Should You Do a First Look? A Photographer’s Perspective

One of the biggest questions couples face when planning their wedding timeline is whether or not to do a First Look.
While there’s no “right” answer, understanding what each option means for your day can help you choose the experience that feels most true to you.

Below is a simple guide to help you decide, rooted in both logistics and the emotional flow of your day.

What Is a First Look?

A First Look is a planned moment where the two of you see each other before the ceremony.
Traditionally, couples would wait until the walk down the aisle to lock eyes for the first time, but modern celebrations have embraced this quiet, intimate alternative.
There are many pros to choosing to do a first look to consider.

A First Look gives you the space to experience that emotion privately, without the pressure of a hundred eyes watching.
It naturally blends into about 30–40 minutes of photo coverage, creating a calm, meaningful start to the day.
Allowing you to have some alone time together before the business of the day begins.

The Benefits of Doing a First Look

1. A Private, Emotional Moment—Just the Two of You

If the idea of being the center of attention makes your stomach flutter, a First Look offers a quiet space to breathe, connect, laugh, cry… all without an audience.
It eases nerves and lets you step into the ceremony already feeling grounded.

2. More Time Together (+More Photos in general & pre-ceremony)

Seeing each other earlier opens up your timeline. We can photograph your couple portraits, wedding party, and often some family photos before the ceremony.
This reduces the post-ceremony rush and gives you smoother transitions throughout the day.

3. A More Relaxed Timeline

With so many photos done early, there’s a natural cushion in your schedule.
If we run short on time before the ceremony, we know we have breathing room afterward.

4. You’ll Enjoy More of Cocktail Hour

Since your portraits aren’t all saved for after the ceremony, you’re far more likely to join guests for cocktail hour—greeting family, sipping something celebratory,
and actually enjoying that space you worked so hard to plan.

5. You Look the Most Fresh

Before the ceremony, everything is pristine: hair in place, dress steamed, boutonnière perfectly secured. Photographing you both while everything is at its absolute best elevates the entire gallery.

6. An Intimate Space for Private Vows (If You Choose To)

A First Look also creates a beautiful opportunity for private vows.
If you want to exchange promises that feel too personal or tender for the ceremony space, sharing them during your First Look gives you a quiet moment to be fully present with each other. No microphones, no eyes on you — just the two of you, the emotion of the moment, and the freedom to speak from the heart.
Couples often say this becomes one of their favorite memories from the entire day

Choosing Not to Do a First Look

If you’ve always dreamed of that aisle moment, of the doors opening, of seeing each other for the first time surrounded by your favorite people; honor that dream. Your day should follow your heart, not a trend.

But here are some things to keep in mind so you can plan accordingly:

1. You’ll Likely Miss Most (or All) of Cocktail Hour

Without a First Look, all portraits—family, wedding party, and couple photos—happen after the ceremony.
If you have a larger wedding party, this can take time, which means more of cocktail hour happening without you.

2. Earlier Ceremony Times Are Your Friend

If your wedding is during months with limited daylight, consider bumping the ceremony earlier.
This ensures we have enough natural light for portraits afterward.

3. Extend Your Coverage

Spacing out photo time throughout the day might mean adding a bit of extra coverage.
For example, we can capture individual wedding party photos before the ceremony and save the full group shots for afterward.

4. Consider a Longer Cocktail Hour

Especially with a big family or wedding party, a longer cocktail hour helps us complete all portraits without rushing
and gives you a moment to breathe before entering the reception.

5. Capture Separate Wedding Party Photos Pre-Ceremony

Even without a First Look, we can still be efficient. Taking bridesmaids’ photos and groomsmen’s photos separately
before the ceremony means fewer groupings afterward.

Additional Things to Consider

• Lighting is Everything
  Whether you choose a First Look or not, timing your portraits around the best natural light makes all the difference.
  Golden hour portraits are always worth planning for—you’ll never regret those dreamy, glowing images.

• Your Emotional Vision Matters
  Some couples want privacy. Others crave the tradition of that aisle moment.
  Ask yourselves what will feel most meaningful to you as a couple.

• Weather Backup Plans
  If your ceremony is later in the day or you’re relying heavily on post-ceremony portraits,
  consider how a rainy forecast or early sunset might shift your timeline.

• Your Venue Layout
  Some venues naturally support a smooth First Look experience—quiet gardens, tucked-away corners, or pathways with stunning backdrops.
  Others may make the decision lean in one direction based on logistics.

Final Thoughts

There’s no wrong choice—only the choice that feels right for you. Whether you share a quiet first moment before the ceremony
or wait for the walk down the aisle, your experience will be beautiful and authentic.

My role is to help guide your timeline, ease the stress, and ensure your imagery reflects the story you lived—not a day spent posing,
but a day spent soaking in every moment.

If you’d like help thinking through what option works best for your vision and timeline, I’m always here to walk through it with you.