The first question we ask our couples at the beginning of our first meeting is “Are you doing a first look or waiting until the ceremony?” Most of the time that question is met with, “I have no idea yet,” and THAT’S OKAY!

This is one of the biggest emotional decisions couples make when planning their wedding timeline. Both options have their own magic, and choosing between them really comes down to the type of experience you want for your day.

Let’s break it down.

The First Look: Private & Personal With Less Pressure

A first look is a private moment shared between the couple before the ceremony. Usually, it’s just the two of you (and your photo/video team) in a quiet location. It’s intimate, heartfelt, and allows space to actually talk, hug, and breathe together before the everything begins.

Pros of a First Look:

• More time together. You actually get to spend most of your wedding day with your partner, not just post ceremony.
• Less nerves. Many couples say the first look helped them feel calm and grounded before walking down the aisle.
• Better timeline flow. You can knock out a chunk of your photos beforehand, giving you more time to enjoy cocktail hour or relax after the ceremony.
• A moment to privately exchange vows. Many couples feel pressure to make their vows funny or interesting when they know they will be shared among the entire guest list. When couples choose to share their personal vows privately during the first look, they tend to be more authentic and less of a “show”.

Things to consider:

• If you’re dreaming of that “walk down the aisle” moment with a dramatic reveal, this may take away a little of that impact.

Waiting For The Altar: Classic & Full of Anticipation

Waiting to see each other until the ceremony is the traditional route, and for some couples, it’s the moment they’ve always pictured. Locking eyes across the aisle for the first time with all your loved ones watching.

Pros of Waiting Until the Altar:

• Big Emotional Impact: Seeing each other for the first time in front of everyone can be very moving.
• Builds Excitement/Anticipation: Keeps the butterflies alive until the ceremony.

Things to consider:

• You’ll need to take most photos after the ceremony, which may cut into your cocktail hour.
• Some couples feel more nervous going into the ceremony without having seen each other first.

So, What’s The Best Decision?

As a wedding coordinator, I’ve seen both options be equally beautiful and emotional. Some couples cry at their first look and at the altar. Some want their photographer to capture the emotional reveal in front of all their people. Others are just so ready to see each other, they don’t want to wait a second longer.

In the end, it’s YOUR day! Do what feels right for YOU! It will be perfect, because it’s yours.

Photography thanks to Mikayla Jean & Co. & Reese And Renee Photography