A Minneapolis Wedding Photographer’s Perspective


As a wedding photographer based in Minnesota, I've had the pleasure of capturing countless beautiful moments, and one of the most frequently asked questions I get from couples is, "Should we do a first look?" While the decision is ultimately up to you, there are definite pros and cons to consider. Having been through it myself with my wife, I understand both the emotional and practical sides of this decision. Let’s dive into it!


The Pros of a First Look


  1. Saves Time for Post-Ceremony Photos One of the biggest logistical benefits of a first look is the time you save after the ceremony. Without a first look, all couple portraits, family, and bridal party photos need to happen in a short window before the reception begins. This can feel rushed and stressful, especially if the ceremony runs late. A first look allows you to check off couple portraits beforehand, leaving more time to focus on family and group shots after the ceremony without feeling rushed.
  2. Relieves Stress for the Couple From my own experience, seeing my wife before the ceremony was a game changer. We both felt like a huge weight had been lifted off our shoulders, and it made the rest of the day so much more enjoyable. Instead of being overwhelmed by nerves at the altar, a first look gives couples a private, intimate moment to see each other before the main event. Many couples tell me how much more relaxed they felt after sharing that special moment together.
  3. More Time to Enjoy Your Wedding Day When you have your portraits done early, it frees up more time later in the day to enjoy your wedding. Whether you want to mingle with guests during cocktail hour or sneak in extra moments with each other, a first look allows for a smoother, less rushed timeline. As a wedding photographer in Minnesota, I’ve seen how a well-paced schedule allows for more natural, candid moments throughout the day.
  4. Capturing Authentic Emotion While some might argue that a first look takes away the magic of seeing each other for the first time at the altar, it’s quite the opposite. A first look offers a private moment away from the crowd, where emotions can run free. In my experience as a Minneapolis wedding photographer, couples are often more expressive and candid during the first look, which results in some of the most heartfelt images of the day.


Couple holding flowers outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The Cons of a First Look


  1. Breaks Tradition The idea of waiting to see each other until the ceremony is a deeply rooted tradition for many couples. If you or your families are more traditional, the idea of a first look might not align with the vision of your wedding day. However, many modern couples are breaking with tradition to craft a day that feels more personal and meaningful to them.
  2. Timing the Day Earlier A first look means you’ll need to start your day earlier to ensure there’s enough time for portraits and preparation. For couples who prefer a slower, more relaxed start to their wedding day, this might feel a little rushed. However, with careful planning, your wedding photographer can help create a timeline that works for you without sacrificing any of the big moments.
  3. Losing the "Aisle" Moment Some couples worry that seeing each other before the ceremony will take away from the emotional impact of the aisle moment. While a first look can be emotional in its own right, if the idea of seeing your partner at the altar for the first time is important to you, skipping the first look might be the right choice. That said, many couples I’ve worked with who opted for a first look still found the walk down the aisle just as magical.


Couple holding each other at sunset in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Making the Decision


Ultimately, whether or not to have a first look is a personal decision. From my experience, both as a wedding photographer and having gone through it myself, I can confidently say that it can make the day feel more relaxed and enjoyable. My wife and I were thrilled to see each other before the ceremony, and it allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the rest of our wedding day without feeling rushed or stressed.


If you're planning your wedding and wondering whether a first look is right for you, consider what feels best for your personalities and vision for the day. As a Minnesota wedding photographer, I’m here to guide you through every step of the way and ensure that your timeline flows smoothly, no matter what decision you make.


If you found this helpful and are looking for a engagement and wedding photographer, feel free to reach out using the link below! Cheers!