Should you have a wedding first look?

One of the most common questions couples face when planning their wedding day is: Should we do a first look or wait for the aisle moment?

The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Both options have beautiful merits and a few challenges. As a wedding photographer, I’ve witnessed the magic of both approaches — and I’m here to help you weigh the pros and cons from a photographer’s point of view.

A Wedding First Look

Let’s begin with the Wedding First Look — a heartfelt, private moment where you see each other before the ceremony.

While it’s tempting to list the benefits in quick bullet points, some deserve a little more explanation!

Benefits of a First Look:

• Ease Your Nerves: If either you or your fiancé feels anxious about the ceremony — whether it’s speaking your vows aloud or simply standing in front of a crowd — a first look can offer a calming, intimate reset before the big moment.
• More Time Together: Choosing a first look allows you to spend significantly more of your wedding day side-by-side. In fact, with photos scheduled before the ceremony, you’ll share nearly 75% of your day together.
• Private Vows: A first look creates the perfect opportunity for private vows. If the thought of speaking deeply personal words in front of a crowd feels overwhelming, this offers a meaningful and quiet alternative.
• Unfiltered Emotions: Without an audience, the emotions during a first look often flow freely. It’s a moment where you can truly feel everything without holding back.
• Aisle Reaction Still Happens: Many couples worry a first look will take away from the emotional reaction down the aisle — but trust me, it’s a completely different moment. Seeing your beloved walk toward you in front of loved ones is powerful, even after a first look.
• Smoother Timeline: A first look can help ease the flow of your day, allowing more time for photos, relaxation, and perhaps even joining your cocktail hour. (Though, of course, this depends on the ceremony time and schedule.)

Potential Drawbacks to Consider:

• Aisle Reaction May Feel Different: Some worry the big “first glance” down the aisle might not feel as overwhelming if they’ve already seen one another. However, many couples experience both — a rush of emotion in both moments!
• Timeline Limitations: If your ceremony is scheduled soon after your first look (for example, a 1:00 PM first look and a 2:00 PM ceremony), you may not have time to complete all your formal portraits beforehand.

The Pros and Cons of Skipping the First Look

On the other hand, choosing not to have a Wedding First Look can be equally magical — especially if you’re drawn to a more traditional experience.

Benefits of No First Look:

• Traditional Experience: Walking down the aisle and seeing each other for the first time in front of your friends and family is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, filled with electric emotion.
• Bigger Aisle Reactions: Without an earlier reveal, the emotions often feel heightened, leading to unforgettable reactions from both partners.
• More Time for Preparation: Without the need for early portraits, you may enjoy a slower, more relaxed morning while getting ready.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider:

Missing Cocktail Hour: If you dream of mingling with your guests during cocktail hour, know that skipping a first look could mean you’re off taking photos instead.So while you are planning your timeline out really look at the time between your ceremony and reception!

Tighter Timeline Post-Ceremony: Without a first look, most of your formal photos will happen between the ceremony and reception. If the timeline is tight — say, one hour between ceremony and cocktail hour — you might feel rushed, or you may need to sacrifice variety in your photo locations.

Ultimately, whether or not you choose a Wedding First Look is entirely personal. It’s about choosing what feels right for you — not just what tradition says, or what anyone else suggests.

As you design your wedding timeline, think about your priorities:

• Are you hoping for a slower-paced, intimate morning?
• Do you want to maximize your time together on your wedding day?
• Is it important to share that “aisle moment” with your family and friends watching?

Whichever path you choose, your day will be magical — because it will be yours.

If you need help crafting a timeline that fits your vision (first look or no first look!), here is a guide to help you craft the perfect one.

Creating the perfect wedding day timeline