Rainy Wedding Day From DC Rooftops To The City Streets

couple holds hands and umbrellas during rainy wedding day

bride reads vows during rainy wedding day

couple pose during ceremony on rainy wedding day

No matter how much you prepare, you can’t be ready for every possible outcome on your elopement day. That’s why I love elopements so much! It’s an event that is based on flexibility and being up for adventure. So if it rains a little, we run out of time or something goes completely wrong, the day will still be yours. See what these two built around a love for each other and the city on this rainy wedding day in Washington, DC.

couple kiss while holding clear umbrellas during rainy wedding day

When a City Elopement Fits the Two of You

The LINE DC Hotel is a rooftop wedding venue in DC that I always can’t wait to revisit. Couples utilize the space for wedding day photos, their wedding night stay or an entire elopement experience! Sara and James booked the Monument Master Su ite which is the perfect fit for an elopement.

couple help each other getting ready in the Line hotel

couple kiss while toasting with champage

detail shot of engagement and wedding ring

wedding details including bouquet, marriage license, and veil

The suite is 1,200-square-feet with a private 1300-square-feet terrace that offers panoramic views of the Capitol. The large room really makes it feel like a luxury vacation destination. Having this private access makes it so you don’t have to wait for any crowds to clear in order to access the hotel’s main rooftop.

couple pose together on terrace of the Line Hotel

couple walking and holding hands on terrace of the Line Hotel

The suite view is beautiful for sunsets and having these indoor and outdoor options became very important for us on this rainy wedding day! Another draw to the hotel was the couple’s experience of going there for their first date! We even took some of their photos on the blue velvet couches in honor of the night when they talked together there for hours.

couple pose of blue couches in the Line Hotel

While dating during the COVID-19 pandemic, James would walk three miles each way to visit Sara who lived at the bottom of Meridian Hill Park. The time spent together made the park really significant to them so we spent some wedding portrait time there too!

couple walking down stairs in Meridian Hill Park

couple walking along path in Meridian Hill Park

A Spring Elopement Day Through Rain & Shine

I’ve captured weddings that have experienced everything from a sprinkle that’s saved by clear umbrellas (or black ones!) to a downpour that the couple decided to fully embrace! On this rainy wedding day we experienced the biggest storm!

couple embrace while holding clear umbrellas during rainy wedding day

We watched the storm approaching from Virginia, which created some pretty scenery and an epic mood for photos. Knowing that the storm was coming we had a few museums in mind as backups for the portrait session at the park.

couple hold hands walking under archway of Meridian Hill Park

The most important piece of advice I share when couples plan for an outdoor wedding is to have a rain plan. No matter the season you must have a rain plan because weather is something you can never fully predict!

couple plays together with umbrellas during rainy wedding day

groom reads vows during rainy wedding day

Planning this is easiest when you book a wedding venue that offers a variety of locations for either a ceremony or reception. The reception area is generally indoors and can double as the ceremony space if needed.

couple kiss on blue couches in the Line Hotel

detail shot of wedding cake, champagne, and bouquet

Examples of venues that offer these options in the DC Metro Area include places such as Airlie, Glen Ellen Farm, and Goodstone Inn. Even a fully uncovered location like the National Arboretum offers tents for an outdoor wedding. There’s no reason why we can’t make it work even if there’s a shift in the weather. While the couple had envisioned shooting at sunset, they rolled with the rain and had fun playing around in it!

This is my full guide to planning a rainy wedding day!

couple kiss on steps with clear umbrellas

Personalizing the Details of a Rainy Wedding Day

Sara and James kept their rainy wedding day close to their hearts by adding details to personalize the experience. James’ subtle green and textured suit was so stunning. Sara’s classic but short white dress with a veil added an edginess that really pulled the entire look together.

Sara also proposed to James so he has an engagement ring too! James went with a pinky ring in exchange for a standard wedding band. The two also exchanged personal vows with the bride doing her own hair and makeup and making a DIY wedding bouquet.

The newlyweds really wanted the day to be relaxing so we made a loose plan and then let the day guide us. The bride used to work in wedding planning and had witnessed all the stress surrounding these events and did not want that for herself. The couple wanted to simply celebrate with each other!

couple hold hands and walk down the city street

groom putting on wedding ring on bride's finger

They had originally been drawn to the romantic, dreamy style of my photography and how relaxed my couples are. The rain combined with their own playfulness made for some very romantic vibes in their photos. Sara explained, “James and I are not models and have no idea how to act in front of a camera. Seeing all of the couples looking so natural in your work puts me at ease.”

Sara and James are so sweet and fun that hanging out with them was the best part of the day!