First Look Wedding Photos: To Do Them or Not To Do Them?

If you’re recently engaged and getting started with your wedding planning, then you may have heard about first look wedding photos. And if so, you’re probably wondering if you should do them or not.

This is something my couples often ask about, and I love talking through it to find the best approach for them!

There is no right or wrong way to approach your wedding photo timeline, so in this post, I’m sharing the reasons for both why you might want to have a first look, as well as the reasons why you might not.

Bride and groom taking first look wedding photos at their NH wedding

What Are First Look Wedding Photos?

A first look is when you and your partner see each other before the wedding ceremony. This moment is often documented by your photographer, and also becomes an opportunity to take your couples portraits on your wedding day.

Many couples also choose to use this time to have a private moment together before the ceremony, such as to exchange private vows, give eachother gifts, or explore the grounds of the venue together.

Reasons You Might Want To Have a First Look

It all boils down to personal preference, but there are a few reasons why couples choose to do a first look:

It can help calm your nerves or any anxious feelings you have just before the ceremony.
You get to keep the reveal moment intimate, private, and romantic.
It allows you to get lots of formal portrait photos “out of the way” before the ceremony – giving you more time to be present with your guests during cocktail hour and your reception.

Reasons Why You Might Not Want To Have a First Look

Many couples choose not to have a first look, primarily because the traditional approach (saving the first look/reveal moment for the ceremony itself) has always been more appealing to them.

I’ve had many couples say that they would prefer to share this special moment with their guests, so they opt not to have a first look with each other before the ceremony.

An alternative option to first look photos with your partner could be to do a first look with your family or wedding party. That’s a nice way to incorporate that emotional reveal moment into your photo gallery while still saving the surprise with one another for the walk down the aisle.

{Related Post: Wedding Timeline Tips}

My Take on First Look Wedding Photos as a New Hampshire Photographer

As a wedding photographer, I enjoy both options! I love capturing that emotional moment, whether it’s private between the two of you or during the ceremony itself.

I always work with my couples to get some of the formal photos done before the ceremony, regardless of whether or not they opted for a first look or not.

I like to work closely with you to create a photo timeline that makes the most of your wedding day – accomplishing all requested photos while still prioritizing all of the authentic moments as well.

If you are planning your New Hampshire wedding and still searching for your photographer, I would love to meet you! I take a personalized and authentic approach to wedding photography, so if this resonates with you, reach out to me through my contact page, and I’ll be in touch to hear all about your vision for your day!