The first look – skip it or do it? If you’re unsure whether this tradition has a place in your wedding day, here are some tips to help you decide. A lot of couples love the idea of having a quiet moment to themselves when they first see each other on their wedding day. But is a first look really necessary if you’re eloping or having an intimate wedding?

Even if:

• you’re having a very intimate wedding with only a few guests, or
• you’re eloping just the two of you,

a first look can give you the opportunity to really take each other in and revel in that “about to be married” feeling.

If you like the idea of doing a first look, but aren’t sure what will work for your intimate wedding or elopement, here are a few ideas.

First Look Elopement Ideas

• Hike to your ceremony location, and get dressed on site. Your photographer, officiant, or witness (if you have one) can direct you and let you know where to stand and when to turn.
• Get ready together at a cabin or Airbnb, and leave the last few finishing touches (dress zipped, jacket on, jewelry on, lipstick) until the very end to do privately. Then, count to three and walk out into the same room together.

First Look Intimate Wedding Ideas

• Get ready at separate locations if you’re having an intimate wedding, then plan to arrive at your ceremony location together at the same time.
• Parent first look – you can do a first look with your parents or any other family members present.

Whether or not you decide to do a first look on your wedding or elopement day is up to you. The best thing about planning your day with intention is that ultimately you get to decide which traditions to keep – and which to toss!

If you liked this post, you may also like How to Create Your Elopement Timeline!

Planning your own elopement or intimate wedding? Contact me and I can help!