What Is a First Look? Should You Have One for Your Wedding?
ESTIMATED READ TIME: 6 MINUTES
When planning your wedding timeline, there’s so much to think about—like whether or not to include a first look. If you’re wondering what a first look is and whether it’s the right choice for you, you’re in the right place! As a Utah wedding photographer, I’m here to share everything you need to know to help you decide if it’s the perfect fit for your wedding.
What Is a First Look?
A first look is a modern tradition of an intimate moment where a couple sees each other for the first time before the ceremony. While tradition often reserves this reveal for the walk down the aisle, a first look allows you to share that special moment privately, away from the crowd. It can help calm pre-wedding nerves and give you a chance to connect before the big event. Plus, it often leads to beautifully candid photos capturing raw emotions that you’ll cherish forever.
But first looks aren’t just for couples! Many partners also choose to share a first look with parents, the wedding party, or other loved ones. Whether it’s a touching moment with a parent before the ceremony or an emotional reveal to your closest friends, a first look adds an unforgettable, personal touch to your big day.
Wedding Session
Starting at $750
- $250/hour, 3 hour minimum
- Average of 50-100 edited images per hour of coverage
- $250 non-refundable deposit to book
- Remainder due one week before the session
- Travel fees applicable if 35+ miles from West Jordan
- Discounted rate available for Engagement and/or Bridal Session if you book 4 or more hours of wedding day coverage
The Benefits of Having a First Look
If you’re on the fence about a first look, here are some reasons why it might be a great choice for you:
1. More Time Together on Your Wedding Day
Wedding days fly by in a blur. A first look allows you to spend more of your day with your partner, rather than waiting until the ceremony to see each other. This can create a special memory just between the two of you. It also gives you a quiet, private moment away from the crowd to connect before the festivities begin.
2. Captures Genuine, Emotional Reactions
A first look offers a beautiful opportunity for couples to share an intimate, heartfelt moment before the celebrations begin. As a photographer, I cherish capturing the genuine emotions it brings—the joyful tears, radiant smiles, and pure, unfiltered happiness.
3. More Flexibility in Your Timeline
Opting for a first look means you can take many of your wedding portraits before the ceremony. This helps streamline your timeline, allowing you to enjoy more of your cocktail hour and reception without spending extra time taking photos.
It also gives you the chance to fully immerse yourself in the celebration, spending more time with your guests and soaking up the joy of the beautiful party you’ve planned to honor your love.
4. Helps Calm Pre-Wedding Jitters
For couples who might be feeling nervous or overwhelmed, a first look can be especially comforting. Seeing your partner before walking down the aisle can ease nerves, provide reassurance, and make you feel grounded, turning those jitters into excitement for the day ahead.
5. Better Lighting for Photos
Depending on the time of year and your ceremony schedule, a first look might give you the best natural light for portraits. Utah’s stunning landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for breathtaking photos, and having a first look ensures you can take advantage of golden hour lighting if needed for formal portraits or family photos.
Reasons You Might Skip a First Look
While first looks offer many advantages, they’re not for everyone. Here are a few reasons why you might choose to stick with tradition and wait until the ceremony:
1. You want the grand aisle moment
If you’ve always dreamed of the moment your partner sees you for the first time as you walk down the aisle, skipping a first look might be the way to go.
2. You have an early ceremony
If your ceremony is earlier in the day, there may not be enough time to do a first look while also getting ready at a comfortable pace.
3. You prefer a more traditional approach
Some couples love the idea of keeping things traditional and experiencing that first glimpse at the altar.
4. You want to keep the emotions fresh
Some couples feel that saving the first look for the ceremony makes the moment even more emotional.
Alternative First Look Ideas
If you love the idea of a first look but want to keep the ceremony reveal traditional, consider these alternatives:
1. Parent First Look
A first look with your dad, mom, siblings, or another special immediate family member can be just as meaningful. It’s a beautiful way to honor the people who have been with you through your journey.
2. Wedding Party First Look
Imagine the excitement of your bridesmaids or groomsmen seeing you fully dressed in your wedding attire for the first time! A first look with your wedding party adds a fun and celebratory energy to the day.
3. First Touch
If you want a special moment without actually seeing each other, consider a first touch—holding hands around a corner or exchanging letters. This keeps the suspense while sharing a moment.
Making the Right Choice for Your Wedding
There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to a first look—it all depends on what feels best for you as a couple. Whether you choose to see each other before the ceremony or wait until the aisle, I’ll be there to capture every beautiful, emotional moment of your day.
If you opt for a first look but still want to preserve an element of surprise for the ceremony, consider saving your veil, bouquet, or other special accessories for the aisle. By holding back these final touches, you can create an even more magical and emotional moment as you walk down the aisle fully adorned, ensuring unforgettable reactions and lasting memories.
As a Utah wedding photographer, I work closely with my couples to create a timeline that fits their vision. If you’re still unsure about whether a first look is right for you, let’s chat! I’d love to help you plan a stress-free wedding day that allows for breathtaking photos and cherished memories.
Ready to Capture Your Wedding Day?
Whether you choose to do a first look or save that moment for the aisle, your wedding photos should capture your unique love story in the most magical way possible. Your big day is filled with once-in-a-lifetime moments, and I’m here to make sure none of them slip by unnoticed.
From the joyful tears to the quiet, candid smiles, I’ll be there to preserve the memories you’ll cherish forever! Let’s chat about your vision and create a timeline that works perfectly for you. Every couple and every wedding is one of a kind, and I can’t wait to bring your dream photos to life!
If you’re looking for a Utah wedding photographer who’s just as excited about your day as you are, I’m your girl. So, what do you say? Let’s make magic together—reach out to book your date today!
