Unplugged Ceremony

The Unplugged Ceremony/Photo Moment

It has become very popular to announce an unplugged ceremony.  It's when you ask your guests to silence and put away their cell phones and refrain from taking pictures during the wedding.  There are opinions about this, and it can be worded in many different ways. 

Many venues provide cute signs, or you may choose to invest in one for your ceremony, thinking it will do the trick.  I think the signs are really cute, but I think it's better to say something at the right time during the ceremony so guests actually get the message. 

This is not for everyone, and for more than one reason.  You may know your family better and know it's pointless to ask! 

​Some couples ask guests to stay seated during their ceremony instead of standing up and taking pictures. Some couples want you to keep the wedding off social media.  

I talked to a  photographers that said she offers a discount if you announce an unplugged ceremony! ​

The One-Time Photo-Op

You can choose to give your guests an opportunity to use their phones to take a picture, all at the same time, during the ceremony.  You might choose to do it at the beginning or at the end, before you are pronounced married.  It can be fun!

Family, friends, honored guests, on behalf of Name and Name, I would like to warmly welcome you to the celebration of their marriage. They wish to express their gratitude for each of you who has chosen to be here today.  During the ceremony this afternoon, we respectfully request, in a moment, that you silence and put away all cell phones and cameras so we can all be fully present in this moment.  But first, because it’s become human nature to want to take a picture during monumental moments such as this, if you’d like, while everyone is standing up here looking absolutely perfect, this is the official photo moment of the ceremony! So, everyone who wants, now is the time to take a picture! And then, we will put our phones away and get to the marrying! 

Unplugged Wedding Ceremony Option 1

Family, friends, honored guests, on behalf of Name and Name, I would like to warmly welcome you to the celebration of their marriage. They wish to express their gratitude to each of you who has chosen to be here today.  During the ceremony this afternoon, we respectfully request that you silence and put away all cell phones and cameras so we can all be fully present in this moment. Thank you!  Let us begin…

Unplugged Wedding Ceremony Option 2

 Ladies and gentlemen, friends and family, welcome to Name and Name's Wedding!  I ask that you silence your phones and refrain from taking pictures during the wedding.  There are professional photographers here to catch all the important moments.  They will happily share those pictures with you when they are done.  Thank you very much, and let us begin…

Unplugged Wedding Ceremony Options 3

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for joining us today.  Before we begin the ceremony, I’d like to ask you to refrain from sharing anything about the ceremony on social media until the reception.  Name and Name are coming together today in the celebration of their marriage and would like the focus at this time to be on the ceremony.  Thank you.  Let us begin!

Photo Moment at the End of the Ceremony

Taking a photo moment later in the ceremony doesn't flow quite as well.  There are certain pictures photographers want to capture.  One of them is the ring exchange.  I think the best time would be right after the ring exchange. The couple has exchanged vows and rings, and then they can stop and pose with their rings in the air.  I would want to avoid the first kiss or the first walk down the aisle as husband and wife.  Couples really want their professional photographer to capture that picture perfectly! I would say something like this:
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"Ladies and gentlemen, Name and Name, would love to experience their wedding from your point of view.  They would LOVE it if you could please take a picture now and either share it with them later, or tag them when you share it on social media. OK, everyone ready?  One, two, three... (Snap away).  Now, I ask that you put your phones away so we can finish getting these two married and move on to the celebration. Thank You!"

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** Formal Wedding Ceremony Guide ** Formal Wedding Ceremony Scripts ** Elopement Ceremony Guide ** Elopement Ceremony Scripts ** Parts of a Wedding Ceremony ** Vow Writing Guide ** Unplugged Ceremony ** Opening Prayers ** Welcoming ** Moment of Silence ** Declaration of Support ** About Love and Marriage ** Non-Religious Readings ** Christian Readings ** Secular I-do's! ** Christian I-do-s! ** Ring Meaning ** Ring Blessings ** Secular Ring Exchanges ** Christian Ring Exchanges ** Unity Ceremonies ** Secular Blessings ** Christian Blessings ** The-pronouncement-Secular  ** The Pronouncement - Christian **