How to Plan Your First Look Wedding Photos

If you’re in the midst of wedding planning, you may have come across the idea of having a first look. If you’re already sold on the idea, or just considering it as an option, I’m covering all the W’s and the H when it comes to your first look.

What Is A First Look?

Just so that we’re on the same page, a first look is when you see each other for the fist time on your wedding day. First-look wedding photos are pretty common in the general wedding industry. In fact, about 40-50% of my past couples choose to have a First Look. 

Is A First Look Right For You?

This often comes down to personal preference and how closely you want to keep with the traditional. However, there are some considerations that you may not have thought of. 

SMALL WEDDINGS 

If you’re having a small wedding, depending on your wedding day timeline, your first look may be the only time during the entire day, you two will be alone together. 

Also, if you happen to be a crier like me, having a first look lets you get ‘most’ of the tears out of the way with, in private, so that the nerves have eased a bit by the time the ceremony arrives.

Pro Tip: Schedule a makeup touchup after your first look photos if you are a crier so that you are fresh and glowing for your ceremony photos.

How To Plan Your First Look 

Planning your first look, as well as your first look wedding photography, may seem daunting but it is far simpler than you think. 

WHEN DO YOU DO A FIRST LOOK?

Typically a first look is done after you are both done getting ready but before your ceremony/vow exchange. The benefit is that you often feel fresh and it’s the perfect opportunity to take some photos. This comes in extra handy on hot summer days.

HOW LONG DOES A FIRST LOOK TAKE? 

A first look can take as long as you want. It’s the perfect opportunity to take some couple photos and live in the moment for as long as possible.
Give yourself enough time to really enjoy this quiet, private moment together. This may be the only time you have alone during your entire wedding day, so don’t rush it!

WHERE TO DO A FIRST LOOK?

First looks can happen literally anywhere. Choose a location that is relatively close to where you are getting ready or close to your ceremony location. 

Pro Tip: Book a cute AirBnB with a nice backyard and/or view gives your day feel extra special due to the “hotel stay” but also makes it easy to find a location for your first look wedding photos.

WHO CAN BE AT A FIRST LOOK?

Aside from you partner, you can have who ever you want at your first look. Your wedding party, your parents, your kids, etc. It’s all about your level of comfort who is present during your first look.

FUN FIRST LOOK IDEAS

Find fun ways to personalize your first look, as J+B did. Lego is a huge part of their life, in fact, B proposed with a ring box he made out Lego. So in turn, J surprised him at the first look. While a first look can be an emotional moment, it can also be super fun.

Add a special, meaningful element that you know your partner will absolutely love.

WHAT TO DO DURING A FIRST LOOK?

So what do you do when seeing each other for the first time only takes a few minutes? Honestly, live in it. You will never see each other again for the first time on your wedding day. Talk, hug, kiss, check each other out. Do whatever the F you want. I’ll be there to photograph every moment. 

HOW TO DO A FIRST LOOK?

When it comes to the actual act of doing a first look, the secret is that it’s totally set up and staged. This is because the goal with your first look wedding photography is to capture both of your expressions in the same frame. 

Here are 4 of the most common ways I set up a first look. Once you’re set-up (and I’m set up as well!), you’ve got the green light to go for it!

WALK UP BEHIND

This is probably the most common way to do a first look. One partner stands with their back to you. You walk up to them, tap them on the shoulder and they turn around and see you.

WALK UP TO

This one is perfect if you don’t have a lot of space, like in a forested trail. One partner stands with their back to you. You walk up and stand shoulder to shoulder next to them. 

OPEN THE DOOR

A fun option if you have some peeps helping you. You each stand on opposite sides of a door, and someone opens the door to reveal the moment.

BACK TO BACK

A great option if you want to soak in the moment before you see each other. Sometimes the nerves can get you right before you see each other, a back to back first look gives you a little time out before the big reveal. 

ProTip: This is also a good option if you don’t actually want to see each other but still want to have a (private) moment together before the day begins.

Example Wedding Timeline With First Look

Including a first look as part of your day doesn’t have to drastically change your wedding day timeline. It can be easily incorporated without having to add more time to your wedding photography coverage. Here are 2 examples of wedding timelines with a first look.

FULL-DAY 2-PERSON BEACH ELOPEMENT

1:30 pm – Separate getting ready photos

3:00 pm – First Look at waterfront AirBnB backyard

3:30 pm – Head to close by park for portraits

5:00 pm – Head to beach ceremony location

5:30 pm – Ceremony followed by exploring and portraits

6:30 pm – Catered beach picnic

7:30 pm – Head back to waterfront AirBnB

8:00 pm – Sunset photos

8:30 pm – First dance by the backyard campfire

FULL-DAY 50 PERSON SMALL WEDDING

12:00 pm – Separate getting ready photos 

1:30 pm – Head to first look location

2:00 pm – First look followed by couple + wedding party photos

4:00 pm – Head to the ceremony venue

4:30 pm – Ceremony 

5:00 pm – Family photos

5:30 pm – Head to the reception venue

6:30 pm – Catered dinner with family

8:00 pm – Dance party begins. Sneak out for sunset photos

The Key To Planning Your First Look Wedding Photos

Keep your first look timeline relaxed with lots of buffer time so that you can soak in every moment. I recommend an hour but do what feels right for you. Make sure you include enough travel time and let your wedding photographer know well in advance if you plan to have people with you during your first look.

Looking For A Wedding Photographer To Help You Plan Your First Look?

I’m here to help! Just click the button below and let’s book a time to chat about how we can include a first look in a way that is meaningful to you both.