When planning your wedding, you can select the perfect dress, book your dream venue, and coordinate every detail down to the place cards—but one thing you can’t special order is sunshine. While raindrops may not be part of your original vision, they can make the day even more magical.
At Crossed Keys Estate, every wedding is beautiful and joyous, no matter the weather. We’ve hosted stunning celebrations in every season, and some of our most memorable weddings have been under stormy skies. We’ve seen it all and will guide you through it. Here’s our advice on how to prepare and make the most of every moment.
Photos by: Katherine Joy
Mindset Matters
While we’ll always hope for sunshine alongside you, one truth we’ve learned is that your outlook matters far more than the forecast. Couples who embrace the day as it unfolds often have the most joyful, authentic weddings. Remember, you’re not marrying the weather—you’re marrying the love of your life. The joy and energy you share will define the atmosphere your guests remember most.
Photos by: Darby Shaye
Romantic Rain Photos
Cloudy days can create soft, flattering light that photographers prefer to help create dreamy, editorial-style photographs. Here are a few tips for photo perfection:
- Clear Umbrellas: Ask your coordinator or photographer to have a few umbrellas on standby to capture iconic outdoor moments.
- Change of Shoes: Flats, block heels, or stylish sneakers to move comfortably across damp grounds.
- Flexible Timing: Showers rarely last all day. Ask your photographer to watch the weather windows and take you outside when the skies clear, even at dusk, for romantic night shots.
- Don’t fear a drizzle: A few raindrops won’t compromise hair and makeup and can deliver moody, romantic portraits.
- Backup Backdrops: The estate offers elegant alternatives for indoor portraits or under the farmhouse portico.
- Practice picking up your dress train, or assign a bridesmaid or family member to assist to help keep it clean as you move between locations.
Photos by: Longbrook Photography
Photos by: Haley Richter
Love Your Rain Plan
The key to a stress-free wedding day often comes down to loving Plan B as much as Plan A. If the weather does not permit an outdoor ceremony, you’ll exchange your vows beside sweeping views of the gardens and grounds just beyond the Farmhouse’s wall of windows. Feeling surrounded by nature, while you and your guests remain safe, dry, and comfortable. After the ceremony, guests flow to the Conservatory for their first cocktails and bites of the night, while our team transforms the Farmhouse into your dream reception.
Photo by: Kylie McCann
Photos by: Longbrook Photography
Trust Your Team
Trust your team of seasoned professionals to anticipate and handle the details. From escorting you between photo locations to shifting ceremony settings, our team is there to ensure you and your partner have the most magical day, rain or shine. This trust should extend to your hair and makeup stylists, who know how to best prepare for different weather conditions.
- Updos stand up to humidity better than loose curls.
- Waterproof makeup ensures your look lasts through every happy tear and raindrop.
- On-hand touch‑ups keep every moment picture perfect.
Photos by: Haley Richter
No matter the forecast, every wedding at Crossed Keys Estate is designed to feel seamless and storybook romantic. For more inspiration, take a peek at Lindsay & Alisha’s gorgeous August wedding—proof that radiant love outshines every sky.
Photos by: Vince Ha
Photos by: Alexa Lynn Photography
Photos by: Hyde Photography
Photos by: Jill Sahner Photography
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” – Vivian Greene
Photo by: Longbrook Photography
