We rounded up some wedding experts to share their expertise for navigating the no-phones rule during your ceremony.
By: Meghan Ely
Photo: Niki Marie Photography
Your wedding ceremony sets the stage for the entire wedding — it's typically the first time you see your partner on your big day, and it’s also the first time you see all of your loved ones in one place. That said, as much as your guests may want to capture this moment, it can be distracting, overwhelming, and interfere with your hired photographer's work.
"Guests are understandably excited about this moment, so keeping people from taking a moment to capture it themselves can be difficult. I often see officiants make an announcement before the ceremony outlining the couple's wishes for guests to turn off their phones and remain present. Most guests will oblige the request, but you may have a few who disregard or assume they are the exception. Sometimes, there are concerns about privacy for high-profile guests, publication exclusivity, or personal preference, and those couples may wish to more strictly enforce their request." —Lucy Struve, Lucy Struve Photography
"Have your officiant make an announcement and pause for effect. A warm but firm reminder before the ceremony begins is often the most effective approach. The officiant can say, 'The couple has asked that you join them fully in this moment by putting away your phones and cameras. The professional photographer will capture everything — so sit back, relax, and enjoy.' We recommend that the officiant take an actual 10-second pause after this announcement to give guests time to turn off their phones. If you move right through to the start of the processional music, guests will dismiss the announcement." —Carmen Hinebaugh, Evermore Occasions
"One of the best ways to ensure an unplugged ceremony is to be direct with your guests. Charming rhyming language might be cute, but guests may not fully comply. Clear and concise wording will help guests understand the importance of not using their cell phones during the wedding and rather experiencing the ceremony in the moment. Repetition is key when reminding guests to keep their phones away. Include multiple reminders throughout the wedding space. An announcement of a cell-free ceremony can be posted on signs at the entrance, printed in the program, and on the couple’s wedding website. The more places guests see the message, the more likely they will follow it. Having a few wedding party members gently remind guests as they take their seats reinforces the request." —Mary Angelini, Key Moment Films
"Communication is key! If you want to have an unplugged/off-the-phone wedding, couples should start telling their guests that early. You can add this to the formal invitation, website, or at the wedding when guests arrive. The officiant can make an announcement that there is a professional photographer there, so there is no need to have your phones out for the ceremony, etc." —Loni Peterson, LP Creative Events
"Truly having guests not use their cell phones to take pictures and videos at the ceremony is near impossible, so lean into that and have the officiant start off the ceremony, letting everyone take their photos and videos for one minute and then asking guests to put them away afterward. A kind of 'get it out of your system' moment for the guests! It's a creative idea that usually works the best, from what I have seen." —Craig Peterman, Craig Peterman Photography & Videography
“An unplugged wedding sign is a clear, direct way to let your guests know they should keep their phones away. Typically, this is a large foam board sign that says, 'We're having an unplugged ceremony — thank you for putting your phones away and staying in the moment with us!' It explains the importance of keeping phones away during the ceremony. And it doesn’t require any announcements to be made. It can also be a small sign that is printed at home or at a local print shop and framed to put on a table near the entrance to the ceremony." —Jaime Coast, Cotton and Bow
"Inviting your guests to unplug during your wedding is the best you can do to maximize the skills of your professional team. The guests may stand in the way of an otherwise perfect angle, so I may have to find a different angle. If there are too many people standing, I may struggle to find a good angle and, potentially, miss an important shot. I cannot ask the couple to re-do their vows or their kiss just because I want to get a better shot. It's my job to capture the moments at a wedding, but I cannot produce beautiful wedding photos without everyone's cooperation." Inviting your guests to unplug during your wedding is the best you can do to maximize the skills of your professional team." Inviting your guests to unplug during your wedding is the best you can do to maximize the skills of your professional team." —McKenzi Taylor, Cactus Collective Weddings
"While choosing to have an unplugged ceremony is a personal choice, I would highly recommend it because it has so many benefits. It reminds your guests to be present and engaged. It ensures your professional photos will be nicer because you won't have people's phones in all your photos. And it creates a sacred space for this special moment. Because even if your wedding isn't in a church, treating the ceremony as such gives it the respect and attention it deserves." —Jamie Chang, Mango Muse Events
Ceremony guests are well-meaning when it comes to trying to snap a photo of you and your partner, but in reality, being in the moment and having professional photos take priority can elevate the experience as a whole. Don’t be afraid to be firm in your wishes, and trust your vendors to capture the memories!
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
