The Best First Look Wedding Photo Ideas

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first look photos joshua dwain — Matthew Ellis of Joshua Dwain Photography

The first time you see your future husband or wife on the wedding day, you're bound to be filled with emotion. That's why so many photographers recommend making a mini event out of it. While there's nothing wrong with locking eyes at the ceremony, many couples choose to have a first look before their vow exchange. It's a little more private, it can calm pre-wedding jitters, and it often results in some truly incredible portraits. To show you what we mean, we've gathered some of our favorite first look photos and shared suggestions for optimizing yours.

No two couples are exactly the same, and neither are any two first look sessions. In fact, that's what makes them so beautiful. How you and your partner approach your reveal will say a lot about your relationship. In turn, whatever reactions you have in that moment will help personalize your photo album. That being said, we're all for offering inspiration. The following couples' poses, first look venues, and more provide plenty of that, as do our accompanying tips.

If you've already decided to incorporate the tradition into your big day, these first look ideas will help you make the most of the special moment. On the other hand, if you're still uncertain if you want one, these snapshots might just sway you. Whatever the case, we hope these images get you excited for your wedding. If they're any indication of how blissful marriage can be, you've got a lot to look forward to.

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Behind Closed Doors

first look photos flora + fauna — Flora + Fauna

Ensure you're hidden until the big reveal. These brides appeared from behind closed doors to amplify the effect.

See More Sweet Moments from Same-Sex Weddings

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Tears of Joy

first look photos rebecca yale — Rebecca Yale Photography

Don't be afraid to shed a tear—the pure emotion only enhanced these photos.

Learn Everything You Never Knew You Needed to Know About Tears

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Rain or Shine

first look photos soul season photography — Soul Season Photography

Mother Nature is no match for true love. This couple's rainy portrait session proved that their relationship could weather any storm.

See More Weddings That Were Beautifully Rainy

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Love and Laughter

dani jackson wedding first look — Erich McVey

Go ahead and have fun during your first look. This couple's photo session was full of laughter, and the photos were all the more adorable because of it.

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Hand in Hand

wedding couple first look — Audra Wrisley Photography

These two held hands as they soaked in the moment. We're all for incorporating touch into your first look—it's sure to calm any pre-ceremony nerves.

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Mood Lighting

first look photos Eastlyn and Joshua — Eastlyn Bright Tolle of Eastlyn & Joshua

Put some thought into your first look venue: The right lighting can make all the difference (as shown by this couple's romantic spot).

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Never Forget

madeline brad wedding first look — Michael and Carina Photography

Sight and touch are just pieces of the puzzle, so try using all your senses to fully engrave the moment in memory. This groom kept his ears perked, for example. "When she was walking up behind me, before I turned around, her dress sounded like a ship's sail coming in," he recalled.

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Sweet Embrace

natalie louis wedding first look — Birds of a Feather

These two fell into each other's arms during their first look, which made for an amazing photo.

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Love's a Journey

first look photos greg finck — Greg Finck

For a dramatic entrance, try descending down a scenic path to your bride or groom. In this case, that meant a dock ramp.

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Buckled Over

first look photos howard photo and film — Howard Photo + Film

Let your body do the talking—this groom buckled over with excitement.

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Down the Aisle

first look photos rachel driskell white room groom waiting bride behind — Rachel Driskell

These two chose to simulate the bride's walk down the aisle for their first look—only this time, the moment was beautifully private.

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Come Prepared

first look photos rebecca yale couple in woods — Rebecca Yale Photography

When the waterworks start, you'll want backup. We recommend bringing along a hankie, as this smart groom did.

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All Dressed Up

Take a cue from these two and get a gander of each other's outfits. After all, the ensembles are bound to be special.

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Show Off

You have every right to take the opportunity to show off your looks. This couple proved that point further.

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Act Natural

first look photos shannon moffit — Shannon Moffit

Act like no one's watching for truly authentic images. This couple only had eyes for each other.

Get More Helpful Wedding Photography Tips, Straight from the Pros

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Calm and Collected

texas wedding first look hug — Josh and Dana Fernandez

There's no better comfort than a hug from your partner before you exchange vows. This photo radiates the ease these two felt as soon as they saw each other.

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Practice Patience

shanice & stephen wedding first look — Elizabeth Austin Photography

Ask your photographer to capture your expressions before the first look, too. We're sure this couple will love looking back on the adorable anticipation they felt.

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Look of Love

This groom's excitement was obvious as he shared a first look with his future wife.

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All Smiles

first look photos T and K Photography — T&K Photography

These grooms flashed the biggest smiles for the camera—and for each other.

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Too Good to Be True

The groom's hand gestures made this photo.

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Go the Distance

If it feels more comfortable, ask to be photographed from afar. These brides proved the result is just as gorgeous.

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Tissue Break

becca zac wedding first look — Fer Juaristi

Make sure you give yourselves enough time to really process what's happening. You never know how many tissue breaks you'll need during the first look portrait session. (We know this couple had a few!)

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Love's in the Air

ana and damon first look embrace — Shannen Natasha of The Wedding Artists Collective

The emotion was tangible in this first look room.

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Catch Your Breath

emily adhir wedding first look — Brandon Kidd Photography

Trust us, you'll have all the feels. Take it from this couple.

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Lend a Hand

This kind groom was quick to dry his bride's happy tears.

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Here to Help

couple first look — Clara Rice Photography

On the flipside, this bride was there to wipe away her groom's.

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In Private

daisy eugene wedding couple first look — Jaka Vinsek

Here's another example of the beauty of a little privacy. We're obsessed with this perspective.

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Magic Moment

Complements to this photographer, who gorgeously captured the magic of the moment for the soon-to-be husband and wife pictured.

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Soak It In

emily siddartha wedding firstlook bride groom — Jesse Leake

Our best advice is simple: savor the first look. It's one of the only chances you'll get for some "alone time." (And, of course, savor each other—that's what these two did.)

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Pure Bliss

bride in sparkling wedding dress — Lisa Poggi Photography

Here are more smiles to warm your heart. We're not crying, you are.

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When Jaws Drop

Timing truly is everything—you'll want snapshots of every great expression on your faces. For example, we're glad the photographer captured this bride as her jaw literally dropped.

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