Rainy Engagement Photos | Virginia Inspiration

When it comes to weather for an engagement session, most photographers will reschedule if it looks like rain. I don’t—unless that’s what the client truly prefers. That’s because I don’t believe in “bad” weather. Every type of weather adds its own mood, adventure, and energy to your session, making your photos unique and memorable.

Embracing Every Kind of Weather in the Mountains

When we shoot in the mountains, the weather possibilities are endless:

• Clear, sunny skies

• Cloud cover, from wispy clouds to overcast skies

• Light drizzle or heavy rain

• Fog, ranging from distant mist to full whiteout

• Thunderstorms (the only real safety concern)

• Snow and ice, depending on the season

• Wind, from gentle breezes to blustery gusts

The only times I reschedule are during thunderstorms or extreme icy conditions—safety always comes first. Otherwise, we lean into whatever Mother Nature throws at us, turning weather into part of the adventure rather than a hurdle.

Planning Around Wet or Slippery Conditions

If it’s been raining heavily, I may recommend shifting from a strenuous hike to a Skyline Drive hop-on hop-off tour, where we visit my favorite overlooks. Many of the summits in Shenandoah National Park have rocky terrain that becomes slippery when wet. The last thing we want is slipping on a mountaintop!

Even on rainy or foggy days, these sessions are often more private. Popular spots that are crowded on sunny days feel completely secluded when it rains, giving you more intimate photos.

A Real Rainy Engagement Session: Charday & Spencer

Charday and Spencer’s engagement session was one of those rainy, overcast days—but it couldn’t have been more magical. It poured, and we got soaked—but that’s part of what made it so much fun.

We embraced the rain with clear umbrellas, playful running between cars, cozying up under blankets, and laughing together. Their dog joined in on the fun, and the session felt joyful, spontaneous, and completely authentic. The result? stunning, romantic photos that truly reflect their personalities and relationship.

You can see more examples of my mountain and Shenandoah sessions here.

Why Work With Me for Your Engagement or Adventure Session

I specialize in capturing couples in natural, adventurous settings across Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. With almost a decade of experience photographing engagement sessions and intimate weddings, I know how to use light, landscape, and weather to create timeless, romantic images. I also know how to keep couples relaxed and have fun, whether it’s sunny, rainy, foggy, or snowy. Every session is guided, playful, and designed to capture the real story of your relationship.

Ready to Book or Keep Up With My Work?

📸 Reach out to check availability for your engagement or elopement session

Not ready to book yet?
👉 Follow me on Instagram for inspiration, real sessions, and planning tips until you’re ready to plan your own adventure.