Why You Should Do Unplugged Ceremony At Your Wedding!

In today’s world, where smartphones are practically an extension of our hands, weddings have become another event where guests feel the need to capture every moment. While this might seem harmless, it can sometimes do more harm than good—especially during key moments of your ceremony. That’s why many couples are now opting for an unplugged ceremony, where guests are asked to put away their phones and cameras, allowing them to be fully present.

Story Time: The Day a First Kiss Got Blocked

A few years ago, I was photographing a beautiful wedding. Everything was going perfectly—the ceremony was emotional, the couple was radiant, and I had positioned myself in the perfect spot to capture their first kiss as newlyweds. Just as the officiant pronounced them husband and wife and they leaned in, I quickly moved into the aisle to get the shot… and suddenly, the bride’s mom stepped right in front of me with her phone.

I froze. My camera clicked, but instead of a breathtaking first kiss, I captured the back of her head. By the time she moved, the moment had passed. I was heartbroken for the couple, knowing that the shot they would have cherished forever was gone. While I still captured other beautiful moments, that one was lost to a well-meaning but ultimately disruptive guest.

The Benefits of an Unplugged Ceremony

A More Intimate Experience
When guests aren’t focused on getting the perfect shot, they are more engaged in the moment. They can truly witness your vows, the emotion in your eyes, and the love that fills the air.
Better Professional Photos
You hired a professional photographer for a reason! An unplugged ceremony ensures that your photos are free from distractions—no glowing phone screens, arms stretched into the aisle, or flashes ruining the lighting.
Avoiding Awkward Interruptions
Guests moving around to get their own pictures can disrupt the ceremony. I’ve personally seen people step into the aisle during the first kiss, completely blocking my view, which brings me to a real-life story…

How to Encourage an Unplugged Ceremony

If you’re considering an unplugged ceremony but are worried about how to implement it, here are some ways to make it easier:

Include a note in your invitations asking guests to put their phones away during the ceremony.
Have a sign at the entrance that kindly reminds guests it’s an unplugged ceremony.
Ask your officiant to make an announcement before the ceremony begins.
Ask your officiant to announce 2 mins of photos during the ceremony (this is something I recently experienced at a wedding, the couple allowed guests to take photos for a calculated 2 minutes during the ceremony, once the 2 minutes were done, they all had to put their phones away!)

An unplugged ceremony doesn’t mean your guests can’t take pictures later. Encourage them to snap away during the cocktail hour and reception, but let your ceremony be a sacred, uninterrupted moment.

Final Thoughts

Your wedding day is filled with fleeting moments, and having an unplugged ceremony ensures that those moments are experienced fully—not just through a screen. It allows your guests to truly be present with you, and it ensures that your professional photos remain as magical as the moment itself.

So, before you say ‘I do,’ consider saying ‘no’ to screens and ‘yes’ to presence. Trust me, your future self will thank you!

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