What to Say at the Start of an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony

How to announce an unplugged wedding: wording for the Officiant & sample scripts to match the mood 

 

If you’ve been asked to officiate an unplugged wedding ceremony, you probably have a few questions about what to say – and how to say it, without sounding like a killjoy. Here is some basic information and a few suggestions from the experts to help you start planning!

 

What is an unplugged wedding ceremony? 

 

First, an unplugged wedding is one in which couples request that guests put their phones and electronic devices away during the formal ceremony. This means that guests should not photograph, livestream, post, or record the ceremony. Unplugged weddings encourage guests to be fully present during the ceremony, free of electronic distractions and completely immersed in the wedding experience as the couple takes their vows.  

 

When to announce an 'unplugged wedding' (as the officiant)

 

It's important to announce that the couple is having a "no-phones" wedding at the start of the ceremony, after all the guests have been seated. This friendly reminder should be part of your officiant housekeeping announcements. 

Don’t wait until cameras start flashing and phones start ringing – that never ends well. And don’t assume guests paid attention to an unplugged wedding announcement on the couple's wedding website or invitations – they probably didn't. 

 

Related: How to Add Housekeeping Announcements to a Wedding Ceremony (with Examples and Sample Scripts)

 

 

Hear ye, hear ye! Put away thy phone. 

 

 

7 Ways to Announce an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony (Wording for the Officiant)

 

As unplugged weddings become increasingly popular, officiants have plenty of opportunities to get creative with how they say "put your phones away and focus on the couple!" Your unplugged announcement can be funny, formal, or anything in between – as the sample scripts below demonstrate.

 

These tried-and-true examples can be personalized to suit your mood and style. Add some humor, a splash of sass, or keep things formal and sincere with a heartfelt smile, depending on the overall tone of the ceremony. 

 

 

Sweet & Direct

 

1.

 

“Hello friends and family! As you get settled in, please set your phones to silent and keep them in a pocket or purse during the ceremony. We’re going unplugged today, to give (Partner One) and (Partner Two) a special, intimate experience!”

 

2.

 

“To keep all of our love and attention on the happy couple, we ask that you put away cameras, phones, and other devices until after the ceremony. There will be plenty of opportunities for awesome photos and videos at the reception.”

 

Funny & Casual

 

3.

 

“Ok, this is your last chance to take a selfie with Aunt Rita or your favorite cousin before we get (Partner One) and (Partner Two) married! So get that photo, and then please tuck your phone away for the remainder of the ceremony. We want all eyes up front on these two cuties today.”

 

4.

 

“Dearly beloved! To avoid paparazzi vibes during the ceremony, we ask that you put your cameras and other devices away until the couple takes that first kiss as husband and wife.”

 

5.

 

“I know you want to give these two the red carpet treatment, but you’ll have to wait until after the vows. (Partner One) and (Partner Two) have requested a photo-free and video-free ceremony to keep us grounded in the moment.”

 

Blame it on the professional photographer

 

6.

 

“We have a professional photographer with us here today to get lots of beautiful shots for (Partner One) and (Partner Two). So go ahead and tuck your phones away, and enjoy this special moment!”

 

7.

 

“Welcome, everyone! We’re so grateful you could join us today. You may have noticed that we have a couple professional photographers here today – they’re here to give us amateurs a day off! So unplug, sit back, enjoy the ceremony, and be sure to show off your good side!”

 

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Learn more about the parts of a wedding ceremony, starting with the Wedding Invocation.

 

The Invocation marks the official beginning of the wedding ceremony, following any Housekeeping Announcements (such as an unplugged wedding announcement). 

The Invocation is the wedding officiant's first speaking part after the couple has made their entrance and taking their spot at the front of the ceremony. During the invocation, the wedding officiant will greet the guests ("Dearly Beloved") and announce the purpose of the gathering ("we are gathered here today to unite...in blessed matrimony..."). 
 

• Learn more: The Invocation Explained
   
• Start Planning: Wedding Ceremony Outline & Order : Understanding the Parts of a Wedding Ceremony

 

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More Wedding Ceremony Script Basics from American Marriage Ministries

 

• Exchanging vows *before* the wedding ceremony

 

• Personalized Wedding Invocation & Opening Words - Examples for First Time Officiants

 

• How to Write Funny Wedding Vows (5 Tips for Bringing Humor Into Your Ceremony)
   

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Asked to officiate a wedding for friends or family?  

 

You only get one shot to deliver a perfect wedding ceremony.

 

There’s no ‘take-two’ when it comes time for a couple to say ‘I do’--  Wedding officiants only get one shot to perform a perfect wedding ceremony. Give yourself the tools and training you deserve to succeed as a wedding officiant, so that you can stand beside the lucky couple with complete confidence on their big day. 

 

Click the link below to learn more!

 

► PROFESSIONAL WEDDING OFFICIANT CERTIFICATION COURSE 

 

 

 

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