We're Beacon-based Hudson Valley & Catskills wedding + elopement photographers who love to capture natural, authentic moments for all couples in love.
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. You want everything to be perfect, and that includes your first dance as a married couple. But something that’s been overlooked before is the last dance. Some couples decide to do this romantic gesture to have a private moment to themselves, while others want to include all their guests in on the fun. So, what’s the right choice for your New York wedding photos?

There are a few things to consider when making this decision. First, think about how important privacy is to you. If you value your privacy and want to keep this moment between you and your spouse, then a private last dance is the way to go. You can have your NYC wedding photographer capture the moment without anyone else around.
On the other hand, if you’re the type of couple that loves to party and wants to include all your guests in on the fun, then a public last dance is the way to go. You can have your DJ or band play a fun song that everyone can dance to. Plus, you can get some great photos of all your guests dancing together.

If you really want to get some fresh and beautiful New York wedding photos, you may want to consider this. A private first dance before the reception begins allows you to have the room while it’s fresh. Your hair and makeup will also still be in tact prior to the dance floor fun times.
In addition to a private first or last dance, there are other special moments you can have captured on your big day.
A First Look: This is a great way to get some sweet and emotional photos of the two of you seeing each other for the first time on your wedding day. You can do this before the ceremony or even during cocktail hour.
A First Dance With Your Parents: This is such a special moment that’s often overlooked. But it’s a great way to honor your parents on your wedding day. Have your photographer capture this sweet moment before the reception begins.
A Moment Alone at Cocktail Hour: If you want to escape the craziness of your reception for a few minutes, ask your NYC wedding photographer to take you outside for a breather. This is a great way to get some beautiful portraits of the two of you together.

Your wedding day is all about you and your spouse, so do what feels right for the two of you. If you’re not sure, consider asking your Brooklyn wedding photographer for their opinion. They’ve seen it all before and can help guide you to making the best decision for your big day. As top New York wedding photographers, we personally love a private first dance instead of a private last dance. But it’s ultimately up to you.
Keep in mind that most wedding photo coverage packages only include up to 8-10 hours of coverage. So, if you’re planning on doing a private last dance after 10PM, your NYC wedding photographer may not be able to stay. Think about this when you’re considering how much coverage you’ll need on your big day. Prioritize the New York wedding photos that matter to you most.
Either way works for us! We’ll be in touch in no time at all to book in a chat with you and, yes, we’re sure Cordy and Phoebe will pop up and say hi.
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Hudson Valley wedding photography capturing candid, authentic moments. Documenting elopements and wedding days in Westchester, the Catskills, and beyond. Available in Ulster County, Orange County, Dutchess County, and beyond. Wedding photographers based in Beacon, NY serving all throughout the Greater New York Area including Tarrytown, Hudson, Kingston, and more. Proudly serving LGBTQ+ couples.
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