Which Is Right for You–A First Look vs. First Touch?

One of the most common questions couples ask me while planning their wedding day is whether to do a first look or a first touch. Both are incredibly meaningful, impactful, and have emotional moments—it just comes down to how you want to experience that connection before your ceremony.

A first look happens when you see each other privately before walking down the aisle. Couples often love this option because it creates a quiet, intimate space to soak in the moment without an audience around. It can help calm any nerves or anxiety that came morning of, allow more time together on the wedding day, and make the overall timeline flow more smoothly—especially when portraits are completed following after. Likewise, bridal party photos and immediate family formals can flow right after it. Win, win in my book–if you’re dreading your family formal pictures following after ceremony so you can go enjoy cocktail hour sooner. The biggest trade-off? It gently shifts away from “tradition”, and the aisle reveal won’t be the very first time you see each other. In my experience, a first look rarely diminishes the emotion; couples often still share an emotional reaction when they see each other during the ceremony.

A first touch allows couples to connect without seeing each other, often through a quiet hand-hold around a corner, standing back to back while exchanging private vows, or sharing a moment of prayer before the ceremony. This option keeps the aisle reveal fully intact and a surprise for one another while still offering a grounding, emotional pause before the ceremony. It’s deeply intimate and meaningful, though it doesn’t save as much time in the timeline since portraits still happen following after ceremony.

From a wedding photographer’s perspective, there’s truly no wrong choice if you decide to have a first look, first touch or wait for ceremony. First looks tend to be relaxed and practical, while first touches are powerful and intentional. The best option is the one that aligns with your priorities together—whether that’s privacy, tradition, emotional release, or simply what feels most to you both.