First Look vs. Aisle Reveal: Which One Is Right for You?

One of the most important decisions couples can make is whether to do a first look or an aisle reveal at their wedding. In modern times, it has become increasingly popular to do a first look rather than waiting until the ceremony. There is no right or wrong option—only what fits your wedding day vision and personality best.

What Is a First Look?

A first look is a private moment before the ceremony where the couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day.

Typically, this moment is captured in an intimate and private setting to allow for a more personal exchange of emotions.

Pros of a First Look

1. More time together before the ceremony.
One of the best parts about a first look is that it gives couples an opportunity to take a deep breath together before they dive in and ride the wave of their wedding day. You get a chance to chat, hype each other up, and soak in the moment before officially becoming married.

2. Helps soften your nerves before walking down the aisle.
Most couples don’t realize how emotional it can be when they see each other for the first time on opposite ends of the aisle. When I got married, I wasn’t expecting to well up with emotion as I saw my wife-to-be for the first time. If you’re the type to be overwhelmed by anticipation, a first look can help you ease into the day.

3. Creates more opportunities for photography.
From a photographer’s point of view, a first look opens up time for portraits as a couple and with family before the ceremony. You get more candid moments beforehand rather than rushing through a photography session after the ceremony.

4. Allows for a more relaxed timeline.
A first look creates space in your wedding timeline, allowing you to enjoy more time at cocktail hour instead of disappearing for an hour of portraits.

Cons of a First Look

1. Breaks tradition (if that’s important to you).
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Couples have honored this tradition for centuries, and a first look is a modern alternative that some may not prefer.

2. Some couples feel it takes away from the ceremony.
If you want that classic wedding moment where you see the love of your life for the first time in front of your closest family and friends, a first look might take away some of those super-intense emotions.

3. Requires adjustments to the wedding timeline.
A first look may require additional planning and coordination depending on the unique aspects of your wedding day.

What Is an Aisle Reveal?

An aisle reveal is the classic wedding tradition where the couple sees each other for the first time during the ceremony.

Pros of an Aisle Reveal

1. Keeps the anticipation of the day high and the tradition alive.
An aisle reveal builds excitement. The energy will be high, creating an amazing moment for you and your partner when you finally see each other. You will look back on that moment just like I do with my significant other.

2. Creates an emotional and climactic moment for your friends and family.
Not only do you share this moment with your partner, but you also experience it alongside the most important people in your life. Your guests will feel the love and energy in the room as they witness this special moment.

3. Allows for golden hour portraits after the ceremony.
If your ceremony is timed right, you’ll be able to take portraits as newlyweds during golden hour. Golden hour—the hour before sunset—provides a warm, soft glow that makes for dreamy, romantic wedding photos. It’s a photographer’s dream lighting scenario.

Cons of an Aisle Reveal

1. Less opportunity for photos before your ceremony.
One of the biggest challenges with an aisle reveal is that it limits the amount of photography we can do beforehand. Since you won’t see each other until the moment you walk down the aisle, we have to fit most (if not all) of your portraits into the time between the ceremony and reception.

2. Can be nerve-wracking or overwhelming.
If you’re someone who gets easily anxious, an aisle reveal might not be the best option. Seeing each other for the first time in front of a big audience can feel overwhelming. If you’d rather have a private, quiet moment, a first look may be a better fit.

3. Shorter timeframe to capture couple’s portraits.
Choosing an aisle reveal shrinks the amount of time available for couples’ portraits. After the ceremony, guests will be ushered into cocktail hour, leaving only the short window between the ceremony and reception for couple and wedding party photos.

How to Decide Which One Is Right for You
• If you want a private, intimate moment → Go with a first look.
• If you value tradition and suspense → Opt for the classic aisle reveal.
• If photography and timeline flexibility are priorities → A first look will help you get the most out of your photographer.
• If you wish for a more emotional reaction → An aisle reveal might be the better choice.

Ultimately, every couple is different. (And that’s a good thing!)

Every couple has a different idea of what their perfect wedding day looks like, and there’s no wrong decision. The key is to recognize what matters most to you and your partner so you can make a choice that feels authentic and meaningful to your love story.

As a wedding photographer and videographer, my mission is to document one of the most important moments of your life. However you choose to celebrate, I’ll be there every step of the way.

Your Photographer,

Max