Is a vineyard the best spot for your first look? Here’s what you need to know

Planning your first look in a vineyard in Niagara? Here’s the inside scoop on whether a vineyard is the right choice for your intimate, once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Vineyards are one of the most romantic settings for a wedding, and many couples getting married in the Niagara region dream of doing their first look between the rows of vines. With their stunning views, golden light, and rustic charm, vineyards seem like the perfect spot for an intimate and picturesque moment.

As a wedding photographer who has shot dozens of first looks in vineyards, I’ve seen the magic they can create—but I’ve also seen how they can go wrong if you’re not fully prepared. If you’re considering a vineyard for your first look, here’s what you need to know to make sure it’s the perfect location for you and your partner.

1. Vineyard lighting: beautiful, but potentially problematic

Vineyards often offer beautiful, soft light, especially during the golden hour. However, it’s important to consider the time of day you plan to do your first look. The sun can be harsh in the middle of the day, and when the light is too bright, it can cause one of you to be cast in shadow while the other is in direct sunlight.

This can not only make for an uncomfortable experience—especially if you’re standing in the heat waiting for your partner to arrive—but it can also create a challenge for your wedding photographer. High contrast between harsh sunlight and deep shadows can be tough to edit, and could result in images that don’t capture the moment as beautifully as you imagined. If you’re planning a vineyard first look, take the time to visit the location at the same time of day you’re planning to do it and see how the lighting will affect your photos.

2. Limited space between the rows

Vineyard rows can be incredibly narrow, and this can cause a few challenges when it comes to your first look. For one, a small space can feel awkward, especially if you have a big dress or long train. Getting into position might be tricky, and once you’re in place, the space can make it hard for your photographer or videographer to move around you to capture both of your expressions.

A smaller space might also make it harder for you and your partner to stand comfortably without feeling cramped or restricted. In some cases, a wide-open space might be a better option—one that still feels private but allows enough room for movement and better angles. If you’re set on a vineyard, try to scout out a more open area between the rows to make sure your photographer can capture all the magic of the moment.

3. The heat and lack of airflow

While vineyards may look beautiful on a warm summer day, they can also trap heat, especially in the rows of vines where the air is limited and there’s little breeze. If you’re planning a summer wedding, or if it’s a particularly hot day, be aware that standing in the middle of the vineyard can get uncomfortably warm.

For those wearing heavy wedding gowns or suits, the heat can become a real issue. The lack of airflow can leave you feeling overheated, sweaty, and generally uncomfortable during your first look moment. A light breeze can make a world of difference, so be sure to take the climate into consideration when choosing your vineyard first look spot. If possible, try to schedule your first look earlier in the day when it’s cooler.

4. Guests, family, and wedding party peeking

One of the biggest advantages of a vineyard is the privacy it offers. With rows of vines surrounding you, it can feel like you’re in a secluded, intimate spot. But this privacy can also be a double-edged sword if you’re not careful.

While you may want the intimate experience of a private first look, vineyards can sometimes attract wandering eyes. Guests, family members, or even your wedding party might try to sneak a peek at the end of the row. Once they see you, they won’t be able to look away, and those peeping Toms can end up in your photos—something you’ll probably want to avoid.

The good news is, this can be easily managed by having a trusted friend or family member stand on “guard duty.” They can keep an eye on things to make sure no one is sneaking a peek while you and your partner share your private moment. Just be sure to plan ahead and communicate with your photographer to ensure no one is accidentally photobombing the moment.

5. Vineyard first look: the final verdict

A vineyard first look can be incredibly beautiful, intimate, and full of magic—but it’s important to take everything into consideration before making your decision.

The key is to plan ahead. Check out the spot at different times of the day (ideally at the time you plan to do your first look) to see how the lighting changes. Consider how easy it will be to navigate the rows in your wedding attire and whether the space will be comfortable enough for the both of you. Make sure that you can maintain the privacy you want, and have a plan in place to avoid any unintentional sneak peeks from guests.

If you take all these factors into account, a vineyard first look can be the perfect backdrop for a beautiful, intimate moment that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Need help figuring out your first look location?

If you’re planning a wedding or elopement in Niagara or Southern Ontario, I’d love to help you choose the best location for your first look. With years of experience shooting weddings and first looks in beautiful vineyards and other stunning locations, I can help make sure the moment goes off without a hitch—and that your photos will be everything you’ve dreamed of.