photo by Monique Serra Photography

Are you considering whether or not to share a first look with your partner before tying the knot at your wedding ceremony? A first look can be a great way to release pre-ceremony jitters and—most importantly—spend more time with your spouse on the big day. Of the thousands of real weddings we review every year, no couple has ever regretted a first look, so we decided to share a few of our favorite heartfelt first looks with you. 

Before you start scrolling through these emotive photographs, it’s important to remember this was their wedding day. Your first look won’t be exactly the same as these—and it shouldn’t. Let go of any expectation or standard you might be holding your partner to. First looks aren’t always about tears and gasps of astonishment. Sometimes they’re funny, or quiet, or simple—keep scrolling to see what we mean. 

Let these photos spark excitement for your own first look experience. Remember: Just be yourselves and let your expert photographer do the rest.

This Groom Was All Smiles When He Saw His Bride

photo by Anna Elizabeth Photography; see more of this real wedding here.

This Couple Read Heartfelt Letters Before Seeing Each Other

photo by Rachel Rowland Photography; see more of this real wedding here.

Consider Giving Your Love A Squeeze Before The Big Reveal

photo by Northern Native Photography; see more of this real wedding here.

This Groom Snuck Up Behind His Beautiful Bride

photo by  Towards The Moon; see more of this real wedding here.

This Quiet Heartfelt First Look In A Library Room Brings Us Tears

photo by  Maggie Grace Photography, Summer Leigha Photo; see more of this real elopement here.

We Love This First Look Photo Idea

photo by Meltem Salb; see more of this styled wedding photoshoot here.

Nothing Is More Intimate—Or Cool—Than A Rooftop First Look Moment In The City

photo by  Maggie Grace Photography; see more of this real wedding here.

This Couple Shared A First Touch Before The Big Reveal

photo by Gabrielle Desmarchais; see more of this real wedding here.

Getting Ready At A Busy Hotel? Sneak Away To A Private Corner For The First Look

photo by Aspen Jeanné Photography; see more of this real wedding here.

These Two Eloped But Didn’t Want To Miss A First Look Moment

photo by Zoe Steindl Photo; see more of this real wedding here.

Consider Reciting Your Vows Privately During The First Look

photo by The Forwards Photography; see more of this real wedding here.

This Bride Met Her Groom At The Bottom Of The Stairs For A Heartfelt First Look Moment

photo by Cody & Allison Photography; see more of this real wedding here.

Let Emotions Take Over During A First Look—It Only Happens Once

photo by Katie Ruther Photography; see more of this real wedding here.

This Huge Smile On This Groom’s Face When He Sees His Bride Can’t Be Beat

photo by Ashley Paige Photography; see more of this real wedding here.

This Fashion-Forward Couple Was All Smiles During Their First Look

photo by Jeff Brummett Visuals; see more of this real wedding here.

We Had To Include This Father-Daughter First Look

photo by Valerie Gay Bessette; see more of this real wedding here.

This One, Too, Because This Dad Is The Sweetest

photo by Stefanie Keeler Photography; see more of this real wedding here.

We hope these photos encouraged and inspired you for your own first look experience. Still searching for the perfect wedding photographer to capture sweet moments like these? We’ve got you covered. Visit our directory of the world’s best wedding photographers—and check out our list of videographers while you’re there. 

photo by Monique Serra Photography