First Look or No First Look?
As a Southern California wedding photographer and videographer, one of the most common questions I get asked is whether or not couples should do a first look before their wedding ceremony. It’s a big decision, and it really depends on the vibe you want for your day. The first look can be an emotional and intimate moment that’s just for the two of you, or you might choose to keep that magical moment of seeing each other for the first time down the aisle. In this blog, I’ll break down the pros and cons of a first look versus waiting until the ceremony, as well as some sample timelines of what your day would look like - helping you decide which option will make your day feel just right.
Southern California Wedding Photographer | CJS Productions
I always see my couples going back and forth with this decision and I totally understand. As a 2025 bride planning my wedding as well, it is tough to balance the day with genuine, real moments and making sure that you get the most out of your day and experience.
From one side, you want that moment of walking down and seeing each other for the first time to feel so special. The straight-out-of-a-movie feeling, the romance, the anticipation - I get it. You don’t want to lose that moment and that is 100% valid.
On the other hand, you want to do a first look so that you can be present and actually get to enjoy this wedding that you have spent months and months planning and that is also 100% valid.
There are definitely perks of doing a first look.
The day goes by SO fast. A first look gives you more time with your partner and more time to enjoy the party that you have planned!
You get to be at your cocktail hour with your guests, mingling and being fully in the moment with everyone who came to celebrate you, instead of making sure you take all of your family, bridal party and bridal portraits after the ceremony.
Nerves! Having a first look does relieve a bit of nerves seeing your partner before the ceremony.
It provides a special one-on-one time with your partner before the day unfolds, whereas you wouldn’t have a totally private moment otherwise.
If you are not reading your own vows at your ceremony, this can provide the perfect time to read your vows or a letter to each other intimately.
Depending on the couple, their beliefs, their traditions, and what they prioritize most, I do understand the hesitation to a first look.
Below I have provided some example timelines so you can get a sense of how the day would flow with and without doing a first look.
With a first look, your day would look as follows:
8am - Bridesmaids & Bride getting ready
11am - Groomsmen & Groom getting ready
11am - Photographer shows up to take getting ready photos and detail photos
1pm - Bride & Groom first look
1:30pm - Bridal Party photos
2pm - Immediate Family photos
2:30pm - Bride & Groom portraits
5pm - Ceremony
5:30pm - Cocktail Hour
6:30pm - Reception Begins
Without a first look, the day would be more like this:
10am - Bridesmaids & Bride getting ready
1pm - Groomsmen & Groom getting ready
2pm - Photographer shows up to take getting ready photos and detail photos
2:30pm - Separate Bride & Bridesmaids Photos / Groom & Groomsmen Photos
5pm - Ceremony
5:30pm - Cocktail Hour Starts
5:30pm - Immediate Family Photos
5:45pm - Full Bridal Party Photos
6pm - Bride & Groom portraits
6:30pm - Reception Begins
Southern California Wedding Photographer | CJS Productions
Here is my take:
Do whatever feels most true to you.
I know this probably isn’t what you want to hear or what you came to this article to hear. Personally, I would love if someone made all the decisions for me. But if you are being called to do it a certain way, I believe that you can’t go wrong then.
There is a way to do both: get stunning photos with all of your loved ones and your partner AND have the special moment walking down the aisle.
If you are leaning towards not doing a first look, here are a few things that you can do to still maximize your time and enjoy being present at your wedding!
1. Talk to your photographer and let them know that you’d like to be really efficient with family portraits so that you can still enjoy cocktail hour with your guests.
2. Make a family portraits list. Steal my list here - this will help you be super prepared in order for the family photos portion to run smoothly.
3. Designate a bridesmaid, groomsmen or close family member to be the conductor of these photos since they will know everyone. Have that person manage the list to help your photographer out and the photos can be done within 15 minutes.
Another option is to forgo the posed, classic family shots and spend cocktail hour surrounded by family so that the photographer can get amazing candid, natural shots of the bride and groom with all of the family. Remember though, in order to get those candid moments, you have to curate them! You can’t get candid photos with each family member unless you and your partner spend a few minutes around them!
My biggest advice is to hire a wedding team (photographer, videographer, planner, etc.) that no matter your decision, will make your day seamless and execute your vision for the day.
As a wedding photographer and videographer, my top priority is what my couple wants out of their day. Starting from our first meeting, I make sure to craft a timeline and plan to make the most out of every minute of your day so you can be fully in the moment!
Go with your gut! Your day will be magical no matter what you choose.
Xoxo,
Cayla
CJS Productions
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