Unplugged Weddings: Why Going Tech-Free Might Be the Best Gift You Give Your Ceremony

Do You Want Your Guests to Be Truly Present on Your Wedding Day?

Picture this: you’re walking down the aisle, the sun gently shining on your shoulders, music playing softly, all eyes on you… except for the sea of phones, tablets, and selfie sticks blocking your photographer’s view.

That’s where the idea of an unplugged wedding comes in—and it’s gaining popularity with couples not just in the UK, but all over Europe and beyond. Whether you're planning a romantic ceremony in the hills of Andalucía, a clifftop elopement in Portugal, or a grand countryside celebration in the Cotswolds, an unplugged wedding could be just the thing to help your guests stay in the moment.

What Is an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony?

An unplugged wedding is simply a ceremony where guests are kindly asked to turn off their phones, cameras and devices. This might be just for the ceremony itself, or for the entire day—whatever feels right for you.

It's not about banning technology. It’s about inviting your guests to share in the moment fully—without the distraction of screens, flashes, or live-streams. And it’s about making sure your professional photographer and videographer—who’ve likely been carefully chosen and briefed—can do their job beautifully, without phones blocking their shots.

How Unplugged Weddings Benefit You (and Your Photos)

As a celebrant, I work closely with your photographer and videographer to choreograph the ceremony—ensuring all the special moments are captured clearly and creatively. But that can quickly unravel if Auntie Jean steps into the aisle to get her shot…

A simple “please switch off your phones” message can make all the difference, preserving those once-in-a-lifetime photos of your aisle entrance, first kiss, or quiet tearful glance.

Social Media: A Blessing or a Buzzkill?

In the age of Instagram, TikTok, and instant uploads, your wedding can be online before you've even said I do. Some couples are fine with that. Others? Not so much.

Would you prefer to be the one to share the first wedding photo online? Want a chance to see your pictures before they’re filtered, cropped or captioned by someone else? Then a politely worded unplugged request could be your best friend.

There are even clever apps where guests can privately upload their photos, giving you control over what’s shared and when.

Should You Ban Phones Completely?

“Ban” might sound extreme, but think of it more as setting a loving boundary. This isn’t about rules—it’s about experience. About presence. About allowing your guests to witness the ceremony through their eyes, not their screens.

Of course, some couples love those spontaneous guest snaps—and that’s totally valid too. The key is deciding together what feels right for your day.

How to Tell Your Guests You’re Going Unplugged

There are lots of beautiful (and often humorous) ways to let your guests know you’d prefer them to unplug.

✔ Add a note to your wedding invitations or website
✔ Ask your celebrant (like me!) to make a warm announcement at the start of the ceremony
✔ Use a sign at the entrance—Pinterest is full of ideas, from heartfelt to cheeky

Here are a few examples:
📷 “We’ve hired a pro—so you can sit back, relax, and be fully here.”
📵 “Today we promise forever. Please turn off your phones and be present in the moment.”
📸 “Unplugged ceremony: no photos until we’ve said ‘I do’ and shared a kiss!”

Your Wedding, Your Way

Whether you're saying your vows on a beach in Marbella, in a vineyard in Provence, or under an oak tree in Surrey—an unplugged ceremony is a personal decision. But one thing’s certain: when your guests are fully present, the magic of the moment is magnified.

As your celebrant, I’m here to support whatever choice feels right for you—tech-free or not. Let’s craft a ceremony that reflects your wishes, values, and vibe… with or without screens.

Final Thought
Want help wording your unplugged message or choosing the perfect signage? Let’s chat. I’ve got lots of experience helping couples find just the right tone for their day—gentle, joyful, and true to you.