One of the most magical moments on a wedding day is the first time a couple sees each other. Traditionally, this happens at the ceremony, with the groom waiting at the altar and the bride walking down the aisle. But in recent years, first look wedding photos have become incredibly popular. A first look is a private moment when the couple sees each other before the ceremony, captured beautifully by a photographer.

If you're wondering whether a first look wedding photography session is right for you, read on. In this blog, we'll explore the magic of first look photos and help you decide if you should include this special moment in your big day.


What Are First Look Wedding Photos?

A first look wedding photo is a moment staged before the ceremony where the couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day. It's intimate, personal, and often filled with raw emotions. These moments are beautifully captured by your photographer, providing a timeless memory to look back on for years.

A bride in a white off-the-shoulder wedding dress holds a bouquet of pink and white flowers while smiling at the groom
A bride in a flowing white gown and with long, wavy hair smiles brightly while holding a bouquet of flowers
a bride and groom at purple orchid facing each other and smiling joyfully
A bride and groom stand facing each other, holding hands in front of a wooden wall.

The Emotional Magic of First Look Photos

One of the biggest reasons couples choose a first look wedding is the emotional impact. The moments leading up to the ceremony can be overwhelming. A first look gives you a private space to share your excitement, nerves, and love without the pressure of hundreds of eyes watching.

It allows the couple to be present with each other, savor the moment, and maybe even calm some pre-ceremony jitters. The genuine reactions captured in these moments are often some of the most cherished from the entire day.

Many couples who've done a first look say it helped them relax and enjoy the ceremony more because they already had that intimate moment together. The first look wedding photography will capture these precious memories that can reflect the joy and connection shared between you and your partner.

A bride and groom stand apart on a rocky coastline with the ocean waves crashing behind them.
A black-and-white photo of a couple embracing near a rocky shoreline.

Should You Do a First Look?

While a first look wedding can be a beautiful experience, it's not for everyone. Here are some factors to consider:

  1. You Want a Private Moment Together: If the idea of sharing this moment away from the crowd appeals to you, a first look might be perfect.
  2. You're Nervous About the Ceremony: A first look can ease nerves, making the ceremony more enjoyable.
  3. You Want More Time for Photos: A first look opens up more time for portraits, allowing for more variety and creativity in your first look wedding photography.
  4. You Want to Stick to Tradition: If you love the idea of seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony, you might want to skip the first look.

Ultimately, whether or not you do a first look depends on your vision for your wedding day.

The Benefits of First Look Wedding Photography

Choosing a first look can enhance your wedding day in several ways, and the photos you'll receive are often priceless.

  1. More Time for Photos Without a first look, you’ll likely take most of your photos after the ceremony. This can be rushed, especially if you're eager to join the reception. A first look allows you to take beautiful portraits ahead of time, leaving more time to enjoy the rest of your day. Plus, your photographer can get creative with first look wedding ideas to ensure you have stunning, one-of-a-kind shots.
  2. Capture Genuine Emotions The raw, unscripted emotions during a first look are something a photographer loves to capture. Whether it's tears, laughter, or both, those feelings are authentic and make for stunning photos. With first look wedding photography, you’re guaranteed images that tell the true story of your love.
  3. Calm Your Nerves For many couples, seeing each other before the ceremony helps calm pre-wedding jitters. You get a moment to breathe, share your excitement, and center yourself before the official "I do's." It creates a peaceful start to what can be a hectic day.
  4. Get Creative A first look opens the door to some fun and creative photo opportunities. From blindfolds to meeting in a picturesque spot at your venue, the possibilities are endless. Consider exploring some first look wedding ideas with your photographer, like meeting in a garden, under a beautiful tree, or even at the spot where you first met.
A groom in a blue suit stands on a garden pathway, looking forward with a slight smile.
A groom wearing a blue suit smiles warmly at his bride during a wedding first look moment.

First Look Wedding Ideas

If you're leaning toward doing a first look, there are endless ways to make it unique to you as a couple. Here are some first look wedding ideas to consider:

  1. Blindfolded First Look: This is a fun twist on the traditional first look. One partner wears a blindfold, and the other leads them to a special spot. It builds anticipation and adds a playful element to the moment.
  2. Back-to-Back First Look: Stand back-to-back and hold hands. You can talk to each other, share your excitement, and then turn around at the same time for the big reveal. It’s an emotional and dramatic way to see each other for the first time.
  3. Surprise First Look: Instead of planning the exact location or moment, have your photographer set up a surprise first look. One of you could be in the room or space, and when the other enters, they’re met with the big reveal.
  4. Private Letter Exchange: Before your first look, write letters to each other and exchange them before turning around. This adds an even more emotional element to the moment, and your photographer can capture your reactions as you read.
  5. Incorporate Your Wedding Venue: Whether you're getting married at a luxurious resort or a charming garden, use your venue to inspire your first look. For example, if you're tying the knot at a vineyard, consider meeting between the rows of vines for your first look wedding photos. Or, if you're having a city wedding, meet on a rooftop overlooking the skyline.

What to Expect During a First Look Wedding Photography Session

If you've decided to include a first look in your day, your photographer will guide you through it. Here's what to expect:

  1. Choosing the Location: Your photographer will help you choose the best spot for your first look. It could be somewhere quiet and intimate at your venue or even a meaningful location outside of the venue itself. Your photographer at Inspired By Studio will know the best spots to capture your emotions in natural light, making your photos stand out.
  2. The Reveal: The most exciting part! You and your partner will approach each other, with one or both of you turning around for the first look. Expect tears, laughter, and lots of smiles!
  3. Emotional Moments: The first look tends to be very emotional, with the couple often reacting in ways they never expected. Your photographer will be there to document every smile, tear, and tender moment.
  4. Portraits: After the initial moment, you’ll likely have time for a quick portrait session. These photos are usually more relaxed because the emotional weight has been lifted, and you can simply enjoy being with each other.

Planning your first look wedding photos? Need inspiration? Here are some helpful links:


The magic of a first look lies in the personal, emotional, and unforgettable moments you’ll share. Whether you choose to have this special time before your ceremony or stick to tradition and wait for the altar, the decision is entirely up to you.

If you're still unsure, talk with your photographer. Inspired By Studio specializes in capturing these unique, emotional moments, ensuring that your first look wedding photography is as breathtaking as you imagined. Your photographer can also offer expert guidance and first look wedding ideas to make your day even more special.

Ultimately, your wedding day should reflect your love story. Whether that includes a first look or not, what matters most is that you and your partner create memories that will last a lifetime.



So, will you do a first look?

Inspired By Studio is here to capture every magical moment. Check out our portfolio and see why couples love working with us!