When you imagine your elopement, you probably picture the epic views, the emotional vows, and the freedom to celebrate your love your way. But there’s one part of the day that often becomes a couple’s favorite memory — and it happens before the ceremony even begins.

We’re talking about the first look — that quiet, intimate moment when you see each other for the first time on your wedding day, just the two of you. Whether you're eloping on a cliff in Big Sur, in a redwood grove, or deep in the desert of Utah, a first look adds something incredibly meaningful to your story.

What Is a First Look

A first look is a private moment before your ceremony when you and your partner see each other in your wedding outfits for the first time. It’s a chance to slow down, connect, and feel all the emotions without the pressure of being in front of guests (or even an officiant).

And for elopements? First looks are even more magical. You’ve chosen to do things your own way — why not begin the day with something deeply personal and beautifully unscripted?

Why Have a First Look for Your Elopement?

1. You Get Time to Connect — Just the Two of You

Elopements are often intentionally quiet and personal. But even still, the day can move quickly. A first look creates space for a calm, grounding moment to hold each other, cry a little, laugh a lot, and soak in the reality that you’re about to get married.

2. It Helps Ease the Nerves

Whether you’re eloping in Yosemite or the Mendocino cliffs, wedding-day nerves are real. A first look calms the butterflies and sets a peaceful tone for the rest of the day.

3. The Photos Are Incredibly Emotion-Filled

As a photographer, these are often some of my favorite images of the entire day. First looks allow me to document pure, unscripted reactions — the joy, the awe, the emotion — without the distraction of ceremony logistics.

4. It Makes Your Timeline More Flexible

Doing a first look opens up your timeline and allows us to take some portraits before the ceremony. This gives you more time later in the day for exploring, relaxing, or taking golden hour or stargazing photos without rushing.

Where Should You Do Your First Look?

Some of the most beautiful first looks I’ve photographed happened in places like:

Under the redwoods in Sequoia National Park
On the cliffs with the ocean roaring beneath you in Big Sur
At the edge of the ocean in Cannon Beach, Oregon
Surrounded by slot canyons in Utah’s desert parks
On a dock in a calm lake in Olympic National Park

I always help my couples find the perfect spot that offers both privacy and beautiful natural light. Whether it’s on a forest trail, a tucked-away beach cove, or the porch of your cabin, the location becomes part of the memory.

Why the Right Accommodations Make All the Difference for First Look Photos

One of the most overlooked (but so important) parts of planning a first look is where it happens. The location you choose — especially if it’s where you’re staying — can totally shape the feeling, lighting, and emotion of your photos.

Whether you’re getting ready in a cliffside cabin in Big Sur, a cozy forest retreat near Olympic National Park, or a luxe lodge in Zion, your accommodations set the tone. Natural light pouring through windows, a quiet outdoor patio, or a private trail nearby — these elements make for a peaceful, private, and stunning space for your first look.

As a photographer, I always help my couples select a spot at or near their Airbnb, lodge, or retreat that feels natural and relaxed — no stress, no spectators, just the two of you taking in the moment. And when the environment looks and feels aligned with your vibe? The photos become that much more magical.

First Looks Aren’t Just for Your Partner

Some of the most touching moments on an elopement day happen with the people who’ve supported you through every chapter of life — like a parent, sibling, or close friend. A first look with someone special can be just as meaningful as the one with your partner. It’s a chance to share a quiet, emotional moment before the ceremony, away from the timeline or location changes.

A father seeing his daughter in her dress for the first time. A best friend holding back tears. A sibling offering one last pep talk before the vows. These first looks are incredibly powerful, and they often lead to some of the most honest, heart-filled images in your gallery.

If you’d love to include one, I’ll help you build it into your timeline so it flows naturally — no stress, no rush, just space for real connection.

Final Thoughts

A first look isn’t just about the photos (though yes, they will be stunning). It’s about creating space in your elopement day to connect, breathe, and be fully present with your partner — before the vows, the exploring, and the adventure.

If you're planning an elopement and wondering whether a first look is right for you, I’d love to help you design a timeline that gives you the space to be in the moment and get incredible images.

📩 Ready to start planning your dream elopement? Reach out here and let’s create something beautiful together.