Unplugged Ceremonies: Pros, Cons, and How to Ask Guests Gracefully

Yes, you can tell people to put their phones away without being weird about it.

An unplugged ceremony = guests aren’t using phones/cameras during vows.
And honestly? It’s one of the best gifts you can give yourselves.

The pros

1. Your guests are actually present.

2. Your aisle photos are clean.
   No sea of iPhones blocking faces.

3. Your film feels more emotional.
   Because people react naturally instead of recording.

4. You’re not dodging phones walking down the aisle.

The cons

• Some guests feel anxious without their phones.

• People forget unless you remind them right before.

• You might miss a guest’s random candid… but you’re hiring pros for that.

How to ask gracefully

Use three layers of communication:

1. On your website / invite details
   Keep it warm:

   “We’re inviting everyone to be fully present with us. Please keep phones away during the ceremony — we promise we’ll share photos after.”

2. A sign at the entrance
   Short and sweet:

   “Unplugged Ceremony — kindly turn off phones and enjoy this moment with us.”

3. Officiant announcement
   This is the most important one.
   Right before the processional:

   “The couple has asked that we stay fully present. Please silence and put away phones until after the ceremony.”

Give guests a moment to snap something later

Tell them:

• phones are welcome after the recessional

• or during cocktail hour

Guests feel happier when they know they’ll still get their shot. Ultimately, you can't truly stop Great Aunt Marge from pulling out her iPad generation 2 and grabbing a shot, but by providing clear expectations, you can limit the chance that technology ruins a shot. 

Photo from Katie and Grayson's May wedding in Tennessee.