Ceremony
First Look
A private moment where the couple sees each other in wedding attire before the ceremony, photographed by the wedding photographer.
A first look is a pre-ceremony staged reveal where the couple sees each other dressed for the wedding for the first time. It's photographed privately, usually 60-90 minutes before the ceremony.
First looks let you finish most portraits (couple, wedding party, family) before guests arrive, which frees the entire cocktail hour for the couple to actually attend the reception. Couples who skip the first look typically lose all of cocktail hour to photos.
Related terms
Wedding Party
The friends and family who stand with the couple at the ceremony — bridesmaids, groomsmen, attendants, and the maid/matron of honor and best man.
Golden Hour
The 60-90 minutes before sunset when light is warm and soft — the most flattering window for wedding photos.
Shot List
A written list of must-have photos given to the wedding photographer ahead of the day.