Photo/Video locations on a rainy day in Melbourne

Hi Sylvia, you have actually picked a really shootable part of Melbourne for wet weather. The good news first: rain never wrecks the photos, it just changes where we point the camera. Soft, overcast light is the easiest light there is to work with, no squinting and no harsh shadows, so we can take our time and the images stay beautifully even.

For your area, the trick is to have a covered backup near both Keilor and Taylors Lakes so you are not driving far in the wet. Brimbank Park down along the Maribyrnong has picnic shelters and gorgeous gums, and the rotunda and grand staircase at Overnewton Castle in Keilor are made for this kind of day. If you want something with a roof and character, look for a hotel or venue with a covered entry, an undercover walkway or a good verandah, and a portico or carpark awning is genuinely useful: it gives us a dry pocket of space with lovely directional light spilling in from the side.

A couple of practical things from shooting these days for years. Pack two or three large plain umbrellas, clear or white if you can, and skip any with a printed logo, because they photograph cleanest and actually brighten the light on your faces. Bring an old towel for the car and a second pair of shoes, and let your photographer chase the rain rather than hide from it: reflections on wet paths, raindrops on a window, the two of you tucked under one umbrella, those are often the standout frames of the whole gallery.

One last tip worth knowing. A rainy run sheet works best with a bit of flexibility built in, so if the radar shows a clear break, even ten minutes, we can duck outside for a few frames and come straight back under cover. Keep your timeline a touch loose and you will get the best of both. Wishing you a wonderful day whatever the sky does.

You need to find a Hotel.

As mentioned below, rain is really nothing to fear for your wedding photos. It can even add something special to the photos - a little kissing-in-the-rain-romance can make for amazing shots! However, if a cute bridal umbrella isn't quite what you have in mind, there are some great indoor locations around. Prahan hotel is unique and makes for great photos. And don't underestimate the value of shooting at your favorite cafè, or where you had your first date, or even the local pub. Some places even let you have the venue to yourself for a while, as long as you purchase a drink. This was a savior for me and my clients when we had a 37 degree wedding day in Melbourne :-)

Rain should never be scared of when if comes to your wedding day. The less sun that is showing the better as it means less squinting. Umbrellas are the best option to cater for rain and the photos you can have with them are amazing! Imagine hugging your new husband behind the umbrella and just having that moment. Another option is to find a beautiful building with some amazing architecture and spend it undercover.

I hope this helps and I wish you all the best for your beautiful day in May!