Why You Should Consider an Unplugged Ceremony on Your Wedding Day
- Erica Lewis
- Sep 22
- 3 min read
By Emerald Stone Photography | Pennsylvania Wedding Photographer
Weddings today are filled with smartphones, live streams, and instant photo-sharing. While technology is wonderful for staying connected, there’s one part of your wedding day that benefits from being completely phone-free: your ceremony.
At Emerald Stone Photography, we’ve seen firsthand how an unplugged ceremony can make your wedding feel more intimate, more meaningful, and yes—more photogenic. If you’re planning your big day, here’s why you may want to invite guests to put away their phones and be fully present.
What Is an Unplugged Ceremony?
An unplugged ceremony is when you ask your guests to turn off and put away all phones, cameras, and tablets during your vows. Instead of snapping photos or posting on social
media, they are encouraged to simply watch, listen & celebrate with you in the moment.
Stay Present in the Moment
Your wedding ceremony is the heart of your day—the vows, the tears, the laughter, the first kiss as a married couple. When guests are holding up their phones, they’re not experiencing these moments fully. An unplugged ceremony ensures that your loved ones are focused on you, not their screens.
2. Better Professional Photos
As photographers, we work hard to capture every important detail. But sometimes, guests unintentionally step into the aisle, block views, or create distractions with camera flashes and glowing screens.
By going unplugged, you give us the freedom to document your ceremony beautifully—without interference—so your gallery is filled with clean, distraction-free images.
3. A Quieter, More Intimate Atmosphere
Phones clicking, videos recording, and screens lighting up can disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of a ceremony. Without devices, the space feels calmer, quieter, and more intentional. This creates the perfect environment for you and your guests to soak in every word and emotion.
4. Protects the Surprise
You’ve invested in your wedding look, your décor, and your photos—so you should get to choose how those first glimpses are shared. With an unplugged ceremony, you can rest easy knowing no one will post blurry photos online before you’ve seen your professional images.
5. Guests Will Thank You Later
While some guests may initially feel the urge to grab their phone, most couples find their friends and family appreciate the chance to just be present. Many guests have told us after unplugged weddings that it was a relief to put their phone down and focus on the love in the room.
How to Ask for an Unplugged Ceremony
Not sure how to communicate your wishes? Here are a few easy ways:
• Signage: Place a stylish sign at the entrance reminding guests to put phones away.
• Programs: Include a short note about keeping the ceremony unplugged.
• Officiant Announcement: Have your officiant make a kind, clear request before the ceremony begins.
✨ Example wording:
“The couple kindly asks that all guests turn off phones and cameras so everyone can be fully present during this special moment. Thank you for respecting their wishes.”
Final Thoughts
Your wedding ceremony is one of the most important and emotional moments of your life. By choosing an unplugged ceremony, you’ll ensure your guests are present, your professional photos are flawless, and the memory of your vows remains sacred and undisturbed.
At Emerald Stone Photography, we’ve captured countless unplugged weddings across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and beyond—and we can confidently say they always feel more meaningful.
Planning Your Wedding? Let’s Capture It All.
We’d love to document your love story with timeless, heartfelt images—so you can relive every moment for years to come.
📩 Contact us here (https://www.emeraldstonephotography.com/contact)
to see if your wedding date is available!
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