Pros and Cons of Having an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony

Unplugged ceremonies are a topic of hot debate in the wedding world!

There are many pros and cons of having a tech-free wedding. You’ll have to decide for yourselves what’s right for you and your significant other.

Beach Wedding Ceremony during Daytime

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What is an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony?

An unplugged wedding ceremony is where the couple requests that guests refrain from using their cameras or phones to take pictures during the ceremony.

Why?

The goal is to create a distraction-free environment, and better photography conditions for the hired photographer. In my 10 years of helping destination wedding brides plan their wedding, I’ve heard all sorts of horror stories about cherished once-in-a-lifetime memories (like the first kiss!) being blocked by a guest stepping out into the aisle to snap a photo.

Unplugged ceremonies also allow everyone to relax and enjoy the wedding without trying to capture the perfect photo.

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony at the beach

Benefits of Having an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony

If you’re on the fence about having an unplugged ceremony and if it’s right for you, let’s break down some of the benefits!

1. Professional Photographer Focus

As a former bride, I know how expensive photographers can be! But we pay for a professional (in most cases) to capture the wedding – not our guests. Unplugged weddings ensure that these photographers have unobstructed access to the ceremony and all its special moments. 

2. Living in the Moment

By asking guests to put away their phones and cameras, couples ensure that everyone is fully present and not preoccupied with capturing the perfect shot. This creates a more intimate atmosphere without guests living through the lens.

3. Minimizing Distractions

In a world where notifications and alerts constantly demand attention, an unplugged wedding ceremony offers a welcome escape. By minimizing distractions, guests can fully engage with the ceremony without the interference of the click of camera shutters.

4. No Social Media Posting before the Couple

This is a big one for a lot of couples – many brides and grooms want to be the first to announce their marriage and post photos on social media. Even if the message is conveyed to guests, many get wrapped up in the excitement and share photos before the couple does. This may not bother you, but it’s something to keep in mind!

Couple Getting Married on the Beach

Cons of Having an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony

The idea of having an unplugged wedding ceremony didn’t even cross my mind when we got married in Mexico. I remember wanting as much coverage as possible and I even enjoy some of our guest’s photos more than our photographer’s photos!

You may feel this way too, especially if you’ve only booked your photographer for a short window of time, or only have a certain number of photos included in your package.

Let’s check out some cons and disadvantages to having an unplugged ceremony: 

1. Guest Disappointment

Some guests may feel disappointed by the request to put away their phones and cameras. Some people enjoy capturing personal moments and may view it as a restriction on their ability to document and share their experience.

2. Resistance and Non-Compliance

Despite clear communication, some guests may still choose to ignore the unplugged request and use their devices during the ceremony. This can be distracting and may detract from the intimate atmosphere the couple is trying to create.

3. Missed Personal Memories

While professional photographers can capture the essence of the ceremony, some couples may regret not having a variety of candid, personal shots taken by their friends and family. 

*This was a big one for us! We love the photos taken by our guests!

How to Choose Whether to Have an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony 

You’ll really have to sit and think about two major things: do you just want your photographer to capture the day, or do you want added coverage? Of course there are other factors that come into play, but this is the main one. 

If you choose to not have an unplugged ceremony but are worried about guests blocking the photographer, I encourage you to let your guests know ahead of time (include it in your wedding details!) so there’s no surprises.

You can also include a sign or a letter to let your guests know that while you appreciate their photos, you request they stay seated during the ceremony to allow the photographer to do their magic!

Unplugged Wedding Ceremony Signs

If having an unplugged ceremony is what you’re after, there are lots of creative unplugged ceremony signs to display at your ceremony, both available as digital downloads and physical signs.

If you’re packing for a destination wedding, keep in mind it’s much easier to travel with a digital, printable download and a frame rather than a physical sign!

unplugged wedding ceremony
Vendor: UnmeasuredEvent
unplugged ceremony
Vendor: ColourAndEtch

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