Should You Do a First Look on Your Wedding Day? Advice from an Austin Wedding Photographer
When you're planning your wedding day, one of the most personal decisions you’ll make is whether or not to do a first look before your ceremony. It’s a question that comes up in almost every planning meeting, and as an Austin wedding photographer, I’ve seen it done both ways—beautifully.
In this blog, we’ll explore what a first look is, the benefits and drawbacks, and how to decide what’s best for your wedding day.
What Is a First Look?
A “first look” is a private moment between the couple, typically scheduled before the ceremony, where they see each other for the first time in wedding attire. It’s usually photographed, and often filmed, to capture the genuine emotions of the moment.
Some couples cry, some laugh, and some just hold each other quietly—and every reaction is perfect in its own way.
Why Many Austin Couples Choose a First Look
Here in Austin, weddings often include beautiful outdoor venues, unpredictable weather, and golden hour lighting. Doing a first look can provide several logistical and emotional benefits.
1. More Time Together on Your Wedding Day
Without a first look, couples often don’t see each other until halfway through the day. A first look gives you space to connect and breathe together before the ceremony begins.
2. Better Use of Daylight for Photos
A first look allows your photographer to capture:
- Couple portraits
- Wedding party portraits
- Some family portraits
- before the ceremony even begins. That means less pressure and more time to enjoy your reception later.
3. Helps Calm Nerves
Seeing your partner ahead of time often relieves a lot of the jitters. Couples tend to feel calmer and more emotionally grounded after sharing that private moment.
4. Flexibility for Weather or Light
Austin light changes quickly, and rain or heat can affect your schedule. A first look builds in flexibility, allowing you to pivot your timeline if needed.
Why You Might Choose to Wait Until the Ceremony
Not every couple wants a first look—and that’s completely okay.
1. You’ve Always Dreamed of the Aisle Moment
For some, nothing can replace that once-in-a-lifetime moment of seeing your partner for the first time while walking down the aisle.
2. You Want to Honor Tradition
Many faith-based or family traditions involve not seeing each other until the ceremony, and choosing to wait can be deeply meaningful.
3. You Have a Tight Schedule Before the Ceremony
If hair, makeup, or travel runs long, there might not be time to schedule a first look without impacting your timeline.
How to Decide What’s Right for You
As your Austin wedding photographer, here are a few questions I always ask to help couples decide:
- Is having extra portrait time important to you?
- Do you want more time to enjoy your cocktail hour?
- Are you more excited about an intimate moment, or a grand entrance?
- Will a first look help you relax before the ceremony?
- Are there any religious or cultural traditions you want to honor?
There’s no right or wrong answer. It’s about what fits your story.
What a First Look Looks Like in Real Life
Here’s how we typically plan a first look:
- We find a quiet, shaded location with beautiful light.
- One partner stands facing away, while the other walks up behind them.
- You tap them on the shoulder or call their name—and we capture the moment you turn and see each other.
- After the initial emotions, we step back and give you a few minutes to be alone.
- Then we begin portraits while everything still feels fresh and joyful.
It’s one of the most emotional, authentic parts of the day—and often a couple’s favorite memory.
Final Thoughts
There’s no pressure either way. Whether you choose to do a first look or wait until the ceremony, we’ll work with your timeline to make sure the day flows beautifully and your story is captured with care.
As your Austin wedding photographer, I’ll be by your side to document every emotional moment, big or small—first look or no first look.
Still unsure if a first look is right for you?
Let’s talk about it. Contact us here and we’ll help you build a timeline that fits your vision.
FAQs: Wedding photographer in austin
Q: What is a first look in wedding photography?
A: A first look is a private, pre-ceremony moment where the couple sees each other for the first time in their wedding attire.
Q: Does doing a first look mean we won’t have that “aisle moment”?
A: Not necessarily. Many couples still feel the emotions of the ceremony entrance even after a first look.
Q: Will a first look make our day feel rushed?
A: Quite the opposite—it usually allows for a more relaxed schedule.
Q: How long does a first look take?
A: We typically schedule 15–30 minutes, depending on how much time you’d like to spend alone and how many portraits we do right after.
Q: Do we have to have family and bridal party photos before the ceremony if we do a first look?
A: Not at all. It's an option, but you can customize the flow of your day.
Q: What if we’re worried about crying or makeup?
A: That’s part of the beauty of the moment. We recommend waterproof products, tissues, and time for a quick touch-up afterward if needed.
Q: Can we do a first look with someone other than our partner?
A: Yes! Many brides do first looks with a parent, sibling, or their wedding party.
Q: Is it bad luck to see each other before the ceremony?
A: That belief stems from an old tradition, but many modern couples choose a first look and love the experience.
Q: What if we’re unsure? Can we decide later?
A: Definitely. We’ll build a flexible timeline that can accommodate either choice.
Q: How do we plan a first look into our photography package?
A: Just let us know in advance, and we’ll make sure the coverage, location, and lighting all work beautifully.
