One of the biggest questions couples face when planning their wedding timeline is whether or not to do a first look—that intimate moment when you see each other before the ceremony. Some couples love the tradition of waiting until the aisle, while others are choosing the benefits of a first look.
If you’re planning a wedding in Cincinnati, OH, and wondering if a first look is right for you, here are some key benefits to consider!
1. A Private, Intimate Moment Together
Your wedding day will be full of excitement and celebration, but it can also be overwhelming! A first look gives you a quiet, personal moment to connect before the whirlwind of the day begins. Many Cincinnati couples love having this time to soak in the emotions without an audience.
2. Eases Nerves and Wedding Day Jitters
Feeling nervous before walking down the aisle? A first look can help calm those nerves by giving you a moment to breathe, hold hands, and feel the comfort of your partner before saying “I do.” Many of my couples in Cincinnati and Dayton have told me that their first look was one of the most emotional and meaningful parts of the day!
3. More Time for Photos at Cincinnati’s Best Wedding Venues
By having a first look, you can take couple’s portraits, wedding party photos, and even some family portraits before the ceremony. This means:
- Less rushing through photos during cocktail hour
- More time to enjoy your reception
- More opportunities for beautiful, relaxed portraits at your venue
Some of the best wedding venues in Cincinnati, OH have stunning backdrops for a first look, including:
- The Monastery Event Center – Gorgeous historic architecture
- Ault Park – Beautiful gardens and classic stone structures
- Pinecroft at Crosley Estate – A dreamy outdoor estate with natural charm
- The Summit Hotel – Modern elegance with stylish indoor and outdoor spaces
What about church weddings?
If you’re having a traditional Catholic, Christian, or other religious ceremony, but still want a private moment together before walking down the aisle, here are a few options:
- A private first look at a separate location – Many couples opt to have their first look outside of the church—at a park, their reception venue, or even a scenic spot nearby. This allows for beautiful, intimate photos while keeping the church space reserved for the ceremony
- A first look at the church grounds – If you prefer to stay close, consider doing your first look in the church garden, courtyard, or another private area. This lets you have a meaningful moment together while still keeping the ceremony setting sacred.
- If your church allows, you can even walk down the aisle – I’ve photographed a private first look with a dramatic aisle walk in a church before the guests were allowed inside! If your church allows, this is an option that blends tradition with the first look experience
4. Enjoy Your Cocktail Hour Instead of Taking Photos
One of the biggest benefits of a first look? You won’t be stuck taking portraits during cocktail hour! Instead, you can enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres, sip champagne, and spend more time celebrating with your guests. Typically when we do a first look, the only photos left to take are extended family pictures with aunties and uncles and grandparents, then it’s on to the party!
5. A Genuine, Emotional Reaction (With No Pressure!)
A lot of couples worry that seeing each other before the ceremony will take away from the aisle moment—but in reality, it often makes it even more emotional! You’ll get two special moments instead of just one:
- A private, heartfelt first look where you can react naturally.
- The aisle moment, which still feels just as magical (or even more so!) Some of my most emotional aisle moments have been with the couples who have already had a first look and have had time to process their feelings and the nerves of getting married!
6. Ideal for Cincinnati’s Seasonal Weather & Sunset Timing
If you’re planning a winter or late-afternoon wedding in Cincinnati, a first look allows you to take advantage of natural light before the sun sets. Cincinnati’s unpredictable weather also means that having flexibility in your timeline can be a lifesaver! Even in the colder weather months or when you are doing all your portraits inside, I do prefer the look of daytime portraits for the bride and groom as well as the wedding party – although I bring along lighting for portraits after dark, it’s virtually impossible to light an entire venue or outdoor scene when it’s dark outside!
Final Thoughts: Is a First Look Right for Your Cincinnati Wedding?
At the end of the day, the choice is yours! A first look is perfect if you want:
✔️ A private, intimate moment before the ceremony
✔️ A stress-free timeline with more time for portraits
✔️ More flexibility for Cincinnati’s seasonal weather
✔️ To actually enjoy your cocktail hour with guests
If you love the idea of a timeless, emotional wedding experience, a first look might be the perfect choice. But if you love the tradition of waiting for the aisle, that’s just as beautiful!
As a wedding photographer in Cincinnati, OH, I help couples create a timeline that fits their vision—whether that includes a first look or not! If you’re still undecided, let’s chat about your dream wedding day and how we can make it unforgettable.
Looking for a Cincinnati wedding photographer to capture your big day? Contact me today to learn more about my wedding photography collections!
