Do I Need a First Look for My Knoxville Wedding?

January 31, 2025

First Look – What Is It?

A first look is when the groom sees his bride before the ceremony instead of waiting until she walks down the aisle. Usually, couples choose a quiet and private location for this moment away from guests. Some couples even read private vows during this time. Because of that, many brides describe the first look as one of the most romantic and emotional parts of the entire wedding day.

Additionally, couples often take portraits right after the first look. This means you can get a large portion of your wedding photos done before the ceremony even starts. However, keep in mind that East Tennessee sun can still be very bright, especially during summer weddings in Knoxville and the Smoky Mountains.

Why Many Knoxville Couples Choose a First Look

Lots of modern brides choose to do a first look for timeline reasons. First of all, it saves time later in the day. Instead of rushing through family photos during cocktail hour, you can enjoy time with your guests. Also, summer ceremonies in East Tennessee often run late because the sun sets later. A first look gives you flexibility, especially for outdoor weddings in the Smoky Mountains. Furthermore, it helps reduce stress. Many couples say they feel more relaxed during the ceremony after seeing each other beforehand.

Why Some Brides Skip the First Look

On the other hand, some traditional brides prefer to skip it. Many believe it brings bad luck to see each other before the ceremony. More importantly, they want to experience the groom’s reaction as they walk down the aisle. Instead, some couples choose a first touch. During a first touch, you hold hands around a door or stand back-to-back without seeing each other. While this does not save timeline time, it still gives you a private and emotional moment together. In some cases, religion or family traditions also influence this decision.

How a First Look Changes Your Wedding Timeline in Knoxville

A first look will change your timeline. You will need to finish getting ready earlier in the day. This becomes especially important for fall and winter weddings in Knoxville because the sun sets much earlier. For example, if you plan a Smoky Mountain outdoor ceremony in November or December, you may need to start your wedding day earlier to allow enough daylight for portraits. However, once you complete photos before the ceremony, you free up more time for family, bridal party portraits, and reception events later in the evening. If you’re planning a wedding in East Tennessee and want to make sure your timeline allows enough time for portraits, you can learn more about my wedding photography services here.

Is a First Look Right for Your Knoxville Wedding?

Ultimately, the decision depends on your priorities. If you want a relaxed timeline and more time with guests, a first look can help. On the other hand, if you value tradition or the emotional aisle reaction, you may prefer to skip it. Every Knoxville wedding timeline looks different. Choosing whether or not to do a first look can also affect how many hours of coverage you may need on your wedding day. A planner or an experienced local wedding photographer can help you decide what works best for your day.