Is it better to take your couple photos before or after the ceremony?

The usual thing is to take the couple photos after the ceremony, and it works. But taking them beforehand can be a real gift to yourselves. It sounds odd, we know. When a couple decide to see each other and have their couple photos taken before the ceremony, everything flows differently. You live the rest of the day without that feeling of "we've still got the photos to do".

What a first look is

That meeting beforehand is called a first look. It's the private moment when the couple see each other for the first time dressed for the wedding, before the ceremony and away from the guests. The photographer positions each of you and finds the light so that neither of you sees the other too soon. Then they step back and let the moment happen. If there's both photography and video, positions are agreed well in advance so that nobody slips into the other's frame. After the meeting there can be a few short portraits. You can also use the time to take photos with your closest family.

How much time you need

How much time do you need? It depends on the place, the logistics and whether there will be couple portraits or photos with family. That's something to talk through with the photographer and with whoever is coordinating the wedding.

When it makes most sense

When does it make most sense? If it's a civil ceremony and the venue lets you arrive early, taking the photos beforehand is a brilliant plan. If you're getting married at sunset, it may be the best way to get portraits in natural light before any guests have arrived. It also leaves the drinks reception free to share with the people who have travelled to be by your side. And some couples simply experience their emotions better this way: calmly, with no audience and no rush.

When it isn't the right choice

And when doesn't it? If one of you is excited about it and the other only agrees because "the photos turn out better that way", that's a bad sign. Photographs matter, but they shouldn't decide something that belongs to the two of you. Not every couple has to do a first look. If you don't mind the wait after the ceremony running on a touch longer, following tradition is perfectly fine.

How to decide

So what now? First, talk it over between the two of you, without thinking about the photos. Do you both feel like seeing each other beforehand? Then check the time of the ceremony and ask the venue whether you can arrive early. With that, you'll know whether doing it beforehand fits your day. If you're getting married in Gijón or anywhere in Asturias, you can tell Evan & Natalia Simon, who do wedding and event photography and video for couples and brands. We'll look at it together, calmly, and you decide.

Links

More information, not yet independently confirmed: hola.com.