photo by Olivia Strohm Photography

While we’re major proponents for doing a first look at your wedding (seriously, we’re all about them!), we understand that some couples prefer to wait until the altar to see each other on the big day. However, there are still ways to connect pre-ceremony without having to break tradition!

There are a couple of reasons you might want to consider one of these first look alternatives. First, your wedding day goes by faster than you can say “I do,” so any time you get to spend alone becomes especially cherished. A first look alternative gives you the opportunity to take a deep breath and enjoy each other’s company, even if you aren’t seeing one another’s face. (P.S. Check out these tips for making time for yourselves in your wedding day timeline!)

The second reason has to do with your wedding photos. Having a first look provides your photographer with a chance to capture more portraits of you together without interrupting a rigid wedding day timeline. Whether you decide to do a full-on first look or one of these first look alternatives, those photos will likely be some of your all-time favorites due to the intimacy, emotion, and excitement you’ll remember every time you see them!

First Touch

Possibly the most intimate of these first look alternatives is the first touch. Since your sense of sight is not being utilized in the moment, your sense of touch is amplified, causing an explosion of emotion! Seeing each other as you walk down the aisle will be even more special after blindly holding each other’s hands before the ceremony.

photo by Love Hunters; see more from this wedding here!

photo by Cami Jane Photography; see more from this wedding here!

Private Prayer

For couples of faith, a private prayer can be incredibly special – and you don’t even have to see each other to make it happen! Stand on opposite sides of an open door or with another barrier between you as you share in a prayer for your wedding day and marriage together.

photo by The Shepards

photo by Sally O’Donnell Photography; see more from this wedding here!

Personal Vow Reading

Reading personal vows in front of your wedding guests might be a little anxiety-inducing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t share them with each other! A back-to-back reading of hand-written vows allows you to speak your heart to the one you want to hear it most, and without distraction of having anyone else around.

photo by Olivia Strohm Photography; see more from this wedding here!

Gift or Card Exchange

Similar to reading your vows, you may decide to exchange gifts or read cards you wrote to each other on your wedding day. Use this as a chance to share your excitement about spending the rest of your lives together while saving your vows for the ceremony.

photos by Finch Photography; see more from this wedding here!

photos by Il Mare Photography; see more from this wedding here!

Secluded Serenade

Are you or your fiancee musically-inclined? This secluded serenade, pictured below, got us right in the feels! The couple looks as if they’re the only people on Earth as they connect with each other via song before heading to their ceremony.

photo by Katch Silva; see more from this wedding here!

photos by Katch Silva; see more from this wedding here!

Which first look alternative is your favorite? Still not sure if you want a first look? Check out this post to help you decide if a first look is for you!