What is an 'unplugged ceremony'?

An 'unplugged ceremony' happens when the couple requests that guests put away cell phones, cameras, and any other recording devices in order for guests to be present in the moment. As a photographer, I may be biased in my opinion to definitely have an unplugged ceremony, but here is why:

1) Give yourselves privacy.

I cannot stress this enough, IT'S YOUR DAY. Don't you want to be able to share online when you are ready? In today's digital era, nothing is kept a secret. By choosing to have an unplugged ceremony, you, as a couple, get to decided when, where, and how your special moments are shared. You get the opportunity to share the best images of yourselves, taken by your chosen photographer, before friends and family get the chance to share images of your "bad side". As a photographer, it is my priority to send out sneak peeks of the day ASAP, in order to give you material to post about one of your most memorable days.

2) Leave it to the professionals.

I'm sure you have invested hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in order to have your photographer, and videographer, capture your wedding day. I can promise you, as a photographer, that we do not want to spend hours editing your friends and family's cellphones out of your final gallery. When friends and family step into the isle, with their phones in hand, they take away my opportunity to get the best first kiss image possible. By having an unplugged ceremony, guests and their devices will not get in the way of myself, the photographer, or the videographer. We will be able to use our expertise to capture you, and your guests, in the best possible way. Though your guests may have differing opinions, it is not necessary for them to document this moment.

3) Prevent distractions.

Eliminating the use of phones, and other recording devices, during your ceremony allows guests to be present and share the special moment with you and your spouse. You all will get to fully embrace the moment. Asking guests to mute, or even turn off, those devices removes the opportunity for notifications to be disruptive in the middle of the ceremony. Lighting and flash from other devices may also interfere with the photographer and videographer's final product.

How to:

There are quite a few different ways to ask guests to leave their phones in their pockets. Here are a few:

  • An officiant announcement: just before the ceremony begins the officiant, or wedding planner, may make a small announcement asking guests to mute their devices and put them away.
  • List on the invitation
  • List on your wedding website
  • Have a sign at the entry of your ceremony.
  • ALL OF THE ABOVE: There can never enough gentle reminders to be present in the moment.