First Look Ideas for Your Hawaii Elopement

First looks are an amazing way of being able to share a moment with your partner before your wedding or elopement day. Maybe you’re torn on whether or not you want to include a first look during your elopement! There is no wrong answer: first looks never make your ceremony less “special”, and serve as a wonderful grounding point before such a significant event.

There are so many ways you can make a “first look” your own – something that really speaks to the two of you. Here are some fun, emotional, intimate, and alternative ideas to having a first look during your elopement in Hawaii!

What Is a First Look?

A “first look” is when you and your partner see each other for the very first time during your wedding or elopement day. When you have a first look before your ceremony, this can help ease your nerves and make your wedding day even more exciting!

If you are choosing to have guests attend your Hawaii wedding, having a first look can be an amazing moment that you and your partner can share – just the two of you.

Where Do Couples Have Their First Look?

Where you have your first look is entirely up to you! If you both are getting ready in the same area, we can find somewhere beautiful to set up your first look. If you have your heart set on having a first look amongst the gorgeous Hawaii scenery, we can head to a specific spot just for your first look! You two can arrive separately, or even get ready away from each other in the car or in the trees.

Types of First Looks for Your Hawaii Elopement

• Classic First Look. During this type of first look, one partner will stand turned away. The other person will approach them, and tap them on the shoulder. They will then turn around, and see each other’s faces light up as they witness each other for the first time on their wedding day!

• Reading Vows or Letters to Each Other. This is a really romantic version of the first look. You and your partner can write special vows or letters to exchange with one another. Then, I can set you two up so that you are standing back to back. The emotions are so powerful as you read words that your partner wrote for you, specifically for your elopement day! After your vows or letters have been read, turn around and show your partner how that made you feel.

• Blindfold One Partner and Share a Prayer or Quiet Moment. Even when you have done away with tradition and chosen to elope, wedding days can sometimes still feel a bit stressful! With this type of first look, the two of you are able to forget all outside influence and really have some seconds to just exist together. Say a prayer or set an intention for your day, and then go forth – rejuvenated and excited for what is to come!

• Prank First Look. Okay, this one is a really fun idea! Bonus points if you and your partner love to laugh and joke around together. Let’s get the two of you set up in a scenic area, just as we would for a traditional first look. If you have friends joining you, let’s switch things up! Have your bride’s maid of honor sneak up on the groom. Or maybe your best man holds a bouquet and pretends to be the bride. There are a ton of silly ways to get everyone laughing and ease some tension with a first look: prank style.

• First Look with Parents. First looks aren’t just for the couple! If you are including loved ones in your Hawaii wedding or elopement, you can also include them in a first look. This is a very special moment to share, and always has me tearing up. Having the support of your parents on such an incredible day can mean the world. And being able to have a first look with your mom or dad really reflects that.

• First Look with Bridesmaids/Groomsmen. Just like a first look with parents, surrounding yourself with those who love and care about you is so special. Your bridesmaids or groomsmen are usually just as excited as your partner is: seeing you ready for such a magical day.

There is no “one size fits all” approach to having a first look for your Hawaii wedding! Whether you write letters to one another, going the silly route of a prank, a romantic grounding moment with a prayer, or maybe you’re feelin’ classic, the right answer is what first look really speaks to what your relationship is all about.