Everything You Need to Know About Having an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony
Considering an unplugged wedding? If so, these gorgeous designs are sure to get the message across without having to compromise one bit on style...
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Unplugged ceremony signs are growing in popularity, and it's no surprise to us. In an age where Instagram engagement announcements and hen do TikToks are all the rage, it's no wonder more and more couples are opting to have unplugged wedding ceremonies and no photos rules.
It's not for everyone, we know, but the majority of Brits are now choosing to have their wedding unplugged, with 75%* of people admitting they are having - or are considering - a snap-free wedding ceremony. Whether it's having no photos for just the ceremony, or extending the rule for the wedding day's entirety, having a sign to explain all is super useful for your guests.
Wedding signs have had a glow up in recent years and now, actually add to the aesthetic of your wedding decor, no matter what the theme or style. From gorgeous wedding welcome signs with unplugged ceremony wording, to unplugged ceremony signs completely dedicated to the rule, we have some of the best designs out there that you'll love.
Unplugged Ceremony Signs: What is an Unplugged Wedding & How to Have One
Our guide to unplugged wedding signs not only showcases some of the best designs available, but it also offers advice on how to announce your unplugged wedding as well as insight from industry experts and couples themselves. If you're on the fence about having your wedding unplugged, our guide is bound to help you make that decision.
- 15 of The Best Unplugged Ceremony Signs
- What is an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony?
- Are Unplugged Ceremonies Common?
- Should You Have an Unplugged Wedding?
- How to Ask for an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony
15 The Best Unplugged Ceremony Signs
1. Bold Font Unplugged Wedding Sign - From £60
Less is definitely more when it comes to this minimalist design, but if you wanted to add some colour to your unplugged ceremony sign, you have the choice of a whopping 37 different shades across frosted, acrylic, matte, pearl and mirrored finishes.
The unplugged sign can be purchased in a choice of A3 or A2 depending on how large you want it to be, and gives you the option of more than 20 different font styles. And customers love the quality, having given the seller's shop more than 5,000 glowing reviews.
Returns aren't accepted on personalised items, but the seller welcomes messages with any queries about the product.
2. Camera Illustration Unplugged Wedding Ceremony Sign - £45, The Gifting Knot
Illustrations can be done so elegantly on wedding signs, as this design proves, and at just £45 for the unplugged ceremony sign, it's an absolute steal. We love how the illustrations add a 'no paps please' vibe to it - what better way for you and your partner to feel like celebs on your wedding day, hey?
You can personalise the text up to 255 characters and the sign can be sold with two, four or no hanging holes, depending on how you want to display it. To ensure it's absolutely perfect, the seller offers the option to send a proof of design over for you to approve. This will cause a slight delay in shipping, but means you can be absolutely certain of your wording before confirming the order.
3. Metallic Unplugged Wedding Sign in Gold - From £84.72, Art of Affairs
Is there anything more glamorous than gold at a wedding? You can really embrace a luxurious wedding venue with this dazzling design - the gold is so sumptuous and relays the fact that you're having an unplugged ceremony perfectly.
This no photos wedding sign can be bought in five different sizes, with the smallest starting from just over £80. This means you can have a small, subtle sign asking for no pictures, or a large one making it explicitly clear.
Praising the service and quality, one reviewer said, "The ordering process was super easy and the seller was accommodating with the edits we wanted to make. The preparation and delivery was quick. It looks great and will be a great addition to our overall wedding décor."
You could complete the luxe theme with a gold wedding cake and gold bridesmaid dresses to match.
4. Acrylic Poster Effect Unplugged Ceremony Sign - From £14.99, A1 Graphics
This paint-effect design has such a modern feel to it and could work perfectly if your wedding theme is minimalistic. Likewise, if you have a big, bold colour scheme or theme, a subtle sign like this could fit in well. We love that this sign has been paired with a wooden easel and it would suit a outdoor garden wedding venue really well.
The unplugged wedding sign can be purchased in poster paper, clear acrylic with white paint, or clear acrylic and black paint. It also comes in two different sizes, A3 and A2, and can be delivered in five to 10 days time.
The Etsy shop, which has more than 16,000 glowing reviews, do a range of other graphic designs so you could purchase a selection to keep all of your wedding signs in sync. One reviewer said, "Five stars for this. This was my second purchase from the company as the first one was so beautiful I couldn't resist."
5. Hanging Vinyl Unplugged Wedding Sign - From £151.69, Monique Paper Art
If you're all about rose gold wedding ideas, you'll love this frosted sign which has been hung from a stylish copper frame. The stylish unplugged wedding sign uses two gorgeous fonts that contrast against each other perfectly. We love the fact that it's personalised with your names and wedding date.
It's pretty enough to use as a wedding memento - in fact, we'd have this hung up somewhere in the house! The sign comes in two sizes and while we love the frosted finish combined with white font, you can also have rose gold, gold, silver or black writing if it would suit your wedding theme better.
Reassuring any couples who are worried about ordering bespoke signs, one reviewer gave the sign five stars and said, "This is a beautiful piece. The sellers sent the proof I asked for. I asked for changes and they worked with me until it was perfect. Yes, I'm a little picky but they were so great."
6. Large Minimalist No Photos Wedding Sign - £180, Made by Wood & Wood
We're obsessed with this stylish design, and if you are too, you'll be chuffed to know that the seller has an entire wedding stationery and sign collection with the same aesthetic. Couples who love to keep things cohesive can have their wedding invitations, save the dates, RSVP cards and wedding signs in the same chic design.
The no photos sign itself comes in one size (60cm x 100cm) and is handmade using the finest foam board and printing equipment. What's more, this seller is actually one of our incredible Hitched stationery suppliers, and with a dozen five-star reviews on their listing, we can totally vouch for their incredible products.
One reviewer said, "We thoroughly recommend using Made by Wood & Wood for your wedding signage. They made two signs for us along with a table plan that were amazing and fitted perfectly with our wedding décor. Nothing it too much trouble for them, providing bespoke colours and multiple iterations of designs until we were happy.
"Their products and unique and we haven't seen anything quite like them anywhere else, so would 100% recommend them to others."
7. Pink Portrait Acrylic Unplugged Wedding Sign - From £142.97, Woodland Custom Design
Available in three different sizes, this unplugged wedding sign is sure to get your guests' attention. We love the pop of colour this design brings, the peach is so on trend. But if you'd prefer a different shade, the sellers offer a staggering 20 different colours for you to choose from, as well as five different choices for the text colour; white, black, gold, rose gold and silver.
The Etsy shop itself has more than 1,400 positive reviews, one of which reads, "OBSESSED! My signs are beautiful and I can't wait to display them at my wedding. The seller was amazing and had incredibly good communication throughout all steps of the process - they even matched the paint to my place cards.
"They made my wedding sign dreams come true. I would highly recommend to anyone in need of custom signage and would order from here 10 more times! Thank you, thank you!"
8. 3D Unplugged Ceremony Sign With Mounting Holes - From £146.92, Stone & Co Designs
The font and contrast between colours is so stunning on this sign - we love the fact that the lettering is 3D, making it really stand out and look and feel very expensive. You can choose from white or black lettering, or a mirror-finished rose gold, silver or original gold.
All of the signs are bespoke, so allow up to four weeks for delivery and dispatching. If the design you want veers away slightly from the one above, you can pay a small design fee and have something tailored to yours and your partner's vision.
And the process seems really simple - one reviewer explains, "These guys are amazing! I requested a slight mix between two listed products and the result is exactly as I expected. I’m so grateful that they were able to do this for me and the seller was so nice and easy about it. I would definitely recommend."
9. Retro Minimalist Unplugged Ceremony Sign - From £59.95, Elle Bee Design UK
This retro wedding sign, though inspired by decades prior, has a really fresh and stylish feel to it. We love the conciseness of the message and the clean, modern design is a real breath of fresh air. What's more. Elle Bee Designs UK offer a range of wedding signs and stationery that match this design, so you can have a number of their designs at your wedding - all of which matching each other perfectly.
Available in A3 or A2, these no photos wedding signs are printed onto hard-wearing Foamex boards that are much thicker than ones used as standard. Because of this, your sign will sit on an easel or hang from a frame with no bend or wear and tear. It's also waterproof so if you're in a situation where you need to make rain on your wedding day work, your sign won't be an issue.
10. Acrylic Nude & Pastel Unplugged Ceremony Sign - From £65, Rose Signage Company
Often, a mink or neutral unplugged wedding sign like this one is just the ticket - it's not 'in your face' but really clearly gives the message that you want no photos at your wedding. And with this particular unplugged wedding sign, you can basically design every element yourself.
As a couple, you can choose the background colour, font colour, size and font style, leaving you with an almost-bespoke wedding sign. You have plenty of options too, with four sizes, 10 fonts, 28 font and background colours, and the choice of a matte, gloss or frost finish on both the font and the sign itself.
One customer was particularly pleased with their purchase, saying, "The products look so great and I'm excited to use them for our wedding this summer. I made a personal request for our sign to match the welcome sign they made. The personal service was outstanding and they really understood what we wanted and worked with us to make the sign perfect. I'd highly recommend."
11. Frosted Unplugged Ceremony Sign - From £151.69, Monique Paper Art
A gold and white colour scheme is one of the most glamorous out there, and it works so well when pairing your unplugged ceremony sign with a dark-coloured easel like this one. The contrast between the white and rose gold font is beautiful on this design, but you have other options if you're not quite feeling it.
Choose between white and rose gold, gold, silver or black, or opt for all white text for an even more sleek and subtle look. Within two business days, you will receive your proof PDF where you can approve the design.
Once approved, the product is then dispatched within two further business days. Delivery depends on where you are located, and the seller even has a 'rush order' option for couples who are doing last minute wedding tasks.
12. Canvas Simplistic Unplugged Sign - From £61.42, Purple Plum Creative
This unplugged ceremony sign is so versatile and could suit any style of wedding venue or theme. We love the font on this design and how simple it is. Pair it with a black easel like the seller has done here, or hang it from a black or copper frame for a more industrial effect if you're getting married at a warehouse wedding venue.
If you're a little nervous about designing a bespoke unplugged sign online, this reviewer will put you at ease, "This seller offers top notch quality and service. The sign is lovely and arrived in less than one week. I can't wait to see it welcome my daughter's wedding guests.
"This artist was so helpful when I had trouble with the editing tool and she was able to solve my issue right away. That kind of cheerful customer service is rare these days. Two thumbs up!"
13. Botanical Phones Down Wedding Sign - From £59.95, Elle Bee Design UK
What better way to pay homage to your botanical wedding theme than with an unplugged ceremony sign as chic as this one? Available in either A2 or A1, this large unplugged wedding sign is bound to catch your guests attention.
With this particular sign, there is no need for personalisation, and therefore your product is eligible for a return (should you request one) and can be shipped out immediately after order. If you love the style and did want to add some personalisation, the seller can do that without any issue.
14. Large Round Unplugged Ceremony Sign - From £60, Laser Made Occasions
It's not often you see round wedding signs like this gold design, but we're totally here for it. And if gold doesn't do it for you, you can choose from an impressive selection of 38 other colours, available in a range of finishes including matte, gloss, frost and mirrored.
The sign itself is made from 3mm acrylic and can be purchased in three different sizes which all vary in price. The products from this seller are handmade by a small UK business so if you're looking to keep things local and have an eco-friendly wedding, shopping small is a great way to do so.
15. Rustic No Photos Wedding Sign - £59.99, Old Potting Shed Ltd
Couples looking for more rustic wedding ideas will love this sign. It gives off a chalkboard effect which will perfectly suit a rustic wedding venue or anyone getting married in a wedding barn.
We also love the fact that this sign includes your wedding photographer. Aside from you as the couple, not having unplugged wedding ceremonies impact photographers the most as it's their shots which get ruined by all the phones and cameras being waved around.
It's also a great way to introduce your wedding photographer to your guests as they will be spending a lot of time around your friends and family throughout the day.
What is an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony?
An unplugged wedding ceremony is when the couple who are getting married ban guests from taking pictures or being on their phones or cameras throughout. There are a number of different ways you can have an unplugged ceremony. For some couples, it's that they just want guests to refrain from taking pictures, but for others, it's that they want them to be off their devices altogether.
There are several reasons a couple might choose to have an unplugged wedding ceremony. Many do so because they want their guests to be present and in the moment, as opposed to focussing on getting the right shot. Others do it because they don't want anyone sharing images from their wedding ahead of their professional pictures being posted.
Are Unplugged Ceremonies Popular?
Whatever the reason, we know this is a growing trend. We asked our Hitched community* how many of them have had, or are planning to have an unplugged wedding ceremony. More than half (52%) of users said their wedding ceremony would have a strictly no photos and no phones rule, with a further 24% saying they are considering doing this.
Just 25% of users said they weren't planning on having an unplugged ceremony, meaning that three quarters of users (75%) either had, or were considering having an unplugged wedding ceremony.
When it came to people's opinion on having an unplugged wedding, and continuing the no photos rule throughout the day, people felt a little less strongly about it. Almost one in 10 (9%) of users said they would continue the unplugged wedding rule after the ceremony.
74% of people said that once the ceremony was over, they'd be happy for guests to take pictures and be active on social media again. Whilst unplugged weddings as a whole are less popular with couples, it seems having an unplugged wedding ceremony is extremely favoured amongst engaged Brits.
Should You Have an Unplugged Wedding?
Your decision to have an unplugged wedding ceremony is completely up to you and your partner. Though they are growing in popularity and many couples opt for them, don't just take our word for it. Here are what couples and professionals have to say about having an unplugged ceremony.
What The Couples Think
Abi and Jon, who got married five years ago, told us, "We had an unplugged ceremony because I didn't want the professional photos to be full of people holding their cameras up and blocking their face. I also wanted everyone to be fully present and witness it with their eyes rather than through a lens.
"At the beginning before I entered the room I asked the registrar to announce that it would be an unplugged ceremony and to please keep your cameras away. Everyone was very respectful and we got beautiful photos of guests reactions as a result! I completely stand by our decision and would strongly recommend other couples consider it."
Bride-to-be, Amy-Lee adds, "We're going to have our celebrant announce at the start of the ceremony that we want it to be unplugged because want everyone to fully take it all in.
"We're genuinely so excited to have our closest friends and family there and we want them to be totally in the moment with us and not worrying about if they're getting a good angle or stretching and reaching over people to get a photo. Also a little selfishly as well we want to ensure our professional images aren't clogged up with lots of phone screens.
"Plus, if I have spent hours getting ready that morning people need to see that in the flesh not through a camera lens. I wouldn't ever consider not having it unplugged, it's not worth the risk."
What The Experts Say About Unplugged Wedding Ceremonies
Hitched Editor Zoe Burke has been to countless weddings and has more than a decade of experience in the wedding industry. She says, "I always say there is no 'have to' when it comes to weddings, but if there's one thing I would strongly recommend couples consider, it's having an unplugged ceremony.
"In a world where we're all obsessed with social media and our phones, taking the time to switch off for a wedding ceremony allows you to be truly present for your friends. I also think from a practical point of view, and having heard this from so many photographers over the years, there is no worse sight in professional wedding pictures than guests on their phones, or holding up cameras - or worse still, an IPAD! It really does look awful.
"And the truth of the matter is, guests don't mind not taking pictures. In my 11 years of working in weddings, I've never heard someone complain they couldn't take a picture of a wedding ceremony - they're all far too busy enjoying what's going on and taking it all in through their eyes. And let's be honest, have you ever snapped a really great photo of a wedding ceremony on your phone? Better than a pro wedding photographer? Didn't think so."
Pros and Cons of an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony
Wedding photographer Paul Swift has more than 15 years experience photographing weddings and has witnessed a mixture of phone-friendly and unplugged weddings. We asked him to share the pros and cons of having a phone-free wedding ceremony:
Pros of an Unplugged Wedding
- Fewer distractions: With an unplugged wedding, guests are less likely to be glued to their devices, which means fewer distractions and more opportunities for the photographer to capture the special moments of the day without interruptions.
- Better quality photos: With guests not taking photos and videos themselves, the photographer has a better chance of getting clear and unobstructed shots of the wedding ceremony and reception.
- Less pressure: An unplugged wedding can take some pressure off the photographer, as guests are not expecting to receive photos from their own devices. This allows the photographer to focus on their own work without feeling rushed or distracted.
- Better composition: Without guests taking their own photos or videos, the photographer has more control over the composition of their shots. They can frame the shots to best capture the scene and tell the story of the wedding without worrying about guest devices getting in the way.
- More efficient workflow: Without having to navigate around guests and their devices, the photographer may be able to move more quickly and efficiently throughout the wedding day. This can lead to more shots being captured and a smoother workflow overall.
Cons of an Unplugged Wedding
- Guests may be unhappy: Some guests may not be happy about being asked to put away their devices, especially if they have travelled a long way to attend the wedding. This could lead to a negative atmosphere and unhappy guests, which could reflect in the wedding photos.
- Missing out on candid moments: If guests are not taking photos themselves, some candid moments may go uncaptured. Guests may also be more hesitant to approach the photographer with photo requests, which could result in missed opportunities for shots.
- Difficulty in enforcing: It can be difficult to enforce an unplugged wedding, especially if guests are not aware of the rules beforehand. Some guests may still take out their phones or cameras and start taking photos or videos, which could be distracting to the photographer and other guests.
- Increased pressure: With guests not taking their own photos or videos, the photographer may feel increased pressure to capture every moment and tell the story of the wedding through their own shots. This can be a lot of pressure, especially if the wedding is large or complex.
- Less social media exposure: If guests are not taking their own photos or videos, there may be less social media exposure for the photographer and their work. Guests may be less likely to share professional photos on social media, which could limit the photographer's exposure and potential future bookings.
He concludes: "In truth I don't worry about it too much, as most guests are understanding and polite - I’ve even taken shots on their phones for anyone particularly keen to get the best angles. The ceremony is the best part of the day to get guests to stop taking their own pictures.
"Have an unplugged ceremony and keep things off social media until the couple have posted. This seems to be the best compromise I have seen in nearly 15 years photographing weddings.”
How to Announce an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony
If you've made the decision to have your wedding unplugged, you need to ensure you communicate that with your guests. If they snap a picture but weren't told not to, it's not really their fault. There are plenty of ways you can announce you're unplugged ceremony. We've listed the best ways here - you can choose one, or give your guests multiple reminders.
Have an Unplugged Ceremony Sign
Having read this article, you'll know just how beautiful unplugged ceremony signs can look. You can either choose to have a sign that's completely dedicated to the announcement, or just include some subtle wording on your wedding welcome sign about it being unplugged.
The key to having an unplugged wedding sign, however, is making sure it's positioned well enough that everyone is going to notice it.
Have your Celebrant Announce It
Whether you've chosen to have a unplugged sign or not, having your wedding celebrant announce the fact that the ceremony is unplugged is a great way to remind your guests to put their phones away.
Every time you go to the theatre or cinema, there's a little announcement about keeping phones away, and your wedding is way more important than a West End show, so don't be afraid to get them to announce it for you.
Wedding celebrants are brilliant at what they do and they'll be able to word it in a funny and friendly way that your guests will love.
Use an Unplugged Wedding Invitation Insert
We love good communication on a wedding invite - tell everyone what's what right at the start and save yourself plenty of wedding guest drama in the long-run. Wedding stationery suppliers are amazing at designing unplugged wedding invitation inserts that feel fun and subtle, while still getting the message across.
We'd still recommend having an unplugged sign or small announcement on the day as there's usually quite the gap between sending invites out and the day itself, but it's a nice way to get the message out there early on.
For more décor inspo, check out our guide to wedding table decorations, and our selection of stunning wedding arches.
*Poll of 608 Hitched users taken on the Hitched Instagram account in March 2023.
