Should You Do a First Look on Your Wedding Day?
What Is a First Look?
A First Look is an intimate, private moment where you and your partner see each other for the first time before the ceremony. It’s a chance to pause, connect, and soak in the excitement together—just the two of you. We’ll be there as your unobtrusive third wheel, capturing every candid emotion through thoughtful wedding photography from the sidelines. Of course, if you’d prefer this moment to be completely private, we’ll always respect that decision.
Should You Do a First Look on Your Wedding Day?
Whether or not you choose to do a First Look is entirely up to you and your partner. What matters most to you on your wedding day? Do you want to join your friends and family during cocktail hour? Would you rather spend that time taking photos with your loved ones? Or is it important for you to stick to tradition and wait for that grand reveal at the altar? There’s no right or wrong answer here—just what feels right for you. Let’s explore the pros and cons to help you decide.
The Pros of a First Look
One of the things we love most about First Looks (and honestly, we wish we had chosen one for our own wedding!) is how special and calming they can be. It’s a chance to share an emotional moment in private, away from the eyes of your guests. If you’ve written personal vows, this is the perfect opportunity to exchange them without the pressure of a crowd—especially if public speaking makes you nervous. Plus, seeing your partner ahead of time often helps ease those pre-ceremony jitters, and trust us, the moment you walk down the aisle will still feel just as magical.
From a practical standpoint, First Looks can also give you more flexibility in your wedding day timeline. You’ll have the chance to get your family and wedding party photos done before the ceremony, freeing you up to fully enjoy cocktail hour with your guests. At venues like Embassy Suites Concord, first looks can be especially helpful for keeping the day running smoothly while maximizing time for portraits. And if your cocktail hour happens to fall during golden hour, we can always sneak away for a quick 15-20 minute sunset session to capture those dreamy, romantic shots—without missing out on the fun.
The Cons of a First Look
While there aren’t many downsides to a First Look, there are a few things to consider. If you choose to go this route, you, your partner, and your wedding party will need to be fully dressed and ready about 3-4 hours before the ceremony—especially if you plan to take family photos beforehand. Your family should also be ready at least an hour prior to the ceremony. Don’t worry, family formals typically only take about 20 minutes, but you’ll want that extra time to freshen up, grab a drink or snack, and tuck away before your guests start arriving.
Final Thoughts on First Looks
P.S.—You can absolutely have a First Look without doing wedding party or family photos beforehand if that’s what you prefer. Just keep in mind that this might mean missing a portion of your cocktail hour to fit in those photos later.
In the end, whether you choose to do a First Look or stick with tradition, what matters most is that your day feels true to you. If you're deciding what kind of wedding day fits you best, a slower-paced or more intimate celebration might be worth exploring. You can read more about the benefits of eloping here. We’re here to support you either way and capture every beautiful moment along the way!
