How to Politely Ask Your Guests to Unplug & why it is important to your photographer

Your wedding day is filled with once-in-a-lifetime moments — the tears, the vows, the laughter, the first kiss as a married couple. As your photographer, my job is to capture those moments beautifully and authentically.

But there’s one thing that can unintentionally get in the way…
Your guests’ phones.

More and more couples are choosing unplugged weddings, and for good reason. Here’s why this small decision can make a huge difference to your photos and your overall experience.

 

1. Phones Can Block Key Moments

Imagine walking down the aisle and seeing a sea of screens instead of the smiling faces of your loved ones. Not only does it take away from the emotional moment for you — it also blocks clear shots of your entrance, your first kiss, or your reaction to seeing each other.

As your photographer, I can’t always reposition quickly when a guest steps into the aisle, leans over, or raises a phone above their head. This means some important moments could be partially obstructed or missed altogether.

2. Candid Photos Lose Their Magic

Natural reactions are some of the most beautiful moments I get to capture — parents tearing up, friends whispering excitedly, grandparents smiling proudly.

But when guests are focused on filming rather than feeling the moment, their expressions change. Instead of emotion, you get:

• Phone screens lighting up their faces

• Guests looking down at devices

• Awkward arm positions and cluttered compositions

Unplugged ceremonies help keep your photos timeless, elegant, and full of genuine emotion.

3. Flash From Phones Can Ruin the Professional Shot

Your photographer’s lighting is controlled and intentional. When a guest’s phone flash fires unexpectedly, it can:

• Blow out skin tones

• Create uneven lighting

• Distract from the moment

• Ruin the atmosphere of low-light shots

And unfortunately, these moments can’t always be retaken.

4. Your Guests Deserve to Be Present

An unplugged ceremony invites your guests to truly experience the moment with you. Instead of watching through a screen, they get to laugh, cry, and celebrate fully.

 

🪧 How to Politely Ask Your Guests to Unplug

Here are a few gentle ways to share your wishes:

Option 1: A Ceremony Sign

“Welcome to our unplugged ceremony. Please put away phones and cameras — we promise to share the beautiful photos afterwards.”

Option 2: A Note in Your Program

“Out of respect for the couple and their photographer, please enjoy the ceremony device-free.”

Option 3: A Message From Your Officiant

“Before we begin, the couple kindly asks that you put away your phones so we may all be fully present in this moment.”

 

Your wedding photos should be a reflection of all the beauty, joy, and emotion of your day — not a collection of screens or blocked aisles. Choosing an unplugged ceremony ensures that the images you receive are clean, timeless, and filled with the people you love most.

As your photographer, I’ll handle the capturing — your guests only need to enjoy the moment.