A Nashville Officiant’s Take on the Pros and Cons
One of the biggest decisions couples face before their wedding day isn’t just about flowers or playlists — it’s whether or not to do a first look.
If you’re not familiar, a “first look” is when the couple sees each other privately before the ceremony, usually captured by your photographer. It’s become a modern favorite, but it’s not for everyone. Here’s the real talk on both sides — from someone who’s seen hundreds of weddings in and around Nashville.
💍 The Pros of Doing a First Look
1. You get a quiet moment together before the chaos.
Wedding days move fast. A first look gives you a breather — just the two of you — before the crowd, cameras, and timeline take over. It can calm nerves and help you soak in what the day’s really about.
2. The photos are often incredible.
With good lighting and no audience, photographers can capture genuine emotion without pressure. You’ll also have more flexibility for portraits, especially if you’re planning an evening ceremony or an indoor venue with tricky light.
3. You can get more photos out of the way early.
Doing your portraits, wedding party, and even family shots before the ceremony frees you up to enjoy cocktail hour or head straight to the reception afterward.
4. It can settle nerves.
For some couples, the anticipation of the walk down the aisle can be overwhelming. A first look often helps release that tension so you can actually enjoy the ceremony instead of trying not to cry or shake.
💒 The Cons of Doing a First Look
1. You lose the “aisle moment.”
There’s something powerful about seeing your partner for the first time as they walk toward you surrounded by family and friends. That emotional, once-in-a-lifetime moment is a big reason many couples skip the first look.
2. It changes the flow of the day.
A first look means starting earlier — hair, makeup, dressing — all have to happen sooner. Some couples feel it adds pressure to be “ready” much earlier than expected.
3. The emotion can feel more staged (for some).
While many first looks are full of genuine emotion, others can feel a bit like a photoshoot. If you’re more private or not big on PDA, having a camera right there during that moment might feel awkward.
4. It’s not traditional.
If you or your families value keeping things classic, skipping the first look might align better with what feels right for you. Traditions have staying power for a reason — they’re emotional, familiar, and meaningful.
🎯 My Take as an Officiant
I’ve seen both sides work beautifully.
The best choice comes down to your personalities and priorities.
If you’re sentimental and love the idea of a private, relaxed start to your day — do the first look.
If you want that movie-scene moment when the doors open and everyone witnesses the reaction — skip it.
Either way, remember: the real magic isn’t about when you see each other — it’s about what happens next.
💡 Nashville Tip
If your ceremony venue and photo location are different (which happens a lot in Middle Tennessee), a first look can save you major travel time and stress between events. Your planner or photographer can help you design a schedule that fits your style.
Bottom line: There’s no right or wrong — only what feels right for you two.
The goal isn’t to follow tradition or trends… it’s to make your day flow naturally, so you can focus on the reason you’re there in the first place: marrying your favorite person.