Why You Might Love an Unplugged Wedding (your wedding photographer might too)
A Kent and London/south east wedding photographer discusses the merits of having an unplugged wedding ceremony.
You’ve spent months (or longer!) planning your wedding, making sure every detail is just right. When the big day finally arrives, you want your guests to be truly there with you—soaking in every heartfelt moment, not watching it through a phone screen. That’s why more and more couples are choosing to have an unplugged ceremony, where guests put away their devices and just enjoy the experience.
Present and connected - no phones in sight. Photo by Jonathan Wright - Wright & Oistad Wedding Photography
The Magic of Being Present
Think about it—when guests aren’t distracted by taking photos or sneaking a peek at their notifications, your ceremony instantly becomes more intimate. Everyone is focused on you, the love you share, and the once-in-a-lifetime moment happening right in front of them.
Not to mention, when your guests are fully present, you get to see their real reactions—the happy tears, the proud smiles, and maybe even your grandma squeezing your grandpa’s hand. Those are the moments that make a wedding unforgettable.
And from a photographer’s perspective? An unplugged ceremony means no phones in the air blocking the perfect shot of your first kiss, no flashes interfering with the lighting, and no accidental photobombs from well-meaning guests trying to snap their own pictures. You’ve hired a professional to capture every beautiful detail—so why not let them do what they do best?
You only need one wedding photographer! This sign is a great example of how to communicate this request to your guests.
How to Make It Happen
If you love the idea of an unplugged ceremony, the key is to communicate it clearly—and more than once! Here are a few ways to let your guests know:
Mention it early. Add a note to your save-the-dates, invitations, and wedding website.
Put up a friendly sign. Something fun like, “We promise the pros will get the best shots—please keep your phones tucked away and enjoy the moment with us!”
Have your officiant announce it. A quick reminder before the ceremony starts helps ensure everyone is on board. No one messes with the officiant.
You don’t have to go completely tech-free for the whole day - if there are no selfies are you really even married? Many couples opt for an unplugged ceremony and then encourage guests to take photos and share them during the reception. That way, you get the best of both worlds—pure, undistracted emotion during your vows and tons of fun, candid moments afterward.
You do you
We're all different. If you choose NOT to have an unplugged ceremony, that's absolutely fine. I really mean it. You may well have photos of guests taking photos and filming, and they may stand up and get in the way of your photographer capturing key moments. It does happen: uncle Phil leans out into the aisle with his iPad to take a photo during your first kiss, ruining your photographer's photo ('ruining' is subjective of course). If that possibility is ok with you, there's nothing to worry about. If that would bother you, going unplugged might be the way.
The Takeaway
At the end of the day, an unplugged ceremony is all about connection—between you, your partner, and the people who mean the most to you. And in a world where we’re always plugged in, taking a moment to slow down and be present is a pretty special thing. It’s pretty much a gift to your guests too.
Would you consider going unplugged for your wedding? Let’s chat about how we can create a stress-free, beautifully documented day that you’ll cherish forever.