Unplugged Ceremonies – Why you should you have one at your wedding.

Should you have an unplugged ceremony at your wedding? For most people that know me well, they understand that this is a bit of a hot topic for me as a wedding photographer. I did my first FB live video on this topic and wanted to create a blog post as well for all those that missed the live broadcast. I get a lot of questions regarding unplugged ceremonies, so I’m going to address most of them below!

An unplugged ceremony (or technology free ceremony) is when you ask guest to not use their phones or devices during your wedding ceremony.

– In Indoor locations, we as photographers can’t control someone’s phone flash going off during key moments in the ceremony like the processional and first kiss. Phone flashes can ruin our photos by over-exposing existing lighting.

– A bride walking down the aisle should see her family and friends smiling at her, not their iPhones (or worse, iPads), covering their faces. You have invited these guests to be at your wedding for a reason….they are important to you. Your walk down the aisle is one of those life moments that is burned into your brain forever, and it is a much more enjoyable memory seeing loved ones’ faces rather than their hot pink phone case. (It also makes for a more classic photo).

– A groom should not have to lean around people in the aisle taking photos to see his bride as she walks toward him.

– A wedding is a special and unique occasion where people can be emotionally and mentally present to support you as a couple. Inviting your guests to be present with you during this big life moment encourages them to focus on what is happening, instead of which Instagram filter to put on their photo.

– The best way is signage. There are all kinds of fun or tasteful ways to word this so your guests understand your intent behind an unplugged ceremony.

(Above sign available for rent here.)

-You also can have this information in your wedding program, or have the officiant make an announcement before the processional begins.

-Guests think that they will never see your wedding photos! Many people take their own photos because they care about you and want to remember the day. This is a huge reason that all of my packages include an online gallery with free downloads (with password) that my clients can share with their family and friends. Brides, make sure you are clear with what your photography package includes.

Of course! I am not pushing for weddings to be entirely unplugged or technology free. I use my phone at weddings too for behind the scenes shots! However, I am asking for guests to let us do our job of documenting a wedding ceremony, so they can simply enjoy it! If you are a guest at a wedding and want a photograph of a group of people, just ask us! We love taking photos of guests and want you to have a great quality photo (that is better than an iPhone shot).

I actually asked my brides who had unplugged ceremonies what their thoughts were after their wedding was over. Two of my favorites are below:

Let me know what you think? Did you have an unplugged ceremony at your wedding? Are you glad you did?