Should you have a first look on your wedding day?

The short answer

A first look is optional, and there is no right answer. Some couples love the quiet moment together before the day gets busy, and others want their first sight of each other to be at the ceremony. Either way, we photograph and film it beautifully.

The useful question is what you would each enjoy most. If you are unsure, read on, talk it through with each other and bring it up with us on your call.

What a first look is

A first look is a private moment, usually before the ceremony, when you see each other for the first time on the day. You choose where and when, and nobody else needs to be there. For many couples it is the first calm moment of a busy morning.

We capture the reaction in photographs and film, and you can keep it as private as you like. Some couples read letters or swap gifts, and others simply hug, laugh and head off for their portraits.

Why couples choose a first look

Nerves settle. Seeing each other before the ceremony often takes the edge off the morning, so you walk into the ceremony feeling more relaxed.

It can free up time later. If your portraits happen before the ceremony, you can join your guests straight afterwards instead of stepping away. A portrait walk usually takes about 15 minutes, with photographs and film captured together.

It can also help with the light. In winter especially, daylight is short, so portraits before the ceremony can make better use of it. We check sunset and light times in advance, and we talk through what they mean for your day.

Why couples skip it

Many couples want the end of the aisle to be the first time they see each other, with their guests there to share it. Some find that building up to that moment is part of the day, and some simply prefer to keep to tradition.

If that sounds like you, you lose nothing by skipping a first look. We photograph and film your walk down the aisle and your reactions, and your portraits happen after the ceremony instead.

How a first look changes your timeline

Coverage usually starts about two and a half hours before the ceremony, which leaves room for the morning, any first look and your preparations. With a first look, the photographs and film of the two of you happen before the ceremony. Without one, they happen afterwards.

Either way, it helps to decide before your timeline is final, because it changes when you each need to be dressed and ready. Our photography timeline guide shows how a day fits together.

Choosing where and how

Pick somewhere quiet with good light and a little privacy, close to where you are getting ready, such as a garden, a courtyard or a quiet room. Ask your venue where works best and whether any areas are off limits. On the morning of the wedding we look around the venue, indoor spaces included, and work closely with the venue and coordinator, so tell us what you have in mind.

Plan for rain. If the weather is wet, we agree an indoor or sheltered option with you and the venue on the day. A doorway, a quiet room or a covered terrace all work well.

Leave it unscripted. You do not need to plan words or poses. Give each other a moment, and we will give gentle direction only if it helps. If being photographed makes you nervous, our guide to what to do if you hate having your photo taken may help.

If you are still deciding

Ask each other how you would like the last quiet hour before the ceremony to feel, and how much you would like your guests to see your first reaction. Your answers usually point one way. If they do not, either choice is fine.

We talk through any first look, reading or surprise on the planning call about a month before the wedding, or whenever you have had your final venue meeting. When you are ready, send an enquiry with your date and venue and we will reply within a few hours. An enquiry does not reserve your date; the £120 deposit does, once you are happy to go ahead.

Questions couples ask