Everything to Know About First Looks—Plus, 20 Examples to Inspire You

There’s an age-old wedding tradition that says couples aren’t supposed to see one another on their big day until they walk down the aisle. According to the superstition, setting eyes on each other before the ceremony is considered bad luck. Over time, as nuptials have evolved, another modern wedding ritual has emerged that contradicts this longstanding custom: the first look. Although some to-be-weds follow the original guidelines, many decide to share an intimate moment together before the affair begins. First looks have grown in popularity, and they offer countless benefits, but they aren’t for everyone. 

As your big day approaches, you might be wondering whether a first look is right for you and your celebration. We tapped professional wedding photographers to give us the rundown on this aspect of the wedding and to unpack some of the pros and cons. Plus, should you take this route, we offer a list of examples from real couples as inspiration. 

Ahead, everything to know about first looks.

The Definition of a First Look

A first look at a wedding is when a couple decides to see one another after they’ve changed into their wedding attire and before the official formalities of the day begin, according to photographer Amy Anaiz. For this ritual to transpire, the couple usually gets dressed in their respective quarters before meeting in a designated place ahead of the ceremony. Typically, one partner heads over to the previously agreed-upon setting first. Once the second partner arrives, the first partner turns around, and they share an intimate, emotional moment together as they admire one another in their outfits.

As the first look unfolds, the couple’s wedding photographer will snap photos of the candid happening. The photographer will continue taking pictures of the duo in different spots, while capturing various angles, and will sometimes even shoot snaps of the wedding party and immediate family afterward.

When the First Look Takes Place

According to Anaiz, the first look generally takes place about two hours before the ceremony. "This provides sufficient time for the couple to have a private moment together as well as take all their formal portraits together, with immediate family, and with the wedding party," Anaiz says. For example, if your service starts at 4:30 p.m., your reveal will need to start at 2:30 p.m.

The Pros of Doing a First Look

From offering time efficiency to helping you ease any pre-wedding nerves, there are numerous advantages to doing a first look with your partner. Below, we discuss each pro, according to the experts.

You'll Save Time

Those who do first looks tend to free up more time in their schedule. By taking the bulk of your portraits before the ceremony (plus, wedding party and family photos), you’ll actually be able to attend and enjoy cocktail hour with your guests—as opposed to arranging your photo shoot then. When a first look is a part of your itinerary, your photographer won't need to pull you away from your guests in the middle of the celebration, so you'll be able to live in the moment.

You'll Share an Intimate Moment Together

One of the biggest benefits of incorporating a first look into your affair is spending uninterrupted alone time with your partner. "It's a great decision for couples who want to spend some quiet time together before the ceremony," photographer Caroline Lima points out. Since there are many formalities that take place during a wedding, it’s almost impossible to sneak in an intimate moment with your spouse. First looks maximize time spent together. If you want the moment to be as private as possible, Anaiz recommends asking your photographer and videographer to position their camera at a distance.

You'll Ease Any Pre-Wedding Jitters

Since you're the center of attention on your wedding day—coupled with the realization that your life is about to drastically change—nerves are common. First looks allow couples to ground themselves before the ceremony, which can help alleviate any pre-wedding jitters. Plus, chances are, you probably feel most comfortable and at ease with your significant other, so seeing them ahead of the festivities will let your worries wash away. Wedding photographer Ashley Sawtelle found this to be one of the biggest benefits when she did a first look at her own wedding. "It gave us a moment before the day officially started to connect with one another and take a deep breath," she reflects.

You'll Capture the Emotional Moment on Camera

Whether your grand reveal takes place before or during the ceremony, it will probably be an emotional one. With a first look, just you and your partner will be present, meaning that your photographer will be able to get raw, candid shots of your emotion without any other obstructions that could come into play during the ceremony. By enlisting your photographer to document the moment, you’ll be able to relive all of those feelings every time you look back on those photos. While walking down the aisle is also emotional, the two of you won't be in the photos together.

The Cons of Doing a First Look

Although first looks offer several benefits, there are also downsides that could affect your decision. Read on to explore some of the cons.

You'll Miss Out on Tradition

If you and your future spouse or your families are superstitious or traditionalists, doing a first look might not be in the cards for you. By seeing one another before you walk down the aisle, you’ll miss out on the opportunity to partake in a longstanding ritual, and according to the tradition, you’ll experience a spell of bad luck—which isn’t the best way to kick off a marriage.

It Could De-Escalate the Moment

Waiting to catch a glimpse of your partner until the ceremony builds intensity and suspense, so the moment has the potential to feel more dramatic and emotional. If you do a first look, on the other hand, you and your significant other won't be apart for as long, which could possibly interfere with the experience.

You'll Have to Get Ready Earlier

Since first looks happen before the ceremony, you’ll have to get ready earlier in the day. This means waking up, getting beautified, and changing into your attire well in advance. If you aren’t a morning person, this modern tradition may not sound appealing. 

The Lighting May Not Be Ideal

First looks tend to happen in the early afternoon or middle of the day, which often results in harsh lighting that could cast unwanted shadows in your photos. "Lighting during a first look isn’t ideal," Lima admits. "They usually happen during the day, when lighting is harsh, so you’ll probably need to take more photos after the ceremony anyway.”

Examples of First Looks from Real Couples

If you've decided that a first look is the right fit for you and your big day, we searched our library of Real Weddings and compiled a list of some ideas. Ahead, take cues from real couples.

A Tranquil Backdrop

At their moody, fairy-tale wedding in Rhode Island, Brianna Medina and Matt Brouckaert chose a waterfront setting for their first look, which made the moment—and the photos—even more picturesque. After the reveal, they exchanged personal vows to one another. “We got to cry, laugh, and just relish in that moment before we became husband and wife,” Brianna recalls.

An Elevated Embrace

When Cat Morrison and Patrick Baudhuin saw one another for the first time at their elegant nuptials in Aspen, Patrick couldn’t help but lift Cat into the air—a clear sign of his happiness and affection. “We wanted to have some time together to take it all in before everyone else arrived for the ceremony,” Cat reflects. “The whole day goes by so quickly!”

A Hidden Surprise

Before Sebastian Léman turned around to meet Kathy Léman's gaze, the bride covered her groom's eyes with her hands to make sure her debut was a true surprise. Not only was their first look a poignant part of their garden affair in Italy, but it also eased their nerves. "To be frank, this was also so that we weren’t too emotional or nervous for the big moment," Kathy says.

An Emotional Groom

After Tito Ogunsanya descended the grand staircase at her English countryside wedding, giggling in anticipation, she debuted her special frock to Evan Canwell. Upon seeing his bride all dressed up, Evan shed a few tears. “I cried from the emotion and buildup of the moment and because it was the first time I’d seen her in the dress,” Evan shares.

A Joyful Exchange

Prior to their walk down the aisle at their pink-hued garden celebration in Amalfi, Italy, Priyanka Pankaj Patel and Nicholas Raymond Leyh shared a first look. Once they exchanged glances, both of them beamed and laughed. “With all of the busyness surrounding a destination wedding and traveling, it was so nice to just have a moment with the two of us,” Priyanka says.

A Courtyard Escape

Haley Pierce and Mike Lederhouse chose their venue’s serene courtyard for their intimate first look at their French-inspired soirée in Delaware. The experience was moving for both of them. “It was so special just to be present with each other before the wonderful chaos ensued,” Haley remarks. “We both got quite emotional at the gravity of the experience.”

A Rooftop Exchange

David Sabshon and Kevin Bender's first look location, the balcony of their Brooklyn venue, provided surreal views of the Manhattan skyline, which enhanced the instant they saw one another in their tuxedos at their rainbow fête. "Having a moment where it was just the two of us was quiet, exciting, and grounding—plus, the pictures you get from that time are just the best," Kevin points out.

A Tropical Oasis

Since Carolina Favero Braga and Freud Milice were getting married in Brazil—complete with a hot pink aesthetic—they arranged to see one another before their ceremony in a thicket of palm trees. For both of them, the happening was “intimate and emotional,” according to the couple. 

Pure Shock

Once Amren Gill set his eyes on Grace Voelker during their first look—which took place at their multicultural celebration in the mountains of Baja California—his reaction was one of pure shock. Upon seeing his bride, Amen’s jaw dropped, and he covered his eyes and his mouth with both of his hands. 

A Dramatic Descent

For their first look at their minimalist wedding in the Dominican Republic, Francesca Brugal had an epic entrance: The bride descended a flight of stairs and met her groom, David Rubin, at the bottom of the stairwell. During her descent, David couldn't take his eyes off of Francesca.

On Top of a Mountain

Nicole Sands and Tyler Dahlke said "I do" at a vintage, eclectic function at a Utah ranch, so they wanted to embrace the scenic setting for their first look. The two of them exchanged glances on top of a mountain, surrounded by sprawling meadows and rolling hills.

A Double Reveal

With their backs turned to one another, Michelle Geannakakes and Sydney Strong held hands before their double reveal commenced at their personalized nuptials in South Carolina. Although their first look was powerful, it wasn’t the first time these brides saw one another’s wedding dresses—the two of them shopped for their gown together.

Elevator Romance

At their industrial venue (the perfect spot to execute their urban romance theme), Danielle Moson and Rodney Spencer planned their first look in the site’s freight elevator. “Our first look was insane,” Danielle reminisces. “When he came up and turned around, we were both so emotional.”

The First Spin

Before their ceremony in a solarium at the Denver Botanic Gardens, Kyle headed downtown to the Ramble Hotel (where Claire was getting ready), to meet her outside for their first look. After Claire debuted her wedding dress, Kyle spun his bride around to get a closer look at every angle.

In Awe

Instead of sharing their first look solo, Jasmarina and Ben gave the bridesmaids a show, as the group watched the moment unveil through the nearby window. While the bridal party was thrilled, nothing trumped Ben's awe-stricken facial expression when he caught the first glimpse of his bride.

A Beach Meetup

Matt and Chloe met up on the beach for their first look before their ceremony in Mexico. The reveal was an evidently compelling one for the pair, demonstrated by Chloe's speechlessness and shocked response.

Third Times the Charm

During her wedding at a historic property in California, Jenneh Bockari had three different first looks. Although her exchanges with her bridesmaids and her father were momentous, nothing topped her reveal with her groom, Joseph Rishe.

Tears of Joy

Before their ceremony, Shanna and Nathan met one another outside of their warehouse venue at their rustic wedding in Pennsylvania to see one another and take a few photos. Seeing the love of her life dressed in a dapper tuxedo and bow tie made Shanna cry happy tears.

Locked Eyes

Upon locking eyes with one another during their first look, Jacki and Patrick were filled with emotion. Once Patrick got a good look of Jacki's wedding dress, the two of them read each other messages that they typed on their phones, making the moment even more special.

A Driveway Meeting

Since Nichole Lee and George Balanchi had just finishing renovating their home in Pasadena, California, they decided it would make the perfect spot for their ethereal wedding, including their first look. For that special encounter, Nichole walked along their sun-strewn patio right outside of their house until she reached George.