Today, I'm sharing some of my favorite first look ideas for your elopement. A somewhat modern tradition, the "First Look" is a special moment with your partner where you see your partner for the first time before those wedding bells start ringing. This is a private and intimate moment shared between the two of you, and can be one of the more powerful and emotional moments of the day.

But there are so many different ways that you can carry out a first look on your elopement. it can be hard to know which one is right for you! So let's dive into some of my favorite first look ideas!

Looking for more elopement inspiration? Check out our posts: How to Plan an Elopement Ceremony, My Favorite Elopement Activities and How to Include Friends and Family on Your Elopement Day.

First Look Ideas For Your Elopement

How to Have a First Look

Get Ready Together

This may not seem like your average first look... but sometimes that is exactly what best suits you and your partner! If you don’t want to get ready alone, getting ready together is such a fun way to start the day! There’s so much excitement and anticipation in these moments, watching and helping your partner with all the little details of their wedding wear. It’s pretty special to share that together!

Surprise First Look

A surprise first look is the perfect way to capture the genuine surprise and emotion of that first glance. Stick to tradition and get ready separately. Then you can then choose how you make your reveal… a tap on the shoulder, stand back to back, hide behind a door, a blindfold reveal or something else that is uniquely you! The blindfold reveal adds a fun element of suspense and excitement to the moment!

Get Ready At The Trailhead

Instead of getting ready at your lodging, make it part of the adventure! Couples will typically stand on either side of the car as they get ready, this way you can still talk, sing, and tell jokes while you’re putting on the final touches. It’s a lot of fun, plus you’re able to jump right into an activity and keep the excitement rolling!

Dramatic Entrances

Create anticipation and excitement by incorporating unique entrances for the First Look. For example, one partner could emerge from behind a trail into a scenic open meadow or surprise their partner by arriving in a fun vintage car. These entrances can make the moment even more memorable and add an element of surprise.

Cultural or Traditional Elements

Depending on your background, heritage and upbringing there may be cultural or traditional elements that are important to you, incorporate them into your first look. It could be wearing traditional attire or incorporating symbolic objects that represent your heritage.

Incorporate Props or Activities

Consider including props or activities that reflect your shared interests or hobbies. For instance, if you both love bicycles, incorporate a tandem bike into your first look. If you enjoy picnics, set up a small picnic area for an intimate moment together. If you enjoy skiing, skin up a mountain and have your first look at the top!

Where to Do Your First Look

A Natural Setting

A natural setting is a beautiful way to capture your first look in a special place that makes you feel connected to each other and the world around you. Choose a picturesque outdoor location such as a garden, park, meadow, mountain, river, lake or beach for your first look. The beauty of nature will enhance the moment and provide a serene backdrop for your photographs.

Meaningful Venue

It is important to select a venue that holds significance for both of you. It could be the place where you had your first date, where you got engaged, or any location that holds sentimental value. Returning to that place for your first look can add an extra layer of emotion to the moment. Oftentimes elopements are chosen for adventure and discovering something new together. Creating a new special place to return to again and again is also incredibly beautiful and significant.

Keep It Simple

In the end, your first look is truly about the two of you sharing a special moment together. It doesn't need to be super fancy or complex. If you want to keep things simple, then do it! There is no need to over-complicate a moment that is meant to be authentic and beautiful. Simply sharing that time together will make it special enough without all the fuss and muss.

How To Decide If A First Look Is Right For You

With so many options to choose from it can be hard to decide which first look to land on for your elopement. Remember this is about the two of you! Make sure you talk with your partner and make a plan that feels good for both of you. People often choose to elope because the stress of planning a wedding is not what they want. Instead they want to be able to focus on their relationship with their partner and the life they are building and starting together.

Don't get me wrong, planning an elopement isn't always a walk in the park either! Make the first look something you look forward to and don't have to stress about. Discuss your ideas with your photographer to ensure they can capture the emotions and essence of this special occasion. Make it a part of the day that you will remember with an abundance of love and nostalgia for years to come!