I photograph weddings in Miami all year long, and I'll be honest with you: the summer here is a lot. It's hot, it's humid and the sky can go from sunny to pouring in about ten minutes. But I've also gotten some of my favorite photos on those days. With a little planning, the weather doesn't have to run your wedding.
Here's what I tell my couples who are getting married between late spring and fall.
When Is Rainy Season in Miami?
The National Weather Service office in Miami marks the wet season as roughly May 15 to October 15. The exact start and end move a little every year, and there's usually a transition of a couple of weeks on each side.
A few things worth knowing:
The first 4 to 6 weeks are usually the stormiest. That means late May through early July.
Storms are mostly driven by the sea breeze. In practice, summer storms can pop up fast and usually pass quickly.
It's humid the whole time. Dewpoints sit in the 70s for most of the season, which is why it feels so sticky.
The drier, cooler months are roughly mid-October through mid-May. That's why so many Miami weddings land between November and April.
What About Hurricane Season?
Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, according to the National Hurricane Center. Most of the time it doesn't affect a wedding at all, but it's smart to plan for it if your date falls in that window:
Ask your venue what their policy is if a storm forces a closure.
Ask every vendor how rescheduling works. If a storm threatens your date, we'll talk through options together.
Keep an eye on the forecast the week before, and keep your guests in the loop if you have a lot of people traveling.
Plan Your Timeline Around the Weather
Use the light, not the hottest hours
Midday sun in July is harsh, and it's also when everyone is the sweatiest. If you can, plan your outdoor portraits for the last hour before sunset. In the summer, sunset in Miami is a little after 8 pm, which gives you a lot of evening light to work with. Check the exact sunset time for your date when we build your timeline.
Do a first look somewhere shaded
A first look in a covered or indoor spot keeps you cool and gets a lot of portraits done early. The loggia at the Biltmore and the cloisters at the Ancient Spanish Monastery are perfect for this. You get soft light even in the middle of the day, and you're not standing in the sun.
Leave room in the timeline
If a storm rolls through right when we planned portraits, I want us to be able to wait it out for 20 minutes instead of losing the moment. That's another reason I always tell couples to leave gaps in the timeline. More on that in my timeline guide.
Always Have a Rain Plan
Every outdoor wedding in Miami needs a backup. Not a maybe. A real plan, decided ahead of time with your planner and venue.
Know your indoor ceremony option. At the Biltmore, the ballroom is a great backup if the courtyard isn't going to work.
Pick indoor photo spots in advance. Staircases, lobbies, hallways and covered walkways all photograph beautifully. I'll scout them on the day so we can move fast.
Bring clear umbrellas. They look so much better in photos than black or golf umbrellas, and they let the light through.
Decide the "call" time. Agree with your planner on when you'll make the final rain call so nobody is scrambling.
And honestly, rain photos can be amazing. At Sarah & Dan's wedding at Villa Woodbine we had some annoying weather all weekend, and we still got amazing light. Not even rain could stop Alessia & Robert's reception at their private estate in Fort Lauderdale. The light right after a storm passes is some of the best you'll get all day.
Staying Comfortable in the Heat
These are small things, but they make a big difference in how you feel, and in how you look in the photos.
Hydrate all day. Have water in the getting-ready suite and someone in charge of bringing it to you during portraits.
Talk to your hair and makeup artist. Ask them about long-wear products and a touch-up kit for the day.
Think about fabrics. Heavy suits and full gowns get hot fast. Lighter fabrics help, and so does having a second look for the reception.
Keep jackets off until we need them. Partners and groomsmen can stay cool and throw jackets on for portraits and the ceremony.
Take care of your guests. Fans, shade, cold drinks and a shorter outdoor ceremony go a long way. At Allie & Dillon's garden ceremony there were hand fans out, and they even look great in the photos.
Plan short portrait sessions. I'd rather do 15 focused minutes at golden hour than drag you around for an hour in the heat.
Engagement Sessions in the Summer
Same rules apply. I almost always shoot engagement sessions at golden hour, sunrise or sunset, because the light is better and it's cooler. My sessions are Tuesday through Thursday. If you're planning a session at Vizcaya, remember their permits are issued rain or shine, so check the forecast before you pick your date.
Is It Worth Getting Married in the Summer?
Absolutely, if it's the date that means something to you. Summer weddings in Miami can be gorgeous, with long evenings and lush, green venues. You just plan a little differently. Pick a venue with a good indoor option, build your timeline around sunset, and trust your team. I've photographed plenty of summer weddings that were one for the books.
FAQ
What months are rainy season in Miami?
The National Weather Service in Miami marks the wet season as roughly May 15 to October 15. The first few weeks are usually the stormiest.
When is hurricane season in Florida?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
What time of day is best for outdoor photos in the summer?
The last hour before sunset. The light is softer and it's cooler.
What happens if it rains during our portraits?
We move to the covered or indoor spots we picked ahead of time, or we wait it out for a few minutes. Some of my favorite photos happened right after a storm.
Let's Talk About Your Date
If you're planning a Miami wedding in the summer or fall, I'd love to help you build a timeline that works with the weather instead of against it. See my wedding collections, read my FAQ or reach out here.