Planning your dream wedding in Aruba and wondering whether you should do a first look? You’re not alone—this is one of the top questions I get from couples getting married on this beautiful island.

As an Aruba wedding photographer who has sweated my way through a few too many tropical wedding days (IYKYK), I can tell you this decision has a big impact—not just on your timeline, but on how your whole day feels. And don’t worry, I’m not here to force you into anything. My goal? To help you make the right choice for you.

Let’s dive in.

What Is a First Look Anyway?

A “first look” is a private moment where the couple sees each other before the ceremony. It’s emotional. It’s intimate. It’s a chance to breathe, connect, and cry (yes, even you, tough guy) before all the guests show up.

And yes, it’s also a chance for your photographer—hi, that’s me!—to get those magical reaction shots in a relaxed setting before the ceremony whirlwind begins.

Why I Love First Looks (Especially in Aruba)

1. You Look—and Feel—Your Best Early On

Let’s talk about the Aruba heat for a second. It’s stunning here, yes, but it’s also, well… sweaty. I’m a full-grown man who starts sweating just thinking about putting on a suit.

Doing your portraits early means you both look fresh. Hair? Perfect. Makeup? Flawless. Suit? Still crisp. And your photos? Magazine-worthy.

Just look at Jenna & Corey, who did their first look at the Marriott Stellaris Aruba. We captured their sweet first look moment tucked away on the beautiful resort grounds—private, emotional, and oh-so-photogenic. Afterward, we rolled into couple portraits while they still looked and felt their absolute best.

2. You Save Time (a LOT of Time)

Doing a first look lets us knock out couple portraits, family formals, and bridal party photos before the ceremony. Which means…

You actually get to enjoy your cocktail hour!
Yes—the food, the drinks, the mingling you paid for. You won’t be running around taking photos while your guests are downing rum punch without you.

Want some cocktail hour decor inspiration? Check Kaylie and Cameron’s wedding at the gorgeous Hyatt Regency Resort.

3. You Get a Private Moment: Just the Two of You

Weddings can be overwhelming. A first look gives you a quiet moment to just be together. No crowd. No distractions. Just you two, soaking it all in. You can exchange private vows or just say, “Whoa, we’re actually doing this.”

Ivy & Cody, who got married on the Renaissance Private Island, shared their first look in a beautiful, shaded garden before heading to the beach for their ceremony. It was such a sweet moment that gave them space to feel all the feels—and sneak in some pre-wedding giggles too.

4. “But Will It Ruin the Aisle Moment?”

This is the big fear, right? “If we see each other before, won’t it take away the moment during the ceremony?” Short answer: Nope!

Long answer: The emotion hits just as hard either way.

Alyssia & Alex chose not to do a first look at their Hyatt Regency Aruba wedding. And let me tell you—Alex’s reaction when he saw Alyssia walking down the aisle? Absolutely priceless. The build-up was real, and the emotion was raw. We captured every single second.

Whether you see each other beforehand or at the ceremony, you’ll feel that heart-pounding, “OMG-it’s-really-happening” moment. It’s about the connection, not the timing.

5. More Photo Variety = More Memories

When we do a first look, it opens up the timeline to explore different parts of Aruba. Want garden portraits and beach sunset photos? We can do that. Want to squeeze in a quick champagne pop or a first-look with a parent too? Totally doable.

If you want more inspiration, check out my blog on Aruba’s Best Luxury Wedding Photographer to see some of the most beautiful weddings I’ve documented across the island.

What If You Don’t Want to Do a First Look?

That’s perfectly fine too! We can 100% make it work. Just know this: most of your portraits—couple shots, family formals, wedding party—will happen during cocktail hour. Which means…

• You’ll miss a chunk of your cocktail hour.
  
• We’ll have a tighter window (especially if sunset is early).
  
• The heat might be more intense by then.
  

But again—totally doable. I’ve done this dozens of times. If you’re okay trading that time for the tradition of seeing each other at the ceremony, we’ll make it beautiful.

Need Help Planning Your Timeline?

I got you. Whether you’re doing a first look or not, your wedding timeline needs to flow around that decision. That’s why I created a Free Aruba Wedding Timeline Guide that includes two sample timelines:

✅ One with a First Look
✅ One without a First Look

So you can see exactly how the day would look—and what works best for you.

Click here to download the free timeline guide!
(Perfect for Aruba beach weddings, garden ceremonies, and private island celebrations!)

Final Thoughts from Your Friendly Aruba Photographer

At the end of the day, there’s no right answer—just the one that feels most true to your vibe as a couple. Whether you’re saying “I do” in a flowy dress, a sharp tux, or barefoot in the sand, I’ll be there to capture it all—with a few jokes, dance moves, and sweat-wiping tips along the way.

And if you’re still unsure? Send me a message. I’ve photographed couples all over Aruba—from the luxury ballrooms of the Hyatt to the flamingo-studded shores of the Renaissance—and I’d love to help you plan your perfect day.

Let’s make magic.

And maybe break a sweat. It’s Aruba, after all.