Unplugged, Unfiltered, Unforgettable: Choosing a Phone-Free Wedding Ceremony

Why more couples are asking guests to put their phones away and what it changes for the better. There’s a moment, just before the ceremony starts, when everything goes still. Can you picture it? The music begins, a deep breath is taken, and the aisle stretches out in front of you.

It’s one of the most emotional, once-in-a-lifetime moments you’ll ever experience. And too often, it’s witnessed through phone screens.

At Arches, we’ve seen the power of unplugged ceremonies firsthand, so when couples ask their guests to put phones and cameras away and be present.

Here’s why more couples are choosing phone-free, and what makes it so unforgettable.

Everyone Is Actually There

Without phones in hand, your guests are more than just spectators, and they’re part of the moment. They’re making eye contact. They’re holding hands. They’re not worried about getting the perfect shot. They’re feeling the love, hearing your vows, and reacting in real time. The energy in the room is completely different.

“It felt like everyone was fully with us. Not watching through a screen. It made the whole thing feel sacred.”

Your Photos Are More Magical

You’ve hired a photographer for a reason. You want to capture the emotion, the joy, the beauty. When guests stay unplugged, your professional images come out cleaner, clearer, and more powerful.

No phones blocking the aisle. No flash ruining a softly lit moment. Just real expressions, genuine reactions, and images that feel timeless.

“We looked back at our photos and loved seeing everyone’s faces — not a sea of phones.”

Arches is already a peaceful, grounded space. With sea air in your lungs and natural light all around you, there’s no need for tech to be part of the moment. So an unplugged ceremony enhances that sense of calm. It invites everyone to slow down and take it all in. From the way the silk drapes move in the breeze to the exact words you say to each other.

How to Ask (Kindly)

If you’re worried about how to tell your guests, don’t be. Most people understand, and even welcome, the invitation to be more present. Here are a few gentle ways to communicate it:

• Add a line on your invites or website: “We kindly ask that you join us in an unplugged ceremony. Phones off, hearts open.”
• Put up a sweet sign near the entrance: “Be here, not on your screen. Please turn off your devices and enjoy the moment with us.”
• Ask your celebrant or officiant to say a quick note before things begin.

Going unplugged doesn’t mean you miss the memories; it means you deepen them.

You can still create a photo-sharing moment later: maybe a shared album link with guest uploads after the day, or a printed highlight reel in your thank-you cards.

But for the ceremony itself? Let it be just you, your people, and the sea.

Want to Go Unplugged at Arches?

We love helping couples create a ceremony that feels personal and meaningful, whether you choose to go tech-free or not. But if you’re leaning toward an unplugged moment, Arches is the perfect setting to make it feel natural, warm, and completely unforgettable.

Get in touch to find out more, or come see the space for yourself. Book Arches now.