Love at First Sight: Why You Should Consider a First Look for your Wedding Photos

One question we get asked frequently is: should we have a first look? The answer to that question is highly personal and depends on the needs of the couple getting married. What we can do is offer our expertise and experience after having photographed hundreds of weddings over the last decade. Hopefully, these insights will inspire questions which will help you make the best decision for your wedding day!

What is a first look?

The first look is that special moment when a couple sees each other for the first time in their wedding attire. Traditionally, this moment would occur during the ceremony, and in antiquity as well as some cultures today, it may even be the very first time the couple sees one another! More recently, couples have opted to instead have a first look before the ceremony. There are many pros to choosing a pre-ceremony first look including:

The ability to create beautiful photos that capture genuine reaction in a more controlled setting.

Saving valuable time by taking couple’s portraits before the ceremony, freeing up more time afterwards to be with your guests.

Taking a moment to just be with your soon-to-be spouse, before the guests arrive, before you have to be in front of everyone. The first look is a rare and special moment between you and your fiancé, and probably the only quiet time you’ll have together all day!

If you are on the fence about having a first look, here are some important questions you and your fiancé should ask to help you make the best decision for your nuptials.

Do you want to attend cocktail hour?

If the answer is yes, then a first look is almost certainly required. There are some work-arounds if you both want to attend cocktail hour but do not want a first look; however, your timeline will have to be very precise and well-organized. While it is possible to attend cocktail hour without a first look, it is not advised. Your family formal portrait list might need to be abbreviated, and you’ll have very limited time for couple’s portraits. For more in-depth information about wedding timelines, check out my in-depth resource where I discuss tips for creating your perfect wedding day timeline.

Do you have a large family or extended family you’d like family formal portraits with?

The most complex part of the wedding day is taking formal family portraits. In our experience, the more formal portraits with family we have planned, the more the couple might benefit from a first look. This is because organizing large groups of people takes time. In many cases, this is the first time family has seen each other in years and everyone is eager to hug the newlyweds and give their well wishes. Given that cocktail hour is typically only an hour long, trying to squeeze in many large family formal portrait combinations, along with wedding party and couples portraits can be very challenging. Check out my resource for a stress-free guide to planning family formal portraits.

How do you want to experience (and re-live) that special moment?

One of the major benefits of choosing a first look is that you will receive one-of-a-kind photos that will capture your spouse’s genuine reaction upon seeing you for the first time on your wedding day. While we can capture that moment at the ceremony, first look photos allow for a level of intimacy and spontaneity that cannot be matched. 

Is your ceremony taking place after sundown?

Lighting plays a crucial role in quality wedding photos. Therefore, the time of day in which your wedding ceremony will take place plays a major role in the kinds of photos that are possible. I always advise couples who are planning their ceremony for later in the day to have a first look. This way we can use the light to its fullest potential.

One example of this is a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony. Because the majority of rabbis will not marry a couple on Shabbat, couples typically opt for a late ceremony after sundown on a Saturday. I always recommend first look photos earlier in the day to create stunning portraits with gorgeous natural light. 

What are some alternatives to a first look?

Every couple is different and one size does not fit all. If you are not on board with a first look, here are some other options.

A first touch. This is a great way to have an intimate moment without compromising the big surprise. Though not as common, we’ve worked with clients who have preferred a first touch around the corner of a building or standing back to back while holding hands. We once photographed a couple who agreed to the bride seeing the groom (but wanted to keep her look a surprise for him during the ceremony), so she embraced him from behind and read a secret love note to him. This was a beautiful moment that both will remember for the rest of their lives.

Getting ready together. This is one of the most beautiful traditions we’ve seen grow in popularity in recent years with LGBTQ+ couples as well as for couples entering a second marriage. There’s something inherently beautiful in preparing with your loved one on the day of your wedding—helping your fiancé slip on their shoes, button their jacket, or lacing up the back of their wedding gown.

First look down the wedding aisle. Of course, for the couple who values tradition, seeing the surprised and delighted look of your fiancé as you walk down the aisle will never be matched. If a couple chooses this option, it is critical to choose a highly experienced photographer who can capture that beautiful moment as it unfolds.