First Look: Should You Do One?

One of the biggest decisions couples face when planning their wedding day is whether to do a first look—that private moment before the ceremony when the couple sees each other for the first time. Some couples love the idea, while others prefer the traditional route of waiting until the walk down the aisle.

If you’re undecided, here’s a breakdown of the benefits and possible downsides of a first look to help you make the best choice for your big day.

Story Time: A First Look That Changed Everything

Before entering the pros and cons of doing a first look, here’s a little story!

A while back, I photographed a couple who were completely undecided about doing a first look. The groom was more traditional and wanted to wait until the ceremony, while the bride was leaning toward seeing each other beforehand to calm their nerves. After some discussion, they decided to go for it.

When the moment arrived, I set up the groom in a quiet, shaded area outside their venue. The bride walked up behind him, tapped his shoulder, and as he turned around, his eyes filled with tears instantly. He wrapped her in a tight hug, whispering something that made her laugh, and they stood there together, soaking it all in.

After a few minutes, they both let out a deep breath and said, “Okay, now we’re ready!” They later told me that having that private moment together made them feel so much more present and relaxed during the ceremony. And the best part? When she walked down the aisle, he still teared up all over again!

The “Pros” of Doing a First Look

1. A Private, Intimate Moment Together

Your wedding day will be filled with excitement, nerves, and lots of people around you. A first look gives you a quiet, personal moment to connect with your partner before the ceremony. You can share your emotions freely without the pressure of an audience.

2. More Time for Photos

From a photography perspective, a first look is a game-changer. It allows you to capture stunning portraits while you’re fresh and excited before the ceremony. It also frees up time later in the day, so you can enjoy more of your cocktail hour instead of rushing through photos.

3. Eases Nerves Before the Ceremony

Many couples feel nervous leading up to the ceremony. Seeing your partner beforehand can help calm those jitters and make you feel more relaxed when it’s time to say your vows.

4. More Time to Enjoy Your Day

Since a first look allows you to complete many of your portraits earlier, you get to spend more time with your guests after the ceremony rather than disappearing for an extended photo session.

The “Cons” of Doing a First Look

1. It Breaks Tradition

For couples who love the idea of the dramatic reveal at the altar, a first look might not feel as magical. If you’ve always dreamed of your partner seeing you for the first time as you walk down the aisle, skipping the first look might be the better choice.

2. It Requires an Earlier Start Time

Since a first look means doing photos before the ceremony, your wedding day schedule will likely start earlier. This might mean waking up extra early for hair and makeup, which could feel rushed if you’re not a morning person.

3. Timing Can Be Tricky

A first look requires careful planning to ensure you have enough time for photos without feeling rushed. If you’re having a late-morning or early-afternoon ceremony, squeezing everything in can be a bit challenging.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer—it comes down to what feels best for you as a couple. If you value intimacy, efficiency, and a relaxed timeline, a first look can be a wonderful choice. But if you love tradition and want that classic walk-down-the-aisle moment, skipping the first look might be the way to go.

Whatever you decide, make sure it’s a decision that reflects you. After all, your wedding day should be about what makes you feel the happiest!

To book me for your wedding, click here!

To read about unplugged ceremonies and the benefits of doing one, click here!