Real weddings · September 27, 2026

Rain at The Salt Barn, and why it turned out perfect

A forecast that said rain all day, a barn with big doors and a father who could not stop hugging his daughter: a wet wedding that photographed beautifully.

A father hugging his daughter in a bright room before the ceremony

The forecast said rain from morning to night, and for about ten minutes the couple's faces said the same thing. Then Priya's father walked in, held her for a long time, and the day changed.

A barn is a good place to get rained on

The Salt Barn at Dunmore Farm is a restored farm building with tall doors that open onto the fields. On a dry day the doors stand open and the light pours in. On a wet day you close half of them, and the room turns soft and quiet, with a gray light that is kind to everyone.

What I did differently

I moved the portraits indoors. The big hall window gave me lovely side light, so the couple's portraits took ten minutes instead of forty.

I used the weather. One umbrella, one run across the yard between showers, and a lot of laughing. Those are the pictures people ask about.

I kept the schedule loose. We left a buffer after the ceremony, so nobody felt rushed when the rain eased and everyone wanted to step outside.

If it rains on your day

Tell your photographer early that you are happy to adapt. Pick a venue with a good indoor room, and ask which windows get the best light. The Salt Barn has two. If you are planning a day here, my notes for The Salt Barn cover the room by room details, and the venue page lists every wedding I have photographed there.

Photographed at The Salt Barn at Dunmore Farm, 214 Dunmore Road, Port Alder, Maine.

Planning a wedding on the harbor?

Tell me your date and the place you love, and I will tell you if I am free.