How to Spend More Time with Your Partner On Your Wedding Day

Your wedding day is a celebration of your love. You and your partner come together – along with your friends and family – to share that love. 

But through the hustle and bustle of the day, you may not get to spend as much one-on-one time with your partner as you’d like. Sure, you’ll practically be inseparable between saying your vows, enjoying dinner, and swaying to your first dance, but there will be people watching you the entire time.

If you’re looking to spend more alone time with your partner to soak in the day, there are a lot of ways to sneak in some quality time. 

Some of these ideas may seem a little non-traditional, but it’s your wedding. You can choose to be as quirky or traditional as you like. After all, the day is all about you and your new spouse; you should get to enjoy it how you want to. 

As a wedding photographer, I often help my couples sneak off for some alone time. After all, it makes for great photos!

These are some of the ways I’ve seen newlyweds grab a few moments to themselves on their wedding day.

Get Ready Together 

This is definitely not the “traditional” way to start out your wedding day, but it’s a surefire way to spend more time with your partner on the big day. 

Rather than doing a first look or seeing each other for the first time when one of you is walking down the aisle, help each other get ready. Enjoy a cup of coffee together – or whatever your morning ritual may be – and then spend the rest of the morning getting each other ready and preparing to greet your loved ones. 

The photos taken of your partner completing the last button and you straightening their tie are pretty special too. 

Exchange Letters

Some couples sneak off in the morning to share a private moment and exchange letters or loving words. 

If you can’t sneak in time to exchange letters, take a few moments to leave your partner a loving voicemail or text. You might not physically be together, but you’re still sharing a private moment. 

This act, though seemingly simple, can set a romantic tone for the day that allows you to connect emotionally even if you’re not physically together. 

Do a First Look 

Some couples do a first look, some don’t – instead choosing for their first look to be when one person is standing at the altar and the other is walking down the aisle. 

A private first look is a magical moment full of intimacy. You’ll get to have an authentic, unguarded reaction without the pressure of an audience.

This is also a great moment to calm the nerves and connect before the ceremony begins. 

Check out these other great reasons to do a first look.

Share Your Vows Privately 

Consider sharing your vows in a private setting. This can make the moment more intimate and personal, allowing you to express your deepest feelings without the pressure of public speaking. You’ll have a special memory that’s just between the two of you.

Some couples decide to do this during the first look, while others will do a private ceremony. 

Enjoy a Private Dinner Together

Some couples choose to skip eating dinner in front of all their guests, and they’re instead seated in a different room for a private dinner. This gives you a chance to privately soak in your first moments as a married couple following the ceremony.

Comparatively, you could do a sweetheart table. That way you’re still together but your guests are near.

Sneak Off for Sunset Photos

I love when couples choose to take sunset photos. Not only is the lighting stunning and so are the pictures, but you’ll also have a few moments to yourselves to enjoy the natural beauty and reflect on the day.

Have a Private Last Dance

End the night with a private last dance. As the reception winds down and your guests are preparing to leave, have the DJ or band play a special song just for the two of you. This final dance can be a romantic and peaceful way to conclude your celebration.

Arrange a Grand Exit

You see it all the time in the movies – the newlyweds make a grand exit and rush to catch a plane for their honeymoon. 

In reality, how often does that actually happen? Instead, newlyweds tend to be the last people at the reception – making sure the final details are taken care of. 

Contrary to popular belief, you actually can leave your wedding early, and I highly encourage you to do so. Consider planning a grand exit. Doing so can give you a head start on your honeymoon or provide some quiet time together after the festivities. 

A sparkler exit makes for stunning photos and a memorable send-off. Arrange for your wedding party or trusted family members to handle the final details, so you can leave without worry.

Celebrate Your Love

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and it should be spent with the person you love most. 

By incorporating these thoughtful (and sometimes unconventional) ideas, you can create special moments to cherish forever. Whether it’s getting ready together, sharing a private dinner, or planning a grand exit, these strategies can help you focus on each other amidst the excitement. 

Remember, your wedding is about celebrating your love, so make it uniquely yours by prioritizing time together. After all, the best memories are made when you’re truly present with the one you love.

Want all those memories perfectly captured on camera? Contact me to see if I’m the right photographer for you.