Should You Do a Wedding First Look?

Okay, I’m going to give you the TLDR right upfront here: Yes! You should absolutely do a wedding first look!

A lot of brides and grooms have this on their radar, but aren’t quite sure. Is a first look worth it? Or would it be more special to have the first time they see each other be at the ceremony? While this is absolutely a personal choice, I’m a big believer in doing a first look on your special day. Here’s why:

Intimate Alone Time

First looks allow for a private, intimate moment. And who wouldn’t love more alone time with the person you love best in the world on your wedding day?!

A large part of your wedding day will be spent with your guests and socializing with everyone who has come to celebrate with you. And while that is wonderful and so much fun, having a first look together before the ceremony allows you to have another moment in time together that’s quiet, peaceful, and just the two of you. Believe me, it will be a memory you treasure—and that will set you up well for the rest of your day.

Opportunity for More Photos

Another reason I am a fan of first looks is that you can get most of your photos done as well before the ceremony. If you do a first look you can almost always knock out these photos beforehand too:

• Bridesmaids portraits
• Groomsmen portraits
• Wedding party portraits
• Some immediate family portraits

This way, after the ceremony all you have to do is any remaining family photos and your bride and groom just married portraits. This can make the day feel like it goes a lot more smoothly. I also think it helps the ceremony feel more like the climax of your day, and not just the prequel to a wedding photoshoot. 🙂

A More Relaxed Experience

So many of my wedding clients who have chosen to do a first look on their big day have shared with me that it helped reduce nerves and stress for them before the time of the ceremony. Having that moment together, just the two of you, can help calm your mind and body and reduce those nerves come ceremony time!

Wedding First Look: A Personal Note

My husband and I chose to have a first look on our wedding day (photos are below!) and it was the best decision we made! It allowed for us to have more private time together as we anticipated our wedding, which was such a gift. I also know that both my husband and I were nervous about the anticipation of seeing each other at the ceremony with all those people looking on, so it instantly reduced our nerves and we felt more calm the instant we saw one another during our wedding first look. That half hour of uninterrupted time together on our big day was the perfect way to transition into the more public/social aspects of our wedding and is a memory I cherish!

As you plan your wedding, I hope you’ll consider making a first look part of the celebration! I would love to help you make this day a dream come true for you and your sweetheart. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer you can fall in love with, I hope you’ll reach out. Can’t wait to hear from you!