An unplugged wedding ceremony is a request from the couple to all wedding guests to refrain from using their cell phones, iPads, and personal cameras during the ceremony. They can turn their phones off or keep them out of sight but either way, it is a chance for guests to be fully present.

A photographer’s reason for having an unplugged wedding ceremony.

• PLEASE allow your wedding guests to live in the moment. People now often choose to capture special moments through their phones or iPad instead of being fully present, which is unfortunate. Instead of watching the ceremony through a screen, guests can immerse themselves in the experience and appreciate the couple’s vows, emotions, and the ambiance of the ceremony.
• Your spouse-to-be probably has the same view down the aisle as I do. And when the wedding isn’t unplugged you have about a dozen people reaching their arms into the aisle with their cell phones and iPads out.  My view gets completely blocked. It is the worst when the view is of the bride walking down the aisle. It is one of the most important shots. No one wants the back of a cell phone in it.
• It’s important to keep in mind that guest photographers at your event can unintentionally affect the quality of your hired photographer’s pictures. Using a flash on their own cameras can potentially ruin the exposure or shot that your photographer had captured, which can be difficult to fix afterward.

Here are some steps you can take to make it happen.

• Include a note in your invitation: Let your guests know that you’re having an unplugged ceremony and that you would appreciate it if they refrained from using their devices during the ceremony. You can also include this information on your wedding website or social media pages.
• Make a cute sign: Place signs at the entrance to the ceremony and in the seating area reminding guests to turn off their phones and refrain from taking photos.
• Tell the person officiating your wedding to make an announcement to all the wedding guests. Again, tell them to do the announcement BEFORE you walk down the aisle, otherwise, that defeats the purpose. What can the officiant say?
  • “The greatest gift you can give us today is to be truly present, so please turn off all phones and cameras and enjoy this special moment with us. ”
  • “The bride and groom kindly request an unplugged ceremony. Please turn off all devices and enjoy being fully present in this moment with us.”

Do you want an unplugged wedding ceremony? Check out this article from Brides to learn more about an unplugged wedding.

Want to see more work? Check out this Ireland Castle Elopement