When planning your elopement or intimate wedding, rain is not something you typically hope for. But rather than allowing the weather to ruin your day, choose to embrace it! That’s exactly what Harry and Joannie did during their rainy Catskill elopement. We made a few slight changes to their day but they decided to enjoy the rain and head to all the beautiful spots we found. Although we had multiple backup locations ready, they went forward with the original timeline, clear umbrellas in hand!

The Morning of Their Rainy Catskill Elopement

Joannie and Harry had a mostly relaxed morning at Grateful Woods. An incredible farm rental property with a funky yet stunning vibe nestled in the Catskill region in Upstate New York. This property had enough houses and rooms for their family and a few friends to stay in. Meaning, they could celebrate their wedding all weekend long with their loved ones!

While the guys hung out and got ready in the garage, Alchemy Weddings was finishing up hair and makeup. Joannie picked up some dried flowers during her bachelorette party and used them in her hair on her wedding day! How freaking special is that?!

Once this bride and groom were dressed and ready, they shared first look inside to avoid the rain. After a hug, a few happy tears and a deep breath we drove across the street for their ceremony.

Intimate Outdoor Ceremony

Surrounded by their immediate family and a few friends, Harry and Joannie were married in a ceremony officiated by his Father. They stood under a gazebo in the woods with the light pattering of raindrops in the background! It was truly such a magical setting! Their heartfelt vows had their guests, and each other, in tears.

After their intimate ceremony, we spent a little time doing family and group photos. Once those were finished and congratulatory hugs were shared it was time for their private adventure!

Adventure Time During a Rainy Catskill Elopement

Joannie, Harry and I hopped in the car with our hiking boots on and umbrellas in tow. Our first stop was the waterfall at Minnewaska State Preserve! This is such a gorgeous location and with lots of rain the week before, the waterfall was raging! We hiked down a fairly easy path to take in the grand waterfall view huddled under umbrellas.

After taking out time with portraits we started to head back the car and stumbled upon another beautiful view. It looked as though we were in a rainforest or somewhere in the state of Washington. The dewy rocks and plants dripped with fresh rainwater and it was beyond dreamy.

Next on their adventure were the epic cliff views at the park. Although the stormy weather didn’t allow us to see much of the cliffs the sight was sunning. I have to give it up to this newly married couple as they fully embraced the weather and views we were given. To be honest, the misty faint view of the cliffs was almost better than it would be on a clear day!

New Paltz Bookstore with a Side of Chocolate

Joannie and Harry both work in a library and love to read! They share and talk about books regularly and I thought it would be fun for them to pick out books for each other on their wedding day. They decided to change into comfy clothes and matching sweatshirt to get out of their wet wedding attire. Then we headed into town to Inquiring Minds Bookstore!

Joannie and Harry took time walking around picking out books and taking some fun photos inside the bookstore. Once they both settled on a book for each other we popped next door to the chocolate shop for a sweet treat!

Casual Hour on a Rainy Catskill Elopement

Their family was waiting with a freshly delivered Mexican dinner at their Airbnb so after a quick pit stop to change into a slightly fancier outfit we met up with everyone for casual hour! Before dinner we all gathered in a beautiful glass room while a few people toasted the Bride and Groom. Everyone mingled before dinner and Joannie and Harry cut their delectable looking chocolate cake!