In short
- An unplugged request works best when it comes from you, is short, and is repeated three times.
- Tell the venue, celebrant, MC and filming team the same plan, so no one gives a different message.
- Decide what happens after the ceremony, when guests can use phones again.
- Plan for the guest who forgets, with a calm, kind way to remind them.
An unplugged ceremony asks guests to put phones and cameras away while the vows are happening. To make it work, agree one plan with the venue, the person leading the ceremony and the filming team, then give guests one clear, kind message.
The request is yours to make. This guide helps you decide who says what, when, and what your film needs from the room.
Why do couples choose an unplugged ceremony?
Couples tend to give three reasons. They want guests to be present rather than behind a screen. They want a clear view of faces in the aisle. They want one good recording instead of many angles that people post at different times.
You do not have to choose it. A mixed approach also works, for example phones away for the vows only. What matters is that the decision is clear and shared.
Who needs to know the plan?
Everyone who might speak to guests needs the same message. Use a short list.
- The venue: some venues have their own rules about filming, signs or ushers. Ask before you plan.
- The celebrant or officiant: they often make the announcement, and they control the pace of the ceremony.
- The MC or family elder: guests listen to them, and they can repeat the message.
- The filming team: tell us where phones will be, so we plan camera positions around them.
- Ushers and close family: they are the ones guests will ask.
The venue checklist helps you ask the venue about positions, power and restricted areas.
How should you word the request?
Keep it short, warm and specific. Say what you want, why, and when it ends.
For example, an illustrative wording: “We would love for you to be fully with us during the ceremony. Please put your phones away until we walk out together. The film will be shared with you afterwards.”
Place the message in three spots: on the invitation or a message beforehand, on a small sign at the entrance, and spoken by the celebrant or MC before the ceremony starts. Hearing it three times is usually enough.
What happens after the ceremony?
Guests should know when phones are welcome again. Say it out loud: “Please take as many photos as you like at the reception.” This keeps the request kind, and gives guests something to look forward to.
If you want guests to share photos later, tell them how. If you would rather not have the ceremony posted online, say that clearly too. The private and public version planner helps you think through what is shared where.
What does the filming team need to plan?
An unplugged ceremony changes a few things for us.
- Camera positions: we agree them with you and the venue, so we stay out of sight lines and respect any restricted areas.
- Sound: we record from the source wherever possible. A phone-free room is often quieter, but the venue’s microphones still matter.
- The aisle: with fewer phones, we may be able to film from a better angle. We confirm what is allowed before the day.
- After the ceremony: if guests will take photos at the reception, we plan the family groups around that.
If you are unsure what to ask us, the must-capture moments checklist helps you decide the moments the camera must not miss.
What if the venue is a church, a registry or a mosque?
Different places have different rules, and some ceremonies have their own customs about cameras and phones. Ask the venue or the person leading the ceremony what is allowed, before you decide your own policy.
The service pages for church weddings and civil registration weddings list what we usually ask in those venues. For a small ceremony, an intimate wedding film may suit you.
What we confirm for your event
- Where we stand, and how the plan changes if guests still have phones out.
- How we record the vows if the room is quiet or noisy.
- The camera positions, which we share with the venue and celebrant.
- What you need from us so the announcement matches your plan.
Guests may ask for a copy of the film, so decide in advance what you will share. The wedding videography page explains the films you can choose.
If you know the venue, who leads the ceremony and whether you want phones put away, we can help you plan camera positions and wording for the request. Send us the details and we will check what is possible.
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