If you don’t mind a small change in the traditional flow of a wedding day, you will love doing a pre-ceremony first look and private vows. Here’s why I love them and I think almost every couple should consider them on their wedding day.

Pre-Ceremony First Look

After you’ve all finished getting ready for your wedding, it’s time to have your first look with each other. These can take place at the lodging where you got ready. Most often, they take place at an additional location in Jackson Hole or Grand Teton National Park. This is a wonderful opportunity to add that extra location you love to your timeline!

So what is a pre-ceremony first look? Well, instead of having everyone witness the first time seeing each other as bride and groom as the bride walks down the aisle, you can have this be a special moment in a different way. Witnessed only by my camera or some of your loved ones if you choose! This is a low pressure situation where you have more freedom to react and engage with each other outside the ceremony. I usually recommend your hands are free from your wedding bouquet so you can hug each other freely.

Not sold on a first look with each other? First looks are also a great way to capture parent’s or other loved ones reactions to seeing you on your wedding day if they are attending. Don’t forget it’s an incredibly special day for them too!

Private Wedding Vows

Choosing to do a vow reading before your ceremony offers much of the same privacy option, hence the “private vows” part. Ok maybe it feels a little strange to read your wedding vows to each other before the legal bit comes in. But, on the flip side – it allows those who wouldn’t feel comfortable reading their own written vows to each other in front of a crowd (ahem, this would so be me!) to share them in an intimate setting. Many couples are more comfortable with this option as their vows may contain more personal or private messages they don’t want to share with family or friends.

Of course this just might not be for you and that’s totally okay. Just because you’re having a micro wedding doesn’t mean you have to toss out any of the traditional stuff you love. And I also love a good wedding dress down the aisle moment and seeing all the parents tear up during vows. But if you’re cool with changing things up, a first look and private vows offer you so much more privacy and flexibility on your wedding day!

Want a mix? Share your private vows without doing a first look – back up against a wall and make sure to not peak! I’ve had a few couples pray together, read vows, hold hands, share letters they wrote that are separate from their ceremony, all without seeing each other. The options are out there, you just need to decide what is right for you and maybe think outside the box.

Pre-ceremony first looks and private vows have a solid place in my heart for weddings of all sizes! Not sure how you want your day to flow yet? Need a Jackson Hole Elopement Photographer? Let’s connect, I’d love to help!