Maine & New Hampshire Wedding Photographer // Unpopular Opinion: You Don’t Have to Do a First Look

Let’s just go ahead and rip this Band-Aid off:
You are not required to do a first look.
Not for your planner, not for your photographer (hi, it’s me), and definitely not for your well-meaning friend who swears it was the best decision they ever made.

Don’t get me wrong—first looks are awesome if they fit your vibe. They can be sweet, emotional, and they definitely help streamline the day. But they are not the gold standard of wedding photography. They’re just one option.

So Why Does Everyone Push Them?

Because they’re practical.
And planners love practical.

A first look lets us knock out portraits, wedding party shots, and even family formals before the ceremony. That means after you say your “I do’s,” you can head straight to cocktail hour with a drink in hand and not a care in the world. Sounds dreamy, right?

But here’s the thing: not everyone wants to see their partner before the ceremony.
Some couples live for that walk-down-the-aisle moment. The buildup. The butterflies. The gasp. The teary-eyed "holy shit, this is happening" look. And that’s 100% valid.

So Should You Do a First Look?

Here’s my very chill, very realistic advice:

If you want to be part of your entire cocktail hour and get all your photos done early, then yep, a first look makes sense.
If you’re cool with doing portraits and family formals during cocktail hour—or even sneaking off during the reception for a few golden hour shots—then skip it.

But most importantly:
Don’t let anyone pressure you into it.
This is your day. You’re allowed to prioritize emotion over efficiency.
You’re allowed to choose a flow that feels like you.

• First look = more time pre-ceremony for photos and easier timeline.

• No first look = epic aisle moment and old-school romance.

• Both are great. Neither is mandatory.

• Just be realistic with your timeline, and pick what matters most to you.

• And if someone tries to bully you into doing one, send them this blog and tell them to chill.

Your wedding, your rules.
Let’s make it badass—with or without the sneak peek.