Unplugged Wedding Ceremony: Pros, Cons & How to Ask Guests Politely
An unplugged ceremony is a newer tradition with the rise of technology and social media. Having a completely phone-free wedding used to be how our parents and grandparents celebrated weddings, so why is that such a daunting ask now? Many guests don’t see the benefits of an unplugged wedding ceremony and some could see it as offensive, but when you stop and think about it, there’s no reason why a guest needs their phone at a wedding ceremony in the first place when there is an entire photo and video team present.
This post is here to help couples navigate the pros and cons of an unplugged ceremony, if you should have an unplugged ceremony, and how to politely ask guests to put their phones away at a wedding.
What is an unplugged ceremony?
An unplugged ceremony is a wedding with no guest phones, cameras, ipads, etc… present throughout a couple’s ceremony. While it seems like a big ask from your guests to refrain from taking photos and videos during the most important part of a couple’s wedding day, it’s really not. If a couple requests an unplugged ceremony they likely have a photographer or two present. They may also have a videography team as well. That photographer is solely responsible for documenting the couple’s day in a photography style which resonates with the couple. In other words, the couple chose that photographer because they love their work! A guest is someone who attends the wedding because the couple truly believes that person should be present for their wedding. That guest has one responsibility, to support the couple on their wedding day. When a couple requests that you keep your phones in your pockets or bags during the ceremony you are supporting the couple by honoring their wishes.
What are the reasons couples choose to have an unplugged ceremony?
There are a few reasons why couples choose to have an unplugged ceremony.
1) More Meaningful & Present Atmosphere
When guests aren’t focused on capturing photos or videos, they’re fully engaged in the moment. Couples often say the energy feels more intimate and emotional — especially during vows and first looks.
2) Professional Photos Look Better
Wedding photographers frequently share horror stories of:
Guests stepping into the aisle - I’ve seen this on social media and experienced this in person as a wedding photographer.
Bright phone screens in the background - this is especially important if you have an indoor ceremony!
An iPad blocking the kiss shot is something which happens more often than you can imagine.
An unplugged ceremony protects your investment in professional photography and ensures clear, timeless images.
3) Cleaner Ceremony Aesthetic
Photos and videos look more elegant when guests aren’t holding devices. The background becomes faces and emotions — not glowing screens.
4) Reduced Distractions
No ringtone interruptions.
No camera flashes.
No awkward moments of someone leaning into the aisle at the wrong time.
This is especially helpful for:
Religious or traditional ceremonies
Small, intimate venues
Outdoor settings where movement is more noticeable
5) Encourages Emotional Connection
Guests are more likely to:
Laugh together
Cry together
Engage deeply
It can create a shared experience rather than everyone documenting individually.
What are the benefits of an unplugged ceremony?
It’s a win-win for everyone! The guests get to be more engaged in the ceremony, the couple gets higher quality (and likely quantity) of photos back, there aren’t any missed moments from ceremony as a result of guest interference, and the photographer gets to do their job to the best of their ability. Guests can always take photos later on during the reception and cocktail hour!
Are there downsides?
Not really, but some guests may feel disappointed. Remember, this is your day and they are guests. Your needs come first!
Certain guests (especially older relatives) may:
Want personal photos
Feel left out of capturing memories
Forget the rule and feel embarrassed
Clear communication helps minimize this.
In order to make sure that guests feel included and no one feels disappointed by the unplugged ceremony I suggest allowing guests to take photos during the reception and cocktail hour. You can even have a photo op moment during the ceremony where everyone is given 30 seconds to take a photo of the couple. This allows everyone to be a photographer for a moment!
Who are unplugged ceremonies best for?
Unplugged ceremonies are especially great for couples who:
Value intentional, mindful moments
Are investing heavily in professional photography
Prefer a classic, elegant vibe
Feel uncomfortable with phones in key photos
How to politely ask your guests to refrain from taking photos or videos during your wedding ceremony.
Explain Why
People are more cooperative when they understand the reason:
You want them present in the moment
You’ve hired a professional photographer
You want clear aisle photos
You’ll share images afterward
Say It in Multiple Places
Wedding website
Ceremony program
Sign at the entrance
Officiant announcement
Gentle repetition prevents awkward enforcement.
Keep the Tone Grateful
Lead with appreciation:
“We’re so grateful you’re here…”
“Your presence means everything…”
“We invite you…”
Here’s my favorite way to say it!
“We are so excited to see your smiling faces as we walk down the aisle. We kindly ask that you put away your phones and cameras during the ceremony and be fully present with us in this moment. We have a wonderful photographer here to capture the moment and promise to share beautiful photos with you afterward!”
What is good etiquette for a wedding guest?
If the wedding is phone free or the ceremony is unplugged…
Respect the couple and stay off your phone and avoid taking photos! The pros are there to make sure they document every moment, and your job is to support the couple you are celebrating. Make it about them in this way! If the only the ceremony is unplugged feel free to take photos later.
If there are no announcements for an unplugged ceremony or phone free wedding…
As a photographer I firmly believe that good wedding guest etiquette includes keeping your phone down/put away during a ceremony so long as there is a professional photography team present. Whenever I am personally a guest at a wedding I always stay present with my friends and family during the ceremony.
Besides the ceremony, are there times I should avoid taking photos at a wedding?
Yes! Many photographers have it in their contracts that guests should avoid taking photos during posed portraits. Why? If there are a few guests taking photos of family or wedding party when the photographer is trying to give direction for formal portraits it is actually putting the couple’s investment in their photographer at risk. Guests are now looking in every direction except for the camera of the professional photographer they should be looking at. It results in chaotic looking formal portraits.
Other times which are polite to put your phones away are during important reception moments such as the first dance and toasts. Again, photographers love capturing guest reactions during this time and it helps them capture beautiful memories to send to the couple later on! This definitely is not a must, but is very helpful.
When is it a good time for a guest to take photos of the couple?
During dinner, especially if the couple is coming around to your table to say hello and the photographer is not present.
During cocktail hour when the photo/video team isn’t around
On the dance floor - photographers often only stay for the first 30-60 minutes of the dance floor so definitely feel free to take some fun photos to post!
Some of our guests won’t respect our wishes and take their phones out anyways, what should we do?
There are a few ways to go around this.
First you should ask yourselves the difficult question, does this person belong at your wedding? If someone cannot respect a very basic request, do they actually belong at your wedding? If the answer is no, then it is okay to not invite that person. If the answer is yes, then here what I would personally do…
Have a conversation. This person is clearly close enough to you where you genuinely care for them enough to want them included in your wedding. Requesting that they do not take photos at your wedding in the kindest way possible is a boundary, and your boundaries deserve respect.
Here’s how I would put it, “We know how much you love making sure our memories are captured and we truly appreciate it! During our ceremony we are choosing to ask everyone to refrain from taking photos and videos since we invested a lot of money in a professional team. We promise to be sure to share those professional photos with you, and hope you’ll instead consider taking some photos during the cocktail hour and reception. We love you and can’t wait for you to be fully emotionally present with us on such an important day.”
Conclusion
An unplugged ceremony benefits everyone, especially those investing thousands of dollars into their wedding day! Contact me for more information on documentary style wedding photography for your special day!
