A first look is a popular wedding trend in recent years. In the past, it was tradition for the bride and groom to not see each other until they walked down the aisle. Today, around 90% of brides are choosing to do a first look before their wedding ceremony.

In the midst of your wedding day planning, you may be wondering if a first look is the right choice for you. And if so, what exactly does it look like?

You’re in the right place, because this guide is going to walk you through everything you need to know about first looks for weddings and elopements! That’s right, even if you decide to elope, you can still do a first look.

Let’s dive in!

What is a First Look?

A first look is the moment the bride and groom see each other for the first time after they’ve gotten dressed in their wedding attire. This is typically right after you finish getting dressed, a few hours before the ceremony. It’s a quiet moment for the two of you to enjoy before going into the rest of your day.

Can You Have a First Look if You Elope?

Yes! Even if you decide to elope with no one else present, you can still do a first look together! A first look on your elopement day can be an intimate moment with your partner after seeing each other dressed up for the first time.

Learn more about eloping!

Benefits of a First Look

One of the biggest reasons couples decide to do a first look (and often recommend it to other couples!) is because it takes away a lot of stress. A first look provides a few minutes for you to be fully present with your best friend before you are put center stage for the rest of the day.

While there are a lot of benefits to doing a first look on your wedding day, there are some cons. Here are some pros and cons so you can decide if a first look is a good fit for you and your wedding day.

A bride and groom embracing on their elopement day.

Pros of a First Look

You Can Take Portraits Before the Ceremony

After your reveal, you’re free to take portraits with each other, your family, and bridal party, leaving extra time to celebrate after your ceremony, which means you don’t have to miss out on cocktail hour during your wedding!

Seeing Your Partner Before the Ceremony can Calm Your Nerves

It’s normal to feel a little nervous on your wedding day, but spending time with your partner leading up to the ceremony can help ease any anxiety you may feel on the big day.

You Get a Quiet Moment to Read Personalized Vows to Your Partner

A first look is the perfect time to share personalized vows with no one else present so you can say exactly how you feel without the pressure of an audience. Some couples opt to share more generic vows during their ceremony after they’ve had a chance to share their personal, intimate vows with just their partner.

A couple sharing a quiet moment during their first look on their wedding day.

Cons of a First Look

You Have to Get Ready Earlier

Doing a first look does mean you need to get dressed and ready a few hours earlier than you would otherwise. But most couples find it worth it!

Lighting Might not be Great for Pictures

If you decide to do portraits after your before the ceremony, the lighting will likely be a little more harsh and not that soft, dreamy light that you would get in the evening. However, you can always schedule in time with your photographer later in the day for some more portraits if that’s important to you!

You Don’t Get Photos of His Reaction as You Walk Down the Aisle

Doing a first look will definitely get you some beautiful, emotional photos, but you’ll miss out on seeing the groom’s reaction to seeing you for the first time as you walk down the aisle. If that’s an important moment to you, then you should probably stick to tradition.

You Miss out on Tradition

Seeing the bride for the first time as she walks towards the altar is an old tradition that you would be missing out on if you opt for a first look instead. But if this doesn’t hold special meaning to you, there’s no reason to keep it in your wedding experience.

A groom smiling as he see's his bride walking down the aisle.

Where To Do Your First Look

You’ll want to determine your first look location early on in your planning process so you can plan your day appropriately. It will usually be close to the location you are getting ready in so that you can have your first look right after you’re done getting dressed.

It can take place inside or outdoors, depending on your venue and location. It’s best to choose a spot that is secluded so that you can be fully present with your pattern and not worry about anyone else nearby.

Not sure where you should have your first look? Ask your photographer where they would recommend!

Who Should be Present at Your First Look

Traditionally, a first look is between just the bride and the groom. However, you can have family and close friends present if you like, or even do a separate reveal with your parents. It’s up to you and how you want to plan your day!

When to Have your First Look

For traditional weddings, you’ll want to plan your first look 1-2 hours before your ceremony, depending on the exact timeline for your day.

For elopements, you will want to do your first look as soon as you can after you’ve both put on your wedding attire, which can vary a lot more than traditional weddings.

How Much Time Do You Need?

Typically a first look will take 15-30 minutes, depending on what you want to include in it.

A couple walking through a field at golden hour on their wedding day.

First Look Ideas

Need some inspiration for your first look? Here are some ideas to inspire you!

Have a Traditional First Look with Your Partner

Walk up to your partner from behind and have him turn around after you tap him on the shoulder. Just be yourselves from there and enjoy being with each other.

Do a Reveal with Your Parents

It’s very common to include a first look between the bride and her father, but you can include any combination of relatives or even friends. You can hold separate first look’s or do it as a group.

A first look between a father and daughter on her wedding day.

Exchange Gifts

After you’ve seen each other, this is a great time to exchange gifts if that’s something you’ll be doing on your wedding day.

Read Personalized Vows

Some couples prefer to keep their wedding vows simple for their actual ceremony, but this is a great time to read personalized and heartfelt vows in an intimate setting.

Pray Together

If you’re religious, this is a great time for the two of you to pray together. You can even do this without seeing each other if you want to spend time together without seeing each other. Ask your photographer to help guide you and you can stand back-to-back and hold hands while you pray.

A couple watching the sunset on a swing on their elopement day.

A first look is a great option if you want to have a more relaxed schedule on your wedding day and to break away for a few intimate moments together.

Something I help all of my couples with is creating a custom timeline for their day to include enough time for meaningful moments. If you’re ready to start planning your own elopement, send me a message!

Happy eloping!

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