20+ Emotional & Powerful First Dance Photos
The first dance at a wedding is a moment that is never forgotten. It’s a tradition that dates back to 17th century Europe when the host of an event would lead the very first dance of the evening. These days, the bride and groom usually share the first dance, often to a song the two of them have chosen specifically for that purpose. There are so many beautiful moments that unfold during the first dance because the emotions are high and all eyes are on the couple. Hopefully, these first dance photos will give you some inspiration and ideas on how you want your first dance to be photographed and remembered for years to come!
We’ll break down the first dance photos into the following categories:
Emotional First Dance Photos
The first time the couple appears in front of their wedding party as husband and wife, it can be an emotional moment that they share – so there are plenty of opportunities to take first dance photos which are both emotional and powerful. Special moments can occur in the middle of a first dance where the couples catch each others’ eye, sheds a small tear, or squeezes their partner’s hand a little tighter. Let’s take a look at some examples below:
Image by Jason Vinson
Image by Chad Winstead
Image by Jason Vinson
Image by Party of Two Photography
Image by Jos & Tree
Image by Jason Vinson
Related: 40+ Incredible Wedding Veil Photos
Creative First Dance Photos
With all eyes on the couple, you’re bound to see some great reactions and elements during a wedding first dance. Some couples choose to add fog or sparklers during their first dance to create a unique and eye-catching photo opp. Another creative technique is to shoot through decor to provide the context for the wedding reception. It’s so important to discuss details like reception lighting and decor for your photographers and videographers to have a better understanding of what your reception will look like. Here are a few of our favorite examples of this technique:
Image by Elizabeth Lloyd
Image by Chad Winstead
Image by Jared Gant
Image by Jason Vinson
Image by Rey Benasfre
Image by Scott Josuweit
Image by Lyndah Wells
Image by Timothy Eyrich
Image by Jason Vinson
Image by Scott Josuweit
Action-Packed First Dances
We discussed above how emotional first dance photos can be however it’s important to remember that they can also be entertaining! Couples sometimes practice for months to perfect the lifts, dips and turns in their first dance choreography. Make sure you notify your photographers and videographers of any fun surprises you have planned for your first dance so they can capture the perfect moment!
Image by Lyndah Wells
Image by Jared Gant
Image by Scott Josuweit
Image by Dave Shay
Image by Jared Gant
Image by Lin and Jirsa
We hope this roundup of our favorite first dance photos gives you some much-needed inspiration for your very own first dance! Remember that when you look back at these photos, you’ll be whisked directly back to this moment! Wedding first dances are some of the most memorable moments from a wedding, make it count with special touches and heartfelt emotion.
