Why More Couples Are Choosing Unplugged Ceremonies
Picture this: You’re walking down the aisle, heart racing, about to marry your best friend. You look around, expecting to see the smiling faces of the people you love, but instead… you’re met with a sea of phone screens. 📱🙃
That’s why more and more couples are choosing unplugged ceremonies—asking their guests to put the phones away, be present, and experience the moment without a screen between them. If you’re wondering if an unplugged ceremony is right for you, here’s why it might be worth considering.
1. Your Guests Will Actually Be There
One of the biggest reasons couples go unplugged is because they want their guests to fully experience the moment. It’s easy to get caught up in snapping a quick photo, but that means missing out on the emotions happening in real time. A wedding ceremony is one of the most intimate moments you’ll ever have—your guests should be in it, not distracted by capturing it.
2. No Phones in Your Wedding Photos
As a photographer, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen a perfect shot ruined by someone’s phone blocking the view—or worse, a guest accidentally stepping into the aisle at the wrong moment. When you choose an unplugged ceremony, you’re ensuring that your photos stay clean, timeless, and free from a sea of screens.
Plus, you hired a photographer for a reason! Your guests can sit back, relax, and trust that every moment is being captured professionally.
3. A More Intimate, Emotional Experience
There’s something special about a room full of people completely present in the moment. Without screens, there’s more eye contact, more raw emotion, and an energy that just feels different. Your ceremony should be about love, not about who got the best shot for Instagram.
4. No Unflattering, Unapproved Photos Online
We’ve all seen those less-than-flattering guest photos pop up online before the couple even gets to see their professional images. Maybe it’s a weird angle, a bad flash, or just an awkward mid-blink moment. When you go unplugged, you’re in control of how your wedding photos are shared—and you get to be the first to see them, just as they were meant to be.
5. How to Make It Happen (Without Upsetting Anyone)
If you’re worried about how guests will react to an unplugged ceremony, don’t be! Most people understand and respect it when it’s communicated clearly. Here are a few ways to let them know:
- Put it on your invitations – A simple line like “We kindly ask that you enjoy our ceremony unplugged—please turn off your devices and be present with us.”
- Have a sign at the entrance – Something cute and to the point: “Welcome to our unplugged ceremony! Please put away your phones and enjoy the moment with us.”
- Ask your officiant to announce it – A quick reminder before the ceremony starts ensures everyone is on the same page.
- Offer a compromise – Some couples ask guests to keep their phones away for the ceremony but encourage them to take photos during the reception.
Is an Unplugged Ceremony Right for You?
At the end of the day, it’s your wedding—so do what feels right for you! Some couples love the idea of an unplugged ceremony, while others are totally fine with guests snapping away. There’s no wrong choice, just what works best for your vision.
If you’re on the fence, consider a hybrid approach—ask guests to keep their phones away for the ceremony but let them go wild during the reception. That way, you get the best of both worlds.
Want More Wedding Planning Tips?
This is my first official blog post, and I’m so excited to share more wedding planning tips, photography advice, and behind-the-scenes stories with you! If you want early access to all my upcoming posts before they go live on March 1st, sign up for my newsletter—you’ll be the first to get the inside scoop.
Are you team unplugged, or do you love the idea of guests snapping their own pics? Let me know what you think! 👇✨
