Planning / First Look

Wedding First Looks

For Elopements & Untraditional Weddings

wedding first look

What is a wedding first look?

When you see each other in your attire for the first time on your wedding day!

For traditional weddings, the couple is usually getting ready at different locations and shares a “first look” to see each other and take photos before the ceremony. However for untraditional weddings and elopements, they can look different. In this guide we’ll explain how to have a first look if you’re having an untraditional wedding.

How to have a first look 

Oftentimes, youโ€™ll be getting ready together in the same place and driving together to the destination. So how can you still have a first look? There are a couple options! 

1) Get ready at the location

Weโ€™ll help you get ready when we meet 

Bring your attire with you, and change when you get to the location! Weโ€™ll help you coordinate getting dressed without seeing each other, and bring you separately to the first look spot. We can also assist with anything you need like zipping/buttoning the dress, helping with a boutonniere, putting on a veil, etc.  

Let us know how much time is required

If choosing this option, itโ€™s important to have an idea of how long you will take to get ready so that we can allot the right amount of time into the timeline. For example, some dresses slip on fast and easily, while others have tons of buttons that could take 20+ minutes just to button up. 

Be prepared for where youโ€™re changing 

This option usually entails getting dressed in your car, or the side of a trail if youโ€™ll be hiking in to get to your first look location. There are pop-up changers you can get (we have one if you want to borrow from us) but these are a bit of a pain to carry on a hike and can be tricky to put away as well. We usually recommend bringing a thin blanket or towel to provide privacy for changing. You may also want something to stand on but itโ€™s not required. 

2) Arrive dressed

Get dressed before you leave

When possible, we recommend arriving fully dressed and ready to go. To arrive dressed without seeing each other, you could wear something overtop of your attire for the drive, like a big jacket or a blanket. You could also have one partner sit in the backseat, so the driver canโ€™t easily see you.

First look wedding

FIRST LOOK options

Walk Up From Behind

One partner stands with their back turned while the other walks up from behind and either taps them on the shoulder, gives them a hug or pinch on the butt! Then they turn around and share the first look moment.

Turn Around At The Same Time

We’ll set you up facing away from each other, then you can count to three and turn around to face each other at the same time! We personally love this first look option.

First Look Wedding Photos


Browse photos of first looks during untraditional weddings and elopements, for ideas and inspiration!