Why you should consider "unplugged" for your wedding (from a veteran photographer)

As a wedding photographer with over a decade of experience, I've seen first hand how much more meaningful a wedding can be when couples choose to go unplugged.

If you haven’t heard of the concept, it just means asking guests to turn off cameras and mobile devices for a period of time at your wedding – usually for the ceremony, or sometimes for the whole celebration.

While it might seem like a small request, it can make a huge difference to both your experience and your photographs. In an age where our phones have become an extension of our fingertips, it's refreshing to switch off and just enjoy the moment.

While it might seem like a small request, it can make a huge difference to both your experience and your photographs. In an age where our phones have become an extension of our fingertips, it's refreshing to switch off and just enjoy the moment.

Doing so encourages your guests to be truly present as you say ‘I do’ and embrace the emotion of your nuptials (and make the most of the time to catch up with loved ones too!) by taking away the distraction of technology.

It also allows your photographer to do their job uninterrupted, ensuring the most important moments of your day are captured without guests interfering or obstructing the professional images.

From a photographer's perspective, it also allows me to do my job uninterrupted, ensuring the most important moments of your day are captured without guests interfering or obstructing the professional images.

So what’s the key to having an unplugged wedding without causing offense?

A note on your invitations or wedding website, a sign at the ceremony entrance, and a friendly announcement from your celebrant before proceedings begin are all effective ways to communicate your wishes and help ensure everyone is on the same page.

Your guests are going to be SO excited to see you get married and will want a visual memento of the occasion, so it can be nice to encourage photos at set moments (such as your cake cutting) throughout the day.

In this case, have your celebrant or MC ask guests to wait while the photographer captures each formality first, then invite anyone else wanting to take photos to come up once they have finished.

Whether you opt for unplugged or simply ask guests to refrain from posting on social media until the first professional images have been released, most guests will happily oblige.

Whether you opt for unplugged or simply ask guests to refrain from posting on social media until the first professional images have been released, most guests will happily oblige.

An unplugged ceremony is one simple choice that can lead to a more intimate, memorable, and beautifully photographed celebration. Ultimately, it is your special day and the decision is completely up to you!