Should You Do a First Look on Your Wedding Day? Pros, Cons, and Timeline Tips
Should You Do a First Look on Your Wedding Day?
Honestly—it's totally up to you. I know there are videos going around where couples say they felt pressured into doing a first look by their photographer, but here's the truth: this is your day, your moment, and you get to decide how it flows.
In this blog, I’m breaking down the pros and cons of doing (or skipping) a first look, and sharing tips on how to structure your timeline in a way that reflects your priorities. Let’s dive in!
Pros of Doing a First Look
1. A More Intimate Moment
Doing a first look creates such a beautifully private moment—just the two of you, before the whirlwind of the day begins. It usually takes place after you’ve finished getting ready and before guests arrive, giving you a calm space to breathe, connect, and just be together without an audience.
One of the biggest perks? You get full access to your venue for portraits before guests show up. That means you can explore, take your time, and find gorgeous spots for photos without interruption. It helps set a peaceful tone and gives you more freedom later in the day.
2. More Time for Photos (and Breathing Room)
With a first look, your timeline opens up. You're not tied to your ceremony start time to begin portraits—you can choose when and where it happens and truly savor the moment. Plus, you can knock out a big portion of the photos ahead of time: couple portraits, wedding party, even family shots.
After the ceremony, instead of rushing to fit everything into cocktail hour, you’ll have more time to relax, sip a drink, mingle with your guests, or sneak away for dreamy golden hour portraits. It takes a lot of pressure off and makes the whole day feel more intentional and relaxed.
3. You Spend More of the Day Together
One of the sweetest benefits of a first look? You actually get to spend the majority of your wedding day together. Aside from getting ready separately, you’ll be side by side for most of the day—sharing the butterflies, calming each other’s nerves, and soaking in every little moment.
Cons of Doing a First Look
Your day will start earlier
Light earlier in the day can be a bit harsher (though a skilled photographer can absolutely work with this!)
Pros of Waiting for the Aisle Moment
1. You Share the Moment with All Your Loved Ones
There’s nothing quite like that moment—music swelling, guests rising to their feet, the emotional build-up, and finally locking eyes as you walk down the aisle. It's deeply moving, incredibly powerful, and shared with everyone you love. If you're someone who thrives on emotion and tradition, this moment can be truly unforgettable.
2. A Classic Timeline That Builds Anticipation
Waiting until the ceremony naturally creates a beautiful flow to the day. You spend the morning apart, surrounded by your closest people, building excitement and soaking in the anticipation. After the ceremony, we’ll dive into portraits—just the two of you, family, and wedding party—while your guests enjoy cocktail hour.
This structure feels timeless and grounded, and for couples who love that dramatic, emotional “first look” at the altar, it delivers all the feels. Bonus: your portraits right after the ceremony are always filled with so much joy and just-married magic!
Cons of Waiting for the Aisle Look
You’ll spend less time together on your wedding day
Most of your portraits will happen during cocktail hour (but don’t worry—this can absolutely still be done beautifully!)
Can You Skip the First Look but Still Have Time Together? Yes—Here’s How
Have a private dinner.
I have seen this done multiple times and it works so well. You are already going to be the first ones to eat so you can just do this somewhere quiet to have moment to yourselves. Every couple that I have had do this is back before the guest are done eating and start to mingle as dinner is wrapping up
Sunset Photos
Slip out for some sunset photos and or just take a walk away from your reception and take in the party from afar.
Have a private last dance.
As your guest prepare to send you off, take a few minutes to have a final dance, just the two of you! You spent months planning this day and you should soak it up as much as you can.
So, first look or no first look—there’s no wrong choice here. It’s about what feels most meaningful to you. Lean into what fits your relationship, your vision, and how you want to remember this once-in-a-lifetime day!
Timeline ideas
9 Hour Wedding Day with First Look
12:00pm - Getting ready and detail photos
1:00 - First look and couple photos
2:00pm - Wedding party photos
3:00pm - Ceremony
3:30pm - Cocktail hour / Family photos
4:00pm - Couple joins cocktail hour
4:30pm - Grand entrance
4:40pm - First Dance
4:50pm - Parent Dances
5:00pm - Dinner begins
6:00pm - Speeches
6:30pm - Cake cutting
6:40pm - Dance party begins
6:50pm - Sunset photos (Depending on location and time of year)
9:00pm - Grand exit
9 Hour Wedding Day without First Look
12:00pm - Getting ready and detail photos
1:00 -Bride and bridesmaids portraits
2:00pm - Groom & Groomsmen portraits
3:00pm - Ceremony
3:30pm - Cocktail hour / Family photos/full bridal Party/Couple
4:30pm - Grand entrance
4:40pm - First Dance
4:50pm - Parent Dances
5:00pm - Dinner begins
6:00pm - Speeches
6:30pm - Cake cutting
6:40pm - Dance party begins
6:50pm - Sunset photos (Depending on location and time of year)
9:00pm - Grand exit
Still not sure what’s best for your wedding? I’d love to help you figure it out.
A Little About Me
I’m a Los Angeles–based destination wedding photographer with over 10 years of experience capturing weddings across California, NYC, Charlotte, and beyond. In my personal life, I deeply value honesty—and my heart is to have that value reflected in my work. After all, it’s the real moments that matter most. While I’ll absolutely deliver stunning portraits, my focus is on capturing the unscripted, genuine moments that become your most cherished memories.
I see every wedding and session as a collaboration. It’s not about my vision—it’s about telling your story as it truly is. If that sounds like what you're looking for, I’d love to chat with you about your special day!
