A Southern California wedding photographer’s take on how to choose a very common wedding planning question.

When it comes to planning your Southern California wedding, one of the big decisions couples face is whether or not to do a first look. As a wedding photographer who’s seen both routes unfold beautifully, I’m here to share my perspective to help you decide to skip or do the first look at your SoCal wedding.

This post is for the couples weighing a first look vs no first look for their SoCal wedding – especially if you’re wondering what’s best for you, which can feel oddly difficult to evaluate when wedding planning and hearing from family, the internet, and every opinion ever.

What Is a First Look?

A first look is a private moment between the two of you before the ceremony, where you see each other for the first time in your wedding attire. It’s become popular for both emotional and logistical reasons, which we will get into below…

✨ First Look SoCal Wedding Benefits

If you’re leaning toward doing a first look, here’s what couples often love about it:

• It’s a private, emotional moment.
  Some couples feel anxious about being the center of attention at their entire wedding, and having a private first look does provide a moment just the two of you without an audience. This is why my wife and I opted in for a first look, and it felt perfect for us.
• It calms nerves.
  I’ve had couples tell me they miss their partner during the getting ready part of the wedding day, and they feel much calmer going into the ceremony after being able to see their person.
• It opens up the timeline.
  This is *not* the reason to do it, but it is worth mentioning! By doing a first look before, we open up the timeline for couple and group portraits before the ceremony. Doing portraits before the ceremony gives you more time to breathe (or join cocktail hour) later.

🖤 Why You Might Skip It

On the flip side, here are some reasons couples say no to a first look:

• You want that “aisle moment.”
  Some couples dream of locking eyes for the first time at the ceremony, which can be such a magical moment to start your wedding ceremony.
• You’re traditional or sentimental.
  Waiting to see each other might feel more meaningful to you, and that’s reason enough to skip the first look.
• You want to get ready with your partner.
  If you want to spend the entire day with your partner, getting ready together can be so fun. Many of my LGBTQ+ clients choose this route and have one shared wedding party celebration. Of course if you get ready together, a first look might not be in the cards.

👑 First Look SoCal Wedding Alternatives

Not into a full reveal, but still want a moment together pre-ceremony? Here are some great options:

• A first touch – hold hands around a corner or back to back without seeing each other. This is still a very intimate moment for couples and gives the full reveal very soon at the ceremony.
• A letter exchange – read vows or private notes to one another (also back to back or around corner). Of course you could also add this to a first look.
• A blindfolded first look – connect emotionally without the full reveal.

📸 But What About the Photos?

Let me reassure you: whether or not you do a first look, you’ll still get incredible couple portraits! Portraits can be done pretty quickly (not in a rushed way, in a I’d rather you enjoy your day then spend tons of time taking photos with me), and I promise we will get great photos regardless of which route you take.

If you skip the first look, we’ll build your timeline so there’s enough time post-ceremony for those photos. Please pick the first look or not decision based on what feels most authentic for your day, not around photo timelines or opportunities!

Final Thoughts: You Can’t Pick Wrong for Your First Look at Your SoCal Wedding

Your wedding is about you and your partner! If the idea of a first look feels right and makes sense for you, do it. If it doesn’t, skip it! If you’re still unsure, I’m here to help you think it through and feel good about your decision either way.

If you’re planning your Southern California wedding and looking for support on building a relaxed, intentional timeline, let’s connect. I’ll always be your guide to help you plan a day that feels true to you. ❤️