Rainy Engagement Session at Bancroft's Castle in Groton, MA
From the very first conversation I had with Chelsea and Ryan about their Acadia National Park elopement, one thing was clear — these two were adventurous. So when the forecast for their engagement session at Bancroft's Castle in Groton, MA came back showing heavy rain, I saw an opportunity to fulfill a bucket list photoshoot. Rather than reschedule, I offered to lean into it completely — rain or shine, we were taking photos. Chelsea and Ryan agreed immediately and without hesitation. The session we got that May afternoon in the castle ruins was everything I had hoped for — steady rain, bright vibrant greenery wrapping around ancient stone walls, water dripping from every archway, and two people who were passionately in love.
One of the most common concerns I hear from couples planning their engagement session is weather. And I completely understand it — you've imagined these photos in perfect golden light and the forecast is showing rain. I always tell couples that no matter what the weather does, we are going to get stunning photos. Every weather condition has its own personality — its own advantages and its own challenges. The secret isn't finding perfect weather. It's working with a photographer who knows how to use whatever shows up as part of the story.
Chelsea and Ryan are a perfect example. When their forecast showed heavy rain I thought of the famous scene in The Notebook — one of the most romantic moments in cinema history, and it's pouring rain. I mentioned it, made clear I wasn't being pushy and that we could reschedule, but that rain photos can be genuinely beautiful. They didn't need much convincing. But rain isn't for everyone — and that's completely fine. I once rescheduled Hannah and Ben's engagement session five times to avoid the rain and we got some of the most beautiful photos I've taken on an overcast spring day in downtown Portsmouth. There's no wrong answer — only what feels right for you.
Here's a quick breakdown of what each weather condition actually means for your engagement session:
Overcast
Soft, consistent, flattering light all day long
Much more flexible with timing and location — no chasing golden hour
Colors appear rich and saturated without harsh shadows
Great for any location and any season
The most underrated weather condition for engagement photos
Check out Hannah and Ben’s engagement session in Portsmouth, NH
Golden Hour / Clear Sky
The most requested condition — and for good reason
That warm, glowing light is genuinely magical and hard to replicate
Much less flexible — you have a narrow window and need to be in the right spot at the right time
Worth the extra planning and coordination when it comes together
Best paired with open landscapes, beaches, and elevated locations with unobstructed views
Rain
Incredibly romantic and atmospheric when embraced fully
Naturally clears locations of crowds — you'll often have places to yourselves
Works especially well at dramatic locations like castle ruins, forests, and cobblestone streets
Requires the right couple mindset — this only works if you're genuinely excited about it
Safety always comes first — some locations like rocky coastlines or elevated trails become too risky in heavy rain
Keep scrolling for more photos
Fog
My personal favorite condition to photograph in
Creates an almost cinematic intimacy — the world gets quieter and the couple feels like all that matters is themselves and the moment
The mystery and atmosphere are unlike anything else
Completely unpredictable and impossible to plan for — which makes it all the more special when it happens
Chelsea and Ryan's Acadia elopement in the fog remains one of the most extraordinary days I've ever had behind a camera
Snow
Magical and completely transformative for the right location
Works beautifully in forested settings, open fields, and anywhere with architectural character
Like rain, requires the right couple — you need to be genuinely excited about the cold and the elements
Safety considerations apply — icy trails and roads can make certain locations inaccessible
Check out Victoria and Jason’s engagement session at The Basin
The most important thing to remember is that we have months — sometimes close to a year — to plan your engagement session, which gives us real flexibility to find the right season and weather window for your vision. Your wedding day doesn't offer that same flexibility. Whatever weather shows up on your wedding day, I will use it to your advantage and tell your story beautifully — rain, clouds, fog, or blazing sunshine.
Not every couple would say yes to a rainy engagement session in castle ruins — but the ones who do never regret it. Bancroft's Castle is one of my favorite locations in all of New England in any weather and any season. If you're planning an engagement session and want something a little adventurous and completely unforgettable, reach out and let's talk about your day.
Bancroft's Castle looks completely different when the sun is shining — see for yourself in Alison and Zack's golden hour fall engagement session at the same location. And to browse more of my engagement session work across New England visit my engagement photography portfolio.
