Rainy Day Wedding Photography in Ottawa: How to Get the Perfect Shot

The Importance of a Rain Plan

Planning a wedding is a monumental task filled with endless details and the hope for a perfect day. One aspect that often brings a bit of anxiety is the weather. While everyone dreams of sunny skies, the reality is that rain can make an appearance. As an award-winning Ottawa wedding photographer, I believe in preparing for all possibilities to ensure your wedding day remains magical, no matter what Mother Nature has in store.

While I would love to guarantee clear skies, I, unfortunately, don't possess the weather-controlling powers of Pudge the fish from Disney’s Lilo and Stitch. However, you can take proactive steps to plan for the possibility of rain. Using historical weather data from sites like Dropory can help you anticipate weather patterns and plan accordingly. Let’s dive into how to turn a rainy wedding day into an unforgettable experience.

Selecting the Perfect Backup Locations

Not every venue offers ideal indoor spaces for wedding photography, which can be a cause for concern. It's crucial to have a solid backup plan in place if there’s even the slightest chance of rain. Here are some fantastic indoor locations around Ottawa that provide stunning backdrops for your wedding photos. Please note that the policies and fees for these locations can change, so it’s best to contact them directly for the most current information.

Free Locations:

• National Gallery of Canada: This iconic venue offers a blend of modern architecture and classic art, providing a unique and elegant setting for your photos.

• National Arts Centre: With its dramatic interiors and large windows, the NAC can offer beautiful indoor shots. It’s best to call ahead to make sure that the public spaces are accessible for photos.

• Ottawa Art Gallery: The contemporary art and sleek design make it a fantastic spot for chic, artistic photos.

• Confederation Tunnel: Located at the corner of Wellington Street and Elgin Street. For an edgy, urban vibe, the Confederation Tunnel offers a unique backdrop.

• Algonquin College: The modern campus buildings can serve as a great backdrop for wedding photos.

• Carleton University: Its historic and modern architecture provides diverse photo opportunities.

• University of Ottawa: Offers a mix of architectural styles perfect for your photos.

Paid Locations:

• War Museum: The dramatic architecture and exhibits can add a unique touch to your wedding photos.

• Museum of Nature: The stunning interiors and exhibits offer an elegant backdrop.

• Museum of History: With its grand halls and scenic views of Ottawa, this museum is perfect for classic wedding photos.

• Rockcliffe Park Pavilion: This beautiful pavilion offers a sheltered outdoor space with stunning views, but it will need to be reserved ahead of time.

• Various studios across the city: Many photography studios offer rental spaces perfect for a controlled photo environment. Check out my blog post on studio options here.

Embracing the Rain

If an indoor space isn't available, embracing the rain can lead to some of the most beautiful and memorable wedding photos. Light rain can add a romantic, whimsical touch to your photos, with raindrops glistening like tiny diamonds. As a creative wedding photographer in Ottawa, I always monitor the weather closely and carry a couple of clear umbrellas to create a charming, ethereal look in the rain. Investing in clear umbrellas ensures they don't obstruct your faces while still providing protection from the rain.

Consider stocking up on clear umbrellas before your wedding day. If they're unused, you can return them or sell them in various Facebook wedding groups. Additionally, some cute rain boots can add a playful element to your photos, and they’re practical for keeping your feet dry.

Checking with Your Venue

One of the best ways to ensure you're prepared for a rainy day is to check with your venue about their rain plan. Most venues have a backup plan in place, and it's always best to know the details in advance. This preparation can prevent last-minute scrambles and ensure you remain calm and focused on enjoying your day. Some of the best Ottawa wedding venues, like Strathmere, often have detailed rain plans.

Capturing the Magic in the Rain

Rainy-day weddings offer unique opportunities for creativity and can result in stunning photos that sunny days simply can't provide. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of a rainy wedding day:

1. Utilize Reflections: Puddles and wet surfaces can create beautiful reflections. Your photographer can capture these reflections to add depth and interest to your photos.

2. Soft Lighting: Rainy days often come with soft, diffused lighting, which can be incredibly flattering and create a romantic atmosphere.

3. Dramatic Skies: Cloudy skies can add drama to your photos, making them look more dynamic and emotional.

4. Play with Props: Umbrellas, rain boots, and other props can add a fun and whimsical element to your photos.

5. Capture the Emotion: Rain often brings out genuine emotions, whether it’s the joy of dancing in the rain or the romantic intimacy of sharing an umbrella. These moments can create some of the most cherished memories.

Real-Life Rainy Wedding Stories

To give you a glimpse of how magical rainy-day weddings can be, here are a few real-life stories from weddings I've photographed in Ottawa:

1. Miranda and Alex's Wedding at The Schoolhouse in Munster: Despite the rain, Miranda and Alex’s wedding was filled with joy and love. The Schoolhouse provided a charming and intimate setting, and the rain added a touch of romance to their photos. With clear umbrellas and a positive attitude, we captured stunning moments that will be cherished forever.

2. Jessica & Matthew's Wedding at Brookstreet: Their wedding day was blessed with sunshine until after the ceremony when the rain poured during their second first look. Fortunately, a covered tent provided shelter, allowing us to continue capturing beautiful moments. The rain brought out the vibrant greenery around the venue, making their photos truly unique.

3. Mel and Nick's Wedding at Sidedoor Restaurant: Mel and Nick’s wedding day was a testament to embracing the unexpected. After their first look, the rain poured down, but we managed to sneak out during the cocktail hour when the sun broke out at sunset. The resulting photos captured the magical interplay of rain and sunlight, creating unforgettable memories.

Preparing for Rain: A Checklist

• Clear Umbrellas: Ensure you have enough clear umbrellas for the bridal party and immediate family.

• Rain Boots: Consider having stylish rain boots on hand to keep your feet dry.

• Towels: Pack some towels to dry off if needed.

• Hair and Makeup: Talk to your hair and makeup artist about rainproof styles and products.

• Communication: Keep open communication with your photographer and venue about the rain plan.

Conclusion: Celebrating Love, Rain or Shine

Rain on your wedding day doesn't have to be a source of stress. With careful planning and a positive attitude, a rainy wedding can be just as beautiful and memorable as a sunny one. By selecting the right locations, embracing the weather, and capturing the unique moments rain brings, you can ensure your wedding photos are breathtakingly beautiful.

Remember, the most important thing is the love you share and the memories you create. Rain or shine, your wedding day is a celebration of your love story, and every moment is worth cherishing.

For more tips and inspiration on wedding photography, visit the blog. If you have any questions or need assistance in planning your rainy-day wedding photos, feel free to reach out. I'm here to help make your wedding day as perfect as possible, no matter the weather.