How To Do An Indoor First Look (For Winter or Early Spring Weddings)
When couples tell me they’re planning a winter or early spring wedding, one of the first things we talk about is how we’re going to do the first look. These seasons can be absolutely magical — crisp air, softer light, and the chance for cozy, elegant details — but they also come with unpredictability. Rain, wind, daylight changes… it’s all part of the charm, but it does require intentional planning.
That’s where an indoor first look becomes such a gift.
Over the years, I’ve photographed countless couples in indoor spaces that felt every bit as romantic and emotional as a sun-soaked garden or courtyard. The secret? Light, location, and layout.
First, we look for beautiful natural light. Even indoors, big windows and bright walls can create the soft, luminous look my couples love. I always arrive early to scout out the brightest rooms: often a venue’s bridal suite, atrium, or a reception room with tall windows. Winter light tends to be softer and more directional, which photographs beautifully.
Next, I think about space and movement. A first look shouldn’t feel squeezed in a corner or rushed between vendors buzzing around. I want my couples to have room to breathe, walk toward each other, and take everything in. Sometimes that means rearranging a few chairs or clearing a small area, but the end result is always worth it.
Then comes the design of the moment itself. Winter and early spring weddings often incorporate warm textures, classic neutrals, or early seasonal florals, and these make gorgeous backdrops. I’ll style the space subtly: moving clutter, adjusting curtains, or using the architecture of the venue to frame the scene.
But the most important part? Presence. Indoors, where the wind isn’t pulling at your dress and the cold isn’t distracting you, couples often settle into the moment more fully.
If you’re considering an indoor first look, here are my favorite tips:
Choose a venue with large windows or bright, neutral walls
Ask your planner and photographer to create a specific plan for the space
Schedule it early enough to take advantage of the best winter light
Keep the area free of clutter — no bags, no water bottles, no stray clothing
Lean into the season: candles, florals, or elegant greenery photograph beautifully
Winter and early spring weddings are full of charm, and with thoughtful planning, your indoor first look can feel every bit as breathtaking as one outdoors — sometimes even more so.