How to Have a Rain Plan for Your San Antonio Wedding Photos
If you’re planning a wedding in Texas, especially here in San Antonio, you’ve probably already heard someone say, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” We can confirm—it’s true. We’ve photographed weddings where the day started with blue skies, turned into a downpour by lunchtime, and then ended with a cotton candy sunset.
We’re Royce and Michelle, a wedding photography team based in the San Antonio area who’ve traveled all over for weddings across Texas (and neighboring states). We’ve seen every kind of weather thrown at a wedding day—sun, fog, wind, rain, hail, and some really cold temps, even for San Antonio.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: rain on your wedding day doesn’t have to ruin your photos. In fact, it can make them unforgettable. The key is having a rain plan—and we’re going to walk you through how to create one that keeps you relaxed, your guests happy, and your photos stunning.
Why You Need a Rain Plan in Texas
Unpredictable Weather Patterns
Texas weather has a mind of its own. In the spring and summer, it’s not unusual for a bright, sunny morning to turn into an afternoon thunderstorm. In the winter, you might get a chilly mist that hangs in the air all day. And in the fall? Well… you could get anything.
Because the weather changes quickly, it’s best to prepare for rain even if the forecast looks clear.
The Emotional Factor
We’ve seen how weather anxiety can weigh on couples—checking the forecast every hour, wondering if portraits will be ruined, or worrying about guests. Having a rain plan in place takes away that stress because you know exactly what will happen, no matter what the skies decide.
The Opportunity Factor
Rain creates an atmosphere that sunny days just can’t match. The light is soft and flattering, colors look richer, and raindrops add sparkle to every shot. One of our favorite rainy wedding moments was with Julianna & Alex at Gardens at West Green—the drizzle created a romantic, misty backdrop, and their portraits looked like something out of a countryside romance film.
Securing Weather-Friendly Photo Locations
Choose a Venue with Indoor Options
When you’re touring venues, look for spaces that are beautiful and covered. Grand lobbies, wraparound porches, chapels with plenty of natural light, or even modern pavilions can become perfect photo spots.
Some of our San Antonio favorites:
McNay Art Museum – Their covered arches and courtyards make rainy-day portraits look timeless.
The 1850 Settlement – Rustic charm, covered porches, and Hill Country character create beautiful rainy-day photo options.
The Veranda – Gorgeous verandas (hence the name) that keep everyone dry while still feeling outdoorsy.
Have Nearby Backup Spots
If your ceremony or reception venue doesn’t have much covered space, think about backup locations nearby. A historic building, a conservatory, or even a cozy coffeehouse can work wonders. Once, we had a couple completely change plans due to 100% rain being forecasted. It stormed, but everyone stayed dry, and our photos with the couple — those ended up being some of the couple’s favorite photos, and ours too.
Schedule a Pre-Wedding Venue Walkthrough
A month before your wedding, we recommend doing a venue walkthrough with your photographer. This way, we can scout spots that are beautiful and rain-friendly, so we’re not scrambling the day of.
Gear & Styling for Rainy Day Photos
Clear Umbrellas Are Your New Best Friend
Opt for some inexpensive clear umbrellas. They photograph beautifully because they let light through and don’t hide your faces. We’ve had couples twirl, kiss, and even run through puddles with them—it’s pure magic.
Waterproof Makeup & Hair Tips
Your hair and makeup team can do a lot to rain-proof your look. Ask your stylist about humidity-resistant products and water-resistant setting sprays. We love working with San Antonio HMUAs who know how to make a style last through both drizzle and 100% humidity.
Footwear Hacks
Bring a pair of boots, flats, or slip-ons for walking between photo spots. You can slip back into your wedding shoes for the actual portraits, keeping them clean and dry. At one wedding, our bride wore glittery sneakers under her gown while moving between locations—it was practical and adorable.
Adjusting Your Photo Timeline
Buffer Time for Weather Delays
If the forecast shows rain, we’ll build in an extra 15–20 minutes for moving between locations or waiting out short showers.
Swapping Outdoor Moments
Sometimes, we’ll move couple portraits to before the ceremony or even after the reception if the weather looks like it will clear. This flexibility can make all the difference.
Golden Hour Alternatives
If clouds cover the sunset, we can still create dreamy, dramatic light with off-camera flash. One of our favorite moments happened under the pergola of a San Antonio venue—guests couldn’t believe the result.
Making the Most of the Mood
Reflections & Raindrops
Rain creates incredible reflections on sidewalks, patios, and streets. We’ll often look for puddles to use as natural mirrors—it adds a cinematic touch.
Soft Light Advantages
Overcast skies act like a giant natural softbox, giving you gorgeous, even light. This is why rainy portraits often look so flattering.
Candid Moments Under Cover
Some of the sweetest moments happen when you’re huddled under an umbrella, laughing while the rain falls around you. At Julianna and Alex’s San Antonio wedding, the rain brought them closer—literally. We captured some cute photos of them squeezed under the umbrella, sharing a moment like there wasn’t a care in the world..
Communication is Everything
Talk Through the Rain Plan with Your Photographer
We go over your rain plan with you and your planner well before the big day. That way, if the radar changes, we can pivot without losing a single moment.
Keep Your Wedding Party in the Loop
If everyone knows the plan—what time to meet, where to go for portraits, and what to expect—they’ll stay relaxed, which means you will too.
Final Thoughts
Rain doesn’t ruin wedding photos—it just changes the script. With a solid rain plan, you can embrace the weather, stay comfortable, and walk away with images that are every bit as magical as a sunny day.
We’ve learned that some of the most romantic, cinematic photos happen when you lean into the unexpected. Your wedding day isn’t defined by perfect weather—it’s defined by love, laughter, and the moments you share.
Thinking about your own San Antonio wedding rain plan? We’d love to chat. You can see more of our favorite photos at WalstonPhoto.com and set up a free consultation to make sure you’re prepared for any Texas weather surprise.
