Your St. Augustine Wedding Day Rain Guide

Last updated: January 2026 | Based on 600+ St. Augustine weddings

Let's address the elephant in the room: Florida gets rain. In over a decade of photographing St. Augustine weddings, we've learned that couples who plan for rain actually have less stress and often better photos than those who ignore the possibility entirely.

The truth is, some of our most beautiful and intimate wedding photos happen when weather forces couples and their families closer together. Rain creates soft, romantic light and adds an element of adventure that guests remember forever.

Florida Weather Reality for Weddings

After documenting hundreds of weddings across all seasons, here's what we've learned about St. Augustine weather patterns:

Rain Backup Strategies That Actually Work

We've seen every backup plan imaginable. Here are the strategies that actually work when storms hit:

The Two-Venue Approach

Book your ceremony at a venue with a stunning indoor backup option. This eliminates the stress of moving locations and gives you two beautiful settings to choose from.

The Tent Reality Check

Tents work for receptions but rarely for ceremonies. Florida winds during storms can make even anchored tents unsafe. If you're committed to tents, budget for:

• Professional installation with concrete anchors
• Sidewalls (rain comes sideways here)
• Flooring (ground becomes muddy quickly)
• Extra lighting (tents get dark during storms)

The Delay Strategy

Sometimes the best plan is flexibility. Summer storms often pass in 20-30 minutes. We've photographed ceremonies that started an hour late and ended up being perfect.

Best Covered Wedding Venues in St. Augustine

After photographing at dozens of venues, here are our top recommendations for rain-proof celebrations:

Why Rain Day Photography Can Be Stunning

Here's what many couples don't realize: rain creates some of the most romantic and dramatic wedding photography conditions possible. We've won awards with photos taken during storms.

What Makes Rain Photography Special

Rain Photography Opportunities We Watch For

• Right after storms pass: The air is clear, colors pop, and light is soft
• Under covered areas during light rain: Romantic backlighting effects
• Reflections in wet surfaces: Doubles the visual impact of scenes
• Guests huddling together: Creates authentic connection moments
• Umbrellas as props: Classic romantic photography elements

How to Communicate with Guests About Weather

Clear communication prevents 90% of weather-related guest stress. Here's how we recommend handling it:

On Your Wedding Website

Day-of Communication Strategy

Designate someone (not the couple!) to send updates if weather changes plans:

What Guests Actually Need to Know

• Where to park if backup plans change venue areas
• Whether they need umbrellas (provide them if possible)
• If ceremony timing will be delayed or moved
• What entrance to use for indoor backup spaces

Essential Rain Day Wedding Gear

Smart couples prepare for rain without turning their wedding into a camping expedition. Here's our practical gear list:

For the Couple

For Guests

Consider providing rather than expecting guests to bring:

• Inexpensive umbrellas at ceremony entrance
• Small towels at indoor backup location
• Program fans (humidity relief)
• Clear signage directing to covered areas

Vendor Coordination

Make sure your vendors are rain-prepared:

• Photographers: Weather-sealed gear and backup equipment
• Musicians: Covered setup area and electrical protection
• Caterers: Indoor serving options and covered stations
• Florists: Weather-resistant arrangements

Timeline Adjustments for Rainy Days

Flexible timing is your best friend when weather becomes a factor. Here's how we adjust wedding day schedules based on real experience:

Morning Preparation Adjustments

Rain affects more than just ceremony timing. Hair and makeup take longer in high humidity, and transportation between locations requires extra time.

Ceremony Timing Options

We've learned that flexibility beats rigid adherence to original timing:

• The Early Call: Start ceremony 30 minutes early if weather window opens
• The Delay Game: Push ceremony back 30-60 minutes for storms to pass
• The Flip: Move cocktail hour before ceremony if logistics work
• The Indoor Advantage: Use weather as opportunity for extended indoor portraits

Photography Schedule Adaptations

Rain actually creates opportunities for different types of photos throughout the day:

Mental Preparation: Embracing the Unexpected

The hardest part of rain on wedding days isn't logistics—it's emotional. After over a decade of photographing weddings, we've learned that couples who mentally prepare for weather changes actually enjoy their day more.

Reframe Your Perspective

Rain doesn't ruin weddings; rigid expectations do. Some of our happiest couples are those who discovered their backup plans were better than their original ideas.

What to Tell Yourself on Rainy Days

• This weather makes our day unique and memorable
• Our guests will remember the joy, not the logistics
• Some of the most beautiful photos happen during storms
• We planned for this—we're prepared and flexible
• Years from now, we'll have an adventure story to tell

Day-of Rain Success Strategies

The Long-Term View

In 10 years of following up with couples, those who had weather challenges during their weddings often tell us it was the best thing that happened. Rain forced them to focus on what really mattered: celebrating with people they love.