The Tamesis
Think back to some of the most stunning wedding photos you’ve ever seen: cascading flowers, gorgeous smiles, a few well-earned tears, and maybe the flickering candlelight on silk and tulle. Now imagine the same situation, some with teary eyes looking down at the glowing screen, while others are filming the bride with their phones. It breaks the spell a bit, doesn’t it?
Despite the money, time, and careful consideration invested in the aesthetic details of a wedding, the moment itself is fleeting. What remains are memories and photos—both of which can be quietly damaged by the presence of your phone. This is not just a matter of aesthetics. From the emotional expression to the quality of the image itself, phone-free rituals are increasingly in demand. Here’s why many people choose to unplug, and how to do it gracefully if you decide to follow suit.
everyone is more present
“Without cell phones, everyone would so “There’s a greater sense of being there,” said photographer Kara McCurdy. This sense of presence isn’t just limited to guests, she noted. For couples, the phone-free environment removes the subtle pressure of performing in front of dozens of unofficial cameras, allowing them to experience the wedding as it unfolds rather than on record.
Photographer Alina Vlady echoed the same sentiment, stressing that a phone-free ceremony preserves the couple’s experience. She explained that when walking down the aisle, couples want to see the faces of their loved ones and the emotion behind their blessings, not a bunch of equipment. Pointing at multiple phones at once during an emotional moment can increase tension and discomfort.
McCurdy adds that guests themselves tend to relax when their phones are out of reach. Without the worry of being caught in tears or questionable dance moves, people will let their guard down faster and fully enjoy themselves.
For photographer Swapnil Junjare, movement looks slightly different. As a professional who places great emphasis on capturing important moments on film, he wanted to capture memories in a respectful way while attending a wedding as a guest. His solution was smart glasses: they discreetly capture the moment without ruining his own experience or interfering with the work of the hired photographer.
Picture looks better
Junjare, Vlady and McCurdy all said they enjoyed attending weddings without the use of mobile phones. “Everyone’s energy is focused on the couple, raising the mood and making the photos better,” Junjare said. “It allows us to get a true reaction from each guest, rather than covering their nose and mouth with a rectangle.”
“I love photographing people, not the screen. My role is to capture moments that allow couples to recall the feeling of their wedding day years later,” adds Vlady. “When guests have their phones in front of them, what’s lost is what’s most important — the expressions, reactions and presence that make the photos meaningful.”
How to Have a Phone-Free Wedding
Hosting a successful no-phone ceremony requires two things: preparing your guests and building trust with your photographer. McCurdy stresses the importance of working with someone you trust completely. Couples should feel confident expressing their expectations knowing that the photographer will be the only source of images from their ceremony. “You may get criticism from your parents, grandparents and older guests, but stick to your guns,” McCurdy says. “worth!”
For guests, early communication is key. Let them know ahead of time that their phones will be put away during the ceremony through save-the-dates, invitations, and your wedding website. Place signage at the entrance to aisles or seating areas to reinforce messages. If it feels right, a member of the bridal party can also gently walk around with the basket after the guests are seated, inviting them to place their phones there. Be transparent about where the baskets are stored—ideally somewhere visible and easily accessible near an entrance or exit.
