Here are my top six reasons for having a first look if you’re undecided:
1. A first look gives you a quiet moment alone.
Wedding days go by in a blur. As soon as the day begins, there’s so much to do and so many people to see. A first look gives the two of you a private moment (with a camera shooting from afar) to soak it all in and reflect on what the day truly means to you.
2. You can be present for cocktail hour.
When you choose a first look, we can take photos of the two of you, your wedding party, and your family before the ceremony even begins. I typically recommend starting 1.5–2 hours prior to your ceremony. This makes the day feel far less rushed and allows us to capture more photos overall. After you’re married, we’d only need to set aside time for sunset photos (if you want them!), meaning you can head straight to cocktail hour and start the party sooner.
3. It can help you avoid bad weather.
If there’s questionable weather in the forecast, a first look gives us the option to get photos done earlier in the day – potentially avoiding rain, snow, or harsh conditions. First looks have saved so many of my couples from missing out on outdoor formal photos altogether.
4. Feel all the feels – without an audience.
If you’re a happy crier like me, you’ll appreciate having a private moment to let those emotions flow, knowing you’ll have time to freshen up before walking down the aisle.
5. It’s ideal for large families or wedding parties.
Formal photos are typically taken during the 45-ish minutes of cocktail hour, which often isn’t enough time if you have a large family or wedding party. Between gathering everyone, tracking down those who wandered to the bar, and moving around your venue for the best photo spots, it can quickly feel overwhelming. A first look helps everything run more smoothly, so you can actually enjoy the process.
6. Lighting & ceremony timing.
Natural light plays a huge role in your photos. Unless your wedding falls in the height of summer, a ceremony start time around 4pm can mean you’re racing the daylight afterward. Being mindful of sunset timing when planning your timeline helps ensure you get the most beautiful, flattering light – without feeling rushed.
Here's two great alternatives to a first look:
1. A first touch!
This allows you to share a meaningful moment together – holding hands, exchanging a few words, or even reading private vows - without actually seeing each other. You might stand back-to-back or on opposite sides of a door or wall, keeping the anticipation intact while still soaking in that emotional connection.
After your first touch, we’ll take each of you outside separately (making sure you don’t see one another!) to capture photos ahead of time. This typically includes solo portraits, individual wedding party photos, and select family photos – helping your timeline flow smoothly while preserving that magical first look moment at the ceremony.
2. No first look, but separate formal photos beforehand!
If you’d prefer to save seeing each other for the ceremony and skip a first touch altogether, we can still take a thoughtful, intentional approach to your photos beforehand. Each partner will be photographed separately – capturing solo portraits, individual wedding party photos, and select family photos – while making sure you’re kept completely out of sight of one another.
This option allows you to preserve that classic aisle moment while still easing your timeline and minimizing how many photos need to happen during cocktail hour.
This is one of the biggest dilemmas my couples face, and while I have a photographer's perspective about which is best for timelines, there truly is no right or wrong answer – every wedding has different expectations and priorities.
And, I SO get it. There's something to be said about the traditional, butterflies in your stomach anticipation of seeing your forever person for the first time at the alter. As a photographer, I've witnessed countless couples stressing over this very decision.
But, there's something to be said about not feeling rushed, overwhelmed, or pulled in 100 directions on your wedding day, which is why I'm (mainly) pro-first look. Of course, there's exceptions to this – like if you're having a super intimate wedding or maybe have zero desire to attend your cocktail hour – but I recommend doing most of your photos prior to your ceremony to maximize time spent intentionally with your guests and new forever partner.
BTW... a first look doesn't always need to include your partner! If you're saving that moment for the aisle, consider doing one with your parents, wedding party, or someone special to you.
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