The weather can be unpredictable, and sometimes that feels especially so in Ohio. But a little rain doesn’t have to ruin your elopement day (it’s even supposed to be good luck!). It also doesn’t have to feel stressful. As your elopement photographer, I’ll help you plan the best backup locations and activities so you can enjoy your day, rain or shine.
Learn more about my Ohio Elopement Photography services!
Check out these steps you can take ahead of time to be prepared.
If it’s not thundering, lightning, or tornado-ing outside (safety first, friends!), a rainy day elopement can be a really cool opportunity for several reasons:
If you are planning an outdoor elopement but would like a back-up indoor location for your vows or simply some indoor locations for portraits just in case, you can always reserve a rain location.
But a few disclaimers before we begin:
Okay, back to the regularly scheduled programming! Here are some of my favorite indoor location options!
Greenhouses are a beautiful backdrop for your elopement ceremony and they offer a touch of nature even if you are indoors.
If you know of local greenhouses and garden centers in your area, don’t be afraid to reach out to them to see if they’ll let you take elopement portraits there or say your vows among their plants. It never hurts to ask!
Here are some greenhouse recommendations throughout Ohio:
One of my favorite local greenhouses is Grown by Grace in Dover, Ohio. This greenhouse is also located in an area with a lot of unique Airbnbs nearby. You can message Grown by Grace on Facebook to book.
Another option is Rockefeller Park Greenhouse in the heart of Cleveland.
Columbus also has the beautiful Franklin Park Conservatory which would be a gorgeous backdrop for an elopement ceremony.
If you’re in Southern Ohio, Krohn Conservatory could be another great option for elopement photos.
Many libraries and museums around Ohio allow wedding photography. As you are investigating some back-up locations, just be sure to tell them you might be saying your vows in the space so everything is on the up and up.
The Cleveland Public Library is a gorgeous historical building in the heart of downtown Cleveland. You can take photos in the entrance, on the staircases, in the garden, and among the stacks.
This Cleveland Orchestra concert venue is a stunner. The Grand Foyer has red marble pillars lining the space and the floor features beautiful patterns. Severance Hall would be a beautiful backdrop for your elopement photos.
Located in downtown Akron, the Akron Art Museum has extremely photogenic indoor and outdoor spaces to choose from. Their booking process is easy and straightforward.
The Ohio Statehouse is another stunning location for elopement photos. The exterior has huge pillars and the interior has a gorgeous atrium, stately staircases, and beautifully patterned floors.
This one is a bit of a different vibe than the others in this list! Squire’s Castle is an old gatehouse from the 1890s that’s now part of the Cleveland Metro Parks system. I recommend this location for a weekday since it is a popular spot for photos in general.
This is probably the easiest rain alternative to arrange! You may already need to book housing in your elopement location, so why not find a charming Airbnb or cabin that you wouldn’t mind also saying your vows in?
Here are some interesting ones throughout Ohio:
Disclaimer: I have not personally stayed in these locations, I just think they’d make beautiful spots to stay for your elopement day!
This is by no means an all-inclusive list of indoor locations in Ohio. There are many other indoor or covered back-up spots we can brainstorm for your elopement. We can also call around to local businesses like breweries, wineries, and coffee shops to see if they’ll let you do your vows there.
As part of my elopement services, I offer a list of customized location and activity recommendations for you to choose from, and we’ll think of potential back-ups so we are prepared for inclement weather.
Wooded trails are never far off when you are eloping outdoors in Ohio. If it starts to rain, we can try to find cover under the trees.
Many trailheads have covered pavilions where we could move your elopement ceremony if needed. A lot of Ohio towns also have scenic gazebos and covered bridges we could take advantage of.
What’s a little extra water when you’re already on the water? If you’re tying the knot on Lake Erie, it can be easy to embrace the rain and just go with the flow.
Parks along the lake also often have gazebos or covered pavilions that we can move to.
Here’s a quick list of tips to help you stay comfortable in the rain on your elopement day:
It never hurts to be prepared just in case. Rent a beautiful indoor back-up location where you wouldn’t mind saying your vows, taking couples portraits, and spending some quality time on your elopement day.
Be flexible with your elopement day’s timeline so that you can have the freedom to wait out passing rain showers without stress.
Just because it’s raining or the weather is a bit crazy doesn’t mean you won’t still get beautiful photos of your experience. They might even be more beautiful and dramatic than they would have been on a sunny day. Embrace the unexpected, trust your photographer, and have the best day of your life.
As someone who eloped on a rainy day, trust me. A bit of rain doesn’t have to be a bad thing, and it can lead to unforgettable memories with your love.
Whether you want to roll with the weather or move your party inside, the key is being prepared. Need help planning your elopement? I specialize in full-day Ohio elopements – rain or shine! Reach out for a chat here!