The Pros and Cons of a First Look

A first look is one of the first big decisions couples make about their wedding day timeline. Should you see each other before the ceremony for a “First Look,” or wait for the grand “Aisle Reveal” moment?

Both options can be magical — but they create very different experiences and photo opportunities. As a wedding photographer who’s witnessed both many times, I’ve seen the laughter, happy tears, and wow-worthy photos from each approach. This guide will help you understand the differences so you can choose what feels right for you.

What Is a First Look?

A first look  s a private moment where the couple sees each other for the first time before the ceremony. It’s usually set up in a quiet, scenic spot — a garden, a courtyard, or a tucked-away corner of your venue. The good news? It can literally be anywhere at anytime before your wedding! I have had couples use this time to read their vows privately to one another and others just to hug their future spouse and have a good cry : )

Your photographer (that’s me!) positions you and your future spouse, so we can capture the moment that creates that INSANT pure emotion.

The best part is that you get to decide when to see one another or we do a count down! Afterward, we often move straight into portraits and wedding party photos.

Why couples love it: it’s intimate, relaxed, and gives you time together before the day kicks into full gear. By the time I am done you have a BONUS set of photos even before you're officially married and then your future spouse gets to relive it all over again when you walk down the aisle!

What Is an Aisle Reveal?

An Aisle Reveal is the traditional way — one partner stands at the altar, and the other walks down the aisle for the first big look in front of family and friends. It’s cinematic, emotional, and steeped in tradition.

Why couples love it: it’s grand and dramatic; there’s nothing quite like seeing your partner at the end of the aisle with everyone watching.

Now let's take a look at the pros and cons!

Pros of a first look:

Private Emotions, Just You Two

If you’re camera shy or easily overwhelmed, a First Look gives you space to feel without a hundred eyes on you. No crowd, no pressure — just genuine connection.

More Time for Photos (and Cocktails!)

Doing portraits before the ceremony means I can capture you, the wedding party, family, and couple photos while hair and makeup are fresh. After you say “I do,” you can join cocktail hour instead of rushing through photos. We always duck out after the first dance and before dinner for some quick portraits during golden hour.

Timeline Flexibility

If your ceremony runs late or light fades faster than expected, you’ve already banked your most important photos, the two of you! This is huge for winter weddings or venues with limited daylight.

Calms Nerves

Many couples feel less anxious after seeing each other. It’s a beautiful reset before the big public moment. The bride was VERY nervous but this image was taken just moments after they saw one another. So beautiful!

Cons of a first look

Breaks with Tradition

If you’ve dreamed of the aisle moment since childhood, a First Look might feel anticlimactic.

Earlier Start Time

Sometimes hair, makeup, and dressing have to start a little earlier to accomodate photos in before the ceremony.

Potential for Staging

If not done naturally, a First Look can feel a bit orchestrated. (Pro tip: trust your photographer to make it flow and feel authentic but also share your ideas in advance this way you have a solid plan).

Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds

Not sure? You can blend the two!

• First Touch: Hold hands or exchange letters behind a door without fully seeing each other.

• Private Vows: Read personal vows in a First Look, then keep the aisle moment traditional.

• Partial Reveal: See each other privately but still do a full aisle walk for guests.

This approach lets you capture emotion early while preserving the grand ceremony moment.

My insider tips (as a bride who had a first look)

Lighting matters: If your ceremony is near sunset or your venue has tricky indoor lighting, a First Look gives your photographer control for gorgeous, natural photos.

Weather risk: Outdoor portraits can be done earlier when you have flexibility to dodge rain or bad lighting.

Your comfort is the MOST important thing! The best photos come when you’re relaxed and enjoying yourselves — choose what feels authentic to you as a couple, not what’s trendy.

So ask yourselves:

• Do you want to spend more time together privately or share the surprise with everyone?

• Is photography a top priority or do you want to stay purely traditional?

• How important is a calm timeline versus the build-up of the ceremony reveal?

At the end of the day your wedding is about celebrating your love story however that may look. Whether you choose the quiet intimacy of a First Look or the electric magic of an Aisle Reveal, the key is making a choice that feels like you.