathtaking Three Sisters Viewpoint in Glencoe during a wild downpour, surrounded by their parents. Neither the newlyweds or their guests were bothered about getting drenched! Instead of letting the rain dampen their spirits, they leaned into the moment, laughing and dancing their way through the ceremony having a crazy amount of fun and incredible memories. Since we did indeed get drenched, after the ceremony we headed to their cosy cottage to get dry, have lunch, sit by the fireplace to then head back outside to continue their rainy wedding adventures.

Then there’s Karenza and Cody, who tied the knot in the summer at one of my favourite venues in Edinburgh, the New Library at the Royal College of Physicians. The rain never stopped, but their wedding photos couldn’t have been more romantic. The constant drizzle meant the streets of Edinburgh were way quieter, giving their city shots a magical, intimate atmosphere.

Finally, Nikki and Ritchie exchanged vows in Glencoe last summer on a cold, rainy, and windy day. The mist surrounding mountain peeks and rain made the green highlands colours pop beautifully.

These wonderful couples are proof that rain doesn’t just add to the story – it makes it unforgettable.

The unpredictable weather in Scotland

Scotland’s weather is famously unpredictable, and that’s part of its charm! First of all, resist the temptation to anxiously check the forecast weeks or months before your big day. Even the Meteorological Office struggles to predict the weather more than a few days in advance, so obsessively checking it far in advance will only lead to unnecessary worry.

If you do want to check closer to the date, avoid using Google or Apple weather apps – these are notoriously unreliable. Instead, I recommend two trusted sources: the Met Office for central Scotland, including Edinburgh and Glasgow, and XC Weather for the Highlands, covering areas like Glencoe, Cairngorms National Park, and the Isle of Skye.

What do we do in case of torrential rain or a weather warning?

While rain adds romance and drama, Scotland can occasionally experience extreme weather like torrential rain, storms, or heavy snowfall. If there’s a weather warning in place, my priority is always safety – yours, your guests’, and your suppliers’.

Weather warnings in the UK are colour-coded: yellow for less severe weather, amber for potentially disruptive conditions, and red for dangerous, life-threatening weather.

In case of dangerous storms or road closures, we’ll work together on a Plan B. This could mean relocating your ceremony to a more sheltered spot, adjusting the timeline to wait for better conditions, or changing photo locations. In the worst-case scenario, we can explore rescheduling your elopement – either bringing it forward, moving it to the next day, or splitting the event into two parts (e.g., a short ceremony in wild weather and a photoshoot before or after the wedding day itself).

That said, this is not something to stress about! Since I started photographing weddings in Scotland 7 years ago, I’ve never had to recommend rescheduling. This is purely a contingency plan so you can relax, knowing we’re prepared for any scenario. Whatever the weather, we’ll create something unforgettable! So chin up – we’ve got this!

Recap: embracing ever-changing weather on your wedding day

Rain on your wedding day in Scotland isn’t a setback – it’s part of the magic. With a little preparation, like choosing versatile venues and advising your guests on weather-friendly attire, you can ensure everyone stays comfortable while creating unforgettable memories in the land of majestic medieval castles, rolling hills and inspiring stories.

As a photographer who thrives in Scotland’s dramatic conditions, I’ll be here to capture every stunning detail.

Curious to see how other couples embraced Scotland’s unpredictable weather? Head over to my blog to explore real wedding stories and inspiration. If you’re ready to turn Scotland’s rain into the backdrop of your story, get in touch – I’d be honoured to be part of your adventure!