Wedding First Looks - Romantic Photo Ideas & Ultimate Guide

Considering a first look? Or are you wondering what on earth a wedding first look actually is? Well, I am here to share all, as well as gorgeous first look photo ideas to inspire your own sentimental moment. Aww.

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• What Is A First Look
• First Look Pros/Cons
• First Look Photo Ideas
• First Look FAQ

Photo: Kim Williams Weddings via Brighton Barn Wedding

What Is A Wedding First Look?

A first look on a wedding day is when a couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day. This can be before getting wedding-ready, after getting ready and seeing each other before the ceremony, or the moment the couple lays eyes on one another as they walk down the aisle.

Usually, a first look though, is where a couple have a private moment, to see one another fully dressed in their outfits, prior to their wedding ceremony.

First Look Pros & Cons

Shall we look at the potential benefits and drawbacks of having a first look? Of course, these will vary depending on your personal preferences, but hopefully, will give some food for thought.

First Look Photo Ideas

So now we know what a first look is, and we’ve considered the best parts and pitfalls, let’s dive into some first look photos.

With Your Kids

How about a family first look? If you have children bring them along. Alternatively, if you so wish, your bridal party could watch on too.

Photo: Aline Marin Photography via Georgia Wedding

Blindfolded

Chuck on a blindfold and have a bit of fun. Not for the faint hearted – nerves of steel, or a great sense of humour may be required.

Photo: Anna Morgan Photography via First Look Wedding Ideas Country Estate Garden

Hug Behind

Gently hug your love behind for a sweet first touch.

Photo: Kape Photography via Nizue Resort Wedding

Bottom Of The Stairs

Take inspiration from Hollywood rom-com movies, and watch your fiance walk down the stairs towards you for a dramatic moment.

Photo: Paige Mary Photography via Italian Wedding Ideas

Shoulder Tap

Sweetly tap your soul mate on the shoulder.

Photo: Two Cheeks Studio via The Meadows Stirling Wedding

Head Outside

Choose a gorgeous outside setting with plenty of natural light to allow for the best photos.

Photo: Kasey Powell via Black Floral Wedding

Add Music

Elevate your first look with a special song or live musician.

Photo: Andrea & Federica via Italian Villa Wedding

Under A Tree

Find a special tree to meet beneath.

Photo: Two Pair Photography via Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Wedding

Lake View

Getting married near water? Choose a scenic spot nearby.

Photo: Eastlyn & Joshua via Tennessee Lake Wedding

Deliver The Bouquet

How about delivering the bouquet to your sweetheart for an additional touch of romance?

Photo: Saukans Photography via Taormina Wedding

Indoor First Look

If the weather isn’t great, or you have a gorgeous indoor space, use it to your advantage.

Photo: Alisa Nicholle Co via Modern City Wedding Ideas

Go For A Hug

Don’t be afraid to dive into a great big cuddle.

Photo: M.Studios via Blithewold Mansion Wedding

Stand Back To Back

Stand back to back, holding hands for an emotional photo opportunity.

Photo: Lily Sawyer Photography via Athelington Hall Wedding

Choose A Cool Backdrop

Ask your photographer to find a cool backdrop that you might otherwise dismiss. Free from distractions and providing shelter this barn wall looks great.

Walk A Path

Search for a pathway to make the first look entrance epic. It recreates that aisle look perfectly too.

Photo: John Elphinstone Stirling via Comrie Croft Wedding

Let Emotion In

Be free to let your emotions take over. If it’s a private moment it’s a great opportunity to let tears flow, before the ceremony.

Photo: Nessa K Photography via Industrial Distillery Wedding

Read A Message

Add another dimension by preparing a heartfelt message you can exchange with one another.

Photo: Aline Marin Photography via Earth Tone Wedding

Kiss!

Yes, you can kiss at your first look. Or hold off until your ceremony, the choice is entirely yours.

Photo: Alexa Frankovitch Photography via Pittsburgh Fall Wedding

Most Of All… Have Fun

Let your personalities shine through and have fun with the moment. It doesn’t have to be serious and emotional after all.

Photo: Anna Morgan Photography via First Look Wedding Ideas Country Estate Garden

First Look FAQ

Now we’ve wrapped up the first look photo gallery, I am going to be answering your burning questions so you can make your final choice.

Who Should Be At The Wedding First Look?

The couple! In all seriousness, only the couple actually need to be at a first look. If the couple chooses they could have their photographer and videographer attend to capture the moment. Alternatively, ask your children or close family/wedding party to watch. There is no hard and fast rule about who should or shouldn’t be in attendance. Do you.

Does Everyone Do A First Look At A Wedding?

Not everyone does a wedding first look. There are generally three options:

• Spending the night before together/getting ready together as a couple
• Having a first look pre-ceremony
• The first look is at the start of the ceremony, down the aisle

Most couples do their first look during their ceremony and many couples are now choosing a first look, before their ceremony.

Photo: WhitneyBre Photography via Romantic Fall Wedding

How To Plan A Wedding First Look?

To plan your first look, firstly, work out the timings. If you are wishing for your first look to be captured, consult with your photographer/videographer about how much time they’d like to take some portraits. Aim for around half an hour, time flies on your wedding day!

You’ll need to consider getting to/from the first look location, as well as if you need any touch-ups following. Once you have your timings you can add your first look to your wedding day timeline and let your suppliers know about it.

Can You Kiss During A First Look?

Yes, you can kiss each other during the first look. But you may also wish to wait for your first kiss of the day to be after your ceremony. The choice is yours! If you are set on not kissing, be sure to communicate this to your partner. But if you do kiss, don’t worry, there are no rules about this one. Follow your heart.

Photo: Kate Hensley Phillips Photography via Cenita Vineyards Wedding

Is The First Look Private?

The majority of couples choose to have a private first look, alone with their photographer/videographer. But you can invite others to join you if you prefer.

What Happens During A First Look?

Typically, during a first look, one-half of the couple chooses a location to wait in. Before the other half of the couple approaches the other, then the waiting partner turns around for the precious moment. This is usually witnessed and photographed/filmed also by suppliers hired by the couple.

Photo: Bloom Weddings via Brighton Town Hall Wedding Day

What Is The Difference Between A First Look & Wedding Aisle Moment?

A first look is usually:

• Private, between the couple and their photographer/videographer
• Prior to the ceremony
• A modern approach to wedding day timeline

An aisle first look is typically:

• At the top of the ceremony aisle, witnessed by all the wedding guests
• More traditional
• Public, not private

Photo: Wanderlust Creatives via California Wedding

What Do The Wedding Party Do During The First Look?

Some couples may ask their wedding party members to wait where they are whilst they head off to do a first look. It may be that they are still getting ready, having a drink or just relaxing. They could also join you, or create a welcoming party for when you come back for more portraits. Or have a first look for them if they have yet to see you in your wedding attire afterwards.

Photo: Elaine Williams Photography via Cotswolds Woodland Glamping Wedding

Further Reading

• Personalised Polaroid Wedding Guest Books For Photos
• Wedding Week Checklist
• Best Man’s Wedding Speech Template