One of the biggest decisions couples face when planning their wedding timeline is whether or not to do a first look—a private moment between the bride and groom before the ceremony. While traditionally the couple sees each other for the first time at the altar, more and more are choosing to share this emotional moment earlier in the day. As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen both approaches and can honestly say: there’s no wrong choice—just what feels right for you. But to help you decide, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of a first look.
Weddings can be a whirlwind. A first look offers a quiet space to breathe and connect before the day kicks into high gear. It’s often one of the only private moments couples get together.
Seeing your partner before the ceremony can be grounding and calming. Many couples say their jitters melted away the moment they locked eyes during the first look.
Doing portraits (and even bridal party or family photos) before the ceremony can free up time afterward. This means you can actually enjoy cocktail hour with your guests instead of missing it for pictures.
Depending on your ceremony time, a first look might offer better natural light for your portraits. Midday ceremonies often land your portrait session in harsh sunlight and later ceremonies leave you in post-sunset darkness.
Contrary to what some believe, a first look doesn’t “ruin” the aisle moment. In fact, couples often get two emotional reactions—one during the private first look, and one when they walk down the aisle in front of loved ones.
If you’ve always dreamed of your partner seeing you for the first time walking down the aisle, a first look may not be for you. There's something powerful about holding onto that classic moment.
A first look means starting hair, makeup, and prep earlier in the day to allow enough time for the extra photos. This can lead to a longer (and sometimes more tiring) wedding day.
For some couples, the excitement and energy of the ceremony crowd brings out a rawer, more emotional reaction. If you thrive off of that anticipation, you might prefer waiting.
If your wedding day has unpredictable weather or if you're planning a winter wedding with an early sunset, a first look might be trickier to schedule and execute without rushing.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to first looks. It really comes down to what kind of experience you want on your wedding day. Do you want a private, meaningful pause before the festivities begin—or do you want to lean into the build-up and magic of that traditional aisle reveal?
Whichever you choose, I’ll be there to capture the emotion, the joy, and all the in-between moments that make your wedding day yours.