First Looks at Weddings | A Photographers Perspective

Hey, I’m Sarah! I’m a Georgia-based wedding and couples photographer that loves to capture beautiful, authentic moments and is always ready for the next adventure! You can learn more about me here!

As a wedding photographer, a question I’m asked quite frequently is whether or not couples should do a first look. Because of this, I’ve decided to lay out the pros and cons of first looks at weddings so you can decide if it’s right for you and your future spouse!

Before we get into the pros and cons, let’s first talk about what a first look is. I’m sure you’ve already heard the term many times, but let’s talk about it more in-depth and get down to the basics! 

Photos by Sarah Hanson Photography Venue: The Wheeler House

What is a first look? | First Looks at Weddings

A first look is when a couple sees each other for the first time before the ceremony instead of their first look being done during the ceremony as it is traditionally done. It’s a more private moment shared between you and your spouse without everyone watching!

Photos by Sarah Hanson Photography

The Cons of First Looks at Weddings

The only con to first looks is you see each other before the ceremony and it goes against tradition. There is absolutely nothing negative about it! It is simply different and hasn’t been done for decades like how it is traditionally done! So, unless you are adamant about sticking to traditions, this is the only “con”!

The Pros of First Looks at Weddings

Intimate Moments | Pros of First Looks

You get to have an intimate moment alone with your spouse away from everyone else and that time will be one of the most special moments I get to witness! You can let the emotions flow, read your vows privately, talk, and just be with each other totally alone. It can be magical!

Photos by Sarah Hanson Photography

More Time for Photos | Pros of First Looks

You get more time for photos! If you have ever been part of a wedding, you know after the ceremony time is typically rushed and a bit chaotic! By doing a first look, you get more time to take portraits because we can allow for more time. Of course, we will still get those sunset shots later but beforehand, we can spend much more time focused on the two of you. You’ll feel more relaxed during this time which will reflect in your photos!

Photos by Sarah Hanson Photography

The Emotions + Reactions | Pros of First Looks

Your future spouse will still cry BOTH times! You don’t need to worry that he won’t cry when he sees you walking down the aisle because he already saw you. I have seen it happen many times and he still does! I promise, him seeing you walk down the aisle hits differently and will still trigger those raw emotions.

Photos by Sarah Hanson Photography

Less Stress | Pros of First Looks

By doing first-look photos during your wedding, we can knock out almost ALL of the photos before the ceremony! This will save you so much time and stress because you’ll be able to actually enjoy yourself, be in the moment, and head into your reception without the worry of portraits! 

Photos by Sarah Hanson Photography

Now that we’ve covered the pros and cons of first looks at weddings, I want you to picture these two different scenarios:

Scenario One:

You just married the love of your life and all you want to do is celebrate with your family, friends, and your spouse but you have to take an hour’s worth of photos instead of being in the moment and celebrating.

Scenario Two:

You just married the love of your life and have already taken just about every photo you wanted before the ceremony. Now you only have to grab a couple of family shots and a few dreamy sunset shots with your spouse! Then you get to jump into cocktail hour and begin the celebration early!

Which scenario sounds better to you?

My Thoughts and Recommendations

Obviously, I highly recommend first looks but ultimately, it is up to you and your future spouse what you decide to do. And of course, I will support you no matter what you choose! My job is to educate you on your options but also support and respect your decisions. No matter what you choose, the most important thing is that you get married and are over the moon with how everything turned out! 

Photos by Sarah Hanson Photography

Sarah Hanson Photography | Georgia Wedding + Couples Photographer

I hope going over the pros and cons has helped you in your decision on whether or not to do first looks at your wedding! If you have any questions about first looks, please reach out! I’d love to talk to you more about it and your specific needs! You can also check out my galleries if you want to see more of my work.  To me, it’s always been about getting to know you and forming true connections, not just taking aesthetically pleasing pictures. So, are you ready to tell the story of you? Book me for your wedding here at sarahhansonphotographyllc.com! 

– With love, Sarah