When planning your wedding day, one of the most emotional and memorable decisions you can make is whether or not to do a wedding first look. If you’re wondering, “What is a first look?” – you’re in the right place. We are going to break down exactly what a first look is, the benefits of including one in your wedding day, and why so many modern couples are choosing to share this intimate moment before the ceremony.
What is a First Look?
A first look is a private, pre-ceremony moment where the couple sees each other first the first time on their wedding day. Unlike the traditional aisle reveal, a first look typically takes place in a quiet, beautifully chosen spot – just the two of you (and your photo and video team capturing it all).
This emotional exchange is often filled with happy tears, laughter, hugs, and a calming sense of connection that sets the tone for the rest of the day. Some couples even like to say their private vows to each other in this moment.
Why Couples Choose to Do a First Look
There are a lot of great reasons couples opt for a first look on their wedding day. Here are some of the top benefits.
1. A Private, Emotional Moment Just for the Two of You
Weddings can be a whirlwind, and moments alone are rare. A first look gives you time to slow down, breathe, and really take each other in before all the festivities begin.
2. Helps Calm Nerves
Seeing your partner before the ceremony can soothe any jitters you’re feeling. Sharing this private moment often brings couples a sense of calm carries through the rest of the day.
3. More Time for Photos
Doing a first look means you can take many of your portraits – including couple photos, wedding party, and even some family shots – before the ceremony. This gives you more time to enjoy your cocktail hour and reception afterward.
4. More Genuine Reactions
Some couples worry that a first look will take away from the aisle reaction – but in reality, we often see two beautiful, emotional reactions: one during the first look and another at the alter. The emotions don’t cancel each other out – they build on one another. To be honest, about 9 times out of 10 we actually see a deeper more emotional moment from grooms when they are having a private first look than when he sees his bride coming down the aisle for the first time. We’ve even had couples decide to walk down the aisle together after they’ve already done a first look. The sky is the limit, you have options!
5. A Smoother Timeline
A first look can lead to a more relaxed, efficient wedding day schedule. You won’t feel rushed to fit everything in after the ceremony, which helps reduce stress and keeps the day flowing smoothly.
6. Enjoy Your Cocktail Hour with Your Guests
Many of our couples are actually able to attend their cocktail hour with their guests because we’ve completed most of the photos before the ceremony.
7. You Can Control Where it Takes Place
It’s so important for you to be able to control every other aspect of your day. Why not control this special moment as well! You can choose the location and it can be as quiet and intimate or as community and open based as you would like. We’ve had couples have their first look take place down the aisle of their church, but with no guests in the pews, just them. We’ve also had couples pick out a quiet corner at a golf course where is was just them and they recited their private vows to each other. We had had couples even want their wedding party there looking on as they shared their first look. It’s all up to you!
When to Schedule Your First Look
Typically, a first look for us, happens about 1 hour before your ceremony. This is all dependent on timing of when everyone is ready and also dependent on drive times to new locations if needed. This allows enough time for portraits and gives you a little buffer in case anything runs behind. Your wedding photographer and planner can help you build a timeline that works perfectly. Need help building your timeline, you can check out this post on how to create a stress free timeline
Should You Still Walk Down the Aisle?
Absolutely! Even with a first look, that walk down the aisle remains incredibly special. Many couples say the pressure is off during the ceremony, so they can be fully present and soak in the moment. Plus, the music, the guests, the atmosphere – it’s an entirely different emotional experience.
Is a Wedding First Look Right For You?
If you value intimacy, want to calm your nerves, or simply want to maximize your time together on your wedding day, a first look might be the perfect fit. Every couple is different – and the choice is 100% yours – but more and more couples are finding that this quiet moment becomes one of the most cherished memories of their entire day.
Want to see more examples of real wedding first looks we’ve captured? Reach out to us or browse our portfolio – we’d love to help you plan a moment that feels just right for the two of you.
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