"No Guest Cameras Allowed: The Rise of Device-Free Weddings Abroad"

2019.08.07 published

NO Photo/NO SNS Concept

An Era of SNS Dominance

Until now, it was common for the bride and groom to ask guests at wedding ceremonies to "take photos and send them to me!" or "I'd love it if you could post on Instagram ♡." However, recently, another perspective has emerged: the idea of "SNS-free," "device-free," or "NO Photo."

Let's leave the photography to the professionals.

Guests should put down their smartphones and cameras and focus on the bride and groom. Instead of worrying about taking the perfect shot or posting on social media, let's enjoy the moment.

This is the concept.

In fact, it seems that some couples abroad have begun to adopt this approach, putting up signs that say “NO PHOTO."

While there was a trend for signage that encouraged guests to use specific hashtags, this concept is the exact opposite.

Protecting the Photographer

This call for device-free weddings also serves to protect professional photographers.

☑︎ So that guests don't have to worry about giving up good angles.

☑︎ So that guests don't steal the work of professional photographers by taking photos.

This is the underlying reasoning. Each photographer may have their own perspective on this, but there are arguments that guests snapping away on their smartphones next to a professional photographer is a form of disrespect to the professionals.

※ Therefore, if the bride and groom are requesting a specific photographer, it’s crucial to understand their stance beforehand.

@weddingfr

Which side are you on???

We asked our followers on Marry’s Instagram what they think of the "device-free wedding" concept.

Here’s a summary of responses.

(What do you think??)

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 1

I’ve noticed that during weddings I attend, as well as my own, there are many moments of applause that really elevate the atmosphere, right?

Those clapping are often the older guests who aren’t really taking pictures.

Meanwhile, it seems like everyone else is busy capturing everything on their smartphones, leading me to wonder if they’re actually enjoying the moment.

Therefore, during my wedding, I casually mentioned, "Since we have a professional photographer, you don’t need to worry about taking photos!"

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 2

I think a device-free approach is great. Holding a camera can be really distracting! When you’re focused on getting the right shot, it’s hard to enjoy the moment!

It’s often disappointing to see important moments through a lens rather than with my own eyes...

Additionally, I heard from the venue planner that as smartphones have made it easy to snap photos, the applause from guests during the entrance and exit of the couple has diminished.

So, for our wedding, we informed our friends in advance that we wanted them to applaud rather than take pictures. A grand celebration only happens once in a lifetime! 👏

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 3

I’m married and never had a wedding myself! I support device-free weddings!

I’ve attended many weddings of friends, and every time I’m amazed at how their personalities shine through, and how much effort they put into the details.

So, I want to directly experience that special day without looking at it through a smartphone or camera.

Every time I attend a wedding, I feel that the sacred atmosphere and emotional moments can get ruined by the sound of smartphone shutters.

I dislike that strange atmosphere when everyone is only viewing the bride and groom through their screens. (Not just at weddings…)

Moreover, friends often ask me to "take lots of photos," which makes it difficult to relax and enjoy the venue, the atmosphere, or the food, often leading to a day where "the memories are captured, but not in my heart," which is sad.

Therefore, I want to enjoy the moment device-free. If guests could share the professional photos afterward, I would love to celebrate without devices that day and choose and save the photos later.

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 4

Many beautiful photos were taken by guests rather than the professional photographer.

If there are guests willing to take pictures, I prefer to have those! ☺️💖

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 5

At a relative's wedding where I was in charge of photography, I became so focused on taking pictures that I didn’t get to see the couple, enjoy the delicious food, or really take in the experience at all. 😭

I was asked to be the photographer at my best friend's wedding, but after that experience, I told them that I wanted to truly enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime occasion, so I would take plenty of pictures of the venue and decorations when the couple wasn't around, but I may not have time to take pictures while they are at the venue. 😣💕

As a former bride, I understand the desire for many photos, but when attending a beloved one’s wedding, I want to enjoy the moment without getting caught up in photo-taking and view it with my own eyes instead of through a screen. 🤐

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 6

I received many photos from guests that the professional photographer would never have captured!

Some pictures I really wanted were missing from the photographer’s collection but were captured by guests.

The back view while walking down the aisle could only be taken by a guest, and there are also unique perspectives on the reception while circulating the guest tables.

While I think the photographer's photos alone are plenty, having various photos from the guests’ perspectives makes the memories even more special.

I even added a note in the invitation for those who enjoy using good cameras: "Please bring your camera on the day!"

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 7

Not everyone receives the photographer's photos, and I also want to take selfies while waiting.

Guest perspectives can capture fun shots, and friends can easily share pictures on LINE right after returning home, which I’m sure the bride would want to see quickly; I think getting them right away would be delightful! 💕 Everyone’s eagerly waiting for their LINE messages! ✨❣️

Additionally, the photos taken on smartphones at weddings often end up appearing in the videos at the next person's wedding, right? ☘️

A photographer can only capture a single moment from one angle, but friends can take pictures from many perspectives, so I prefer taking photos! 💕

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 8

As a former bride, at the venue of my wedding, photography was only prohibited during the ceremony. ☀️

A few photos from the ceremony were downloadable via QR code provided to guests, but there were only a few, so I did feel a bit sad later… 🤣 (Of course, we will receive all the photo data afterward 💦)

However, I received feedback that having it off-limits allowed for a focused atmosphere for the bride and groom, which made me wonder if there’s a different kind of emotion when you’re not seeing it through a camera. 😊🌷

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 9

I want to capture natural smiles that a photographer might miss! 😂

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 10

I think it would be nice to have photography during the reception while being device-free during the ceremony!

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 11

I don’t need to post with hashtags, but having more photos from the same scene creates more memories, and seeing the different expressions and reactions of other guests is fun.

I think there’s only a few occasions in life when ordinary people can experience being surrounded by so many guests and having cameras pointed at them, and that adds to the enjoyment of the wedding memories, so I’m glad guests took pictures. 💓

Moreover, it makes me very happy when guests think to take photos. 😊

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 12

I want photos from various angles that a single photographer cannot capture!

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 13

I hope everyone will be device-free during the ceremony, but want to rely on the photographer for the captured moments.

Experiencing the same place and time is a once-in-a-lifetime event, but (although not widely known) there are countless ways to share data without restrictions on time! 🙏❣️

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 14

I had a wedding overseas, where guests were taking lots of pictures and were warned by the local staff. 🤣

As a bride, I appreciate receiving many pictures, but it does lead to a situation where in the photographer’s album, everyone is seen taking photos, which I feel is not too visually appealing...

That’s my personal feeling about it.

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 15

Seeing everyone holding up smartphones in stories and posts makes me feel uneasy about it.

Thus, when there’s a photographer present, I feel that being device-free is better. 🙆‍♀️

At my own wedding, since there won’t be a photographer, I will be relying on guests to take pictures, but... I am a bit concerned about how that will look.

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 16

I had a device-free wedding in Hawaii and later experienced a reception where guests were free to take pictures.

I think both have their merits and finding the balance is difficult, but I preferred the device-free option.

First, the ceremony is a sacred space where no one with smartphones or cameras makes the photographs look beautiful.

I appreciated being able to capture everyone’s smiling faces celebrating my marriage. I don’t think anyone felt lacking in photo opportunities during the photo time afterward at the chapel.

However, I do worry that relinquishing everything to the photographer means that I can miss out on those cherished moments with friends, so pre-meetings to discuss desired cuts and maybe pre-wedding shoots might be necessary.

I think it might be good to separate device-free for the ceremony and allow attendees to take photos during the reception. 😊✨

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 17

I think it’s a shame to limit guests from taking photos when they’ve brought gifts to celebrate.

I’d like them to have the freedom to enjoy!

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 18

I think it’s enough to rely on a photographer and siblings for photos. Honestly, I don’t often look back at photos from friends' weddings too frequently. 😅❓

I only seem to post on SNS, send them to the newlyweds, and show them to mutual friends... and unless it becomes a discussion topic later, I doubt I will see them again.

Therefore, when focused on taking pictures, I often miss the moments I wanted to see. 😢

So, I believe it’s better to let the professionals capture the special moments, while I just enjoy the event with my eyes.

As a bride-to-be, I really want people to witness the thought I put into the festivities rather than see them through a screen. 😊

Nonetheless, it’s difficult to impose restrictions on personal devices.

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 19

I found the idea of device-free weddings interesting when I read about it online earlier.

I’m having my ceremony this month, and I’ll be making the ceremony device-free! Since it will be a civil ceremony, we’ll be facing the attendees, but I think it’s sad to be too focused on taking pictures that I can’t see the faces of my family and friends...

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 20

I believe there are expressions and angles that only friends can capture, and due to copyright issues, all video footage usually ends up using royalty-free music, making the videos taken by friends very valuable!

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 21

When I attend weddings, I generally don’t take many pictures. I prefer to experience the event firsthand.

During the ceremony, flower shower, and cake cutting, I often see everyone facing their smartphones; if I were the bride, I would want people to focus on witnessing the moment directly, rather than through an iPhone lens.

For those who want to take pictures, it may feel puzzling that I don’t capture moments. I’m not sure how they feel about it...

However, even though other friends tend to take plenty of pictures, a good wedding stays in my heart vividly even without having taken pictures.

In this age of photography, while I don’t say “don’t take pictures,” I want to make sure to create a wedding where the parts we miss are still enjoyable and bring happy memories!

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 22

I support device-free weddings!

I thought that at the chapel I chose for its atmosphere, the arrival of smartphones in photos would ruin the experience and considered it for my own wedding.

It would be lovely if the bride and groom could each make their choices! 🙋‍♀️

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 23

The photos from the professional photographer are lovely, but I sense there are unique moments only friends can capture.

I want to capture and be captured in a natural state that friends can provide, so having no cameras could feel a bit lonely.

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 24

I had a wedding in Hawaii, where guest photography was not allowed during the ceremony. There are no complaints about the lack of pictures during the ceremony, as we only have the ones taken by the professional.

Since it was Hawaii, we had a small guest list, and I think it was nice that no one was preoccupied with taking pictures, instead seriously watching us as we exchanged vows. (Their attentive presence is captured in the photographer’s photos.)

I believe that allowing guests to take photos during the reception can enhance everyone’s enjoyment, but I think being device-free during the ceremony is valid! Ultimately, I believe it revolves around the couple's desires.

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 25

If I am attending a wedding, a device-free approach sounds enjoyable, but from the perspective of those who are getting married, being stuck with copyright issues on wedding DVDs is cringe-worthy.

In a friend’s wedding I attended before, guests were prohibited from taking pictures (smartphones included), and we weren't allowed to use our cameras for group photos either.

The photographer’s collection of photos could only be accessed online with a password, but they ended up being too expensive for individual purchases, and the quality wasn’t great, either (laughs).

Thus, I decided not to buy any, and personal group shots from that wedding are now lost.

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 26

I am part of the device-free support group! 🙌 I began to question the situation where all guests are so focused on their smartphones and cameras during a friend’s wedding.

But when I suggested device-free to my husband, he rejected it, citing reasons that having only professional photos might lead to seeing the same moments from a skewed perspective, and I thought that could also indeed be true.

It’s a tricky balance! 💦

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 27

Device-free is a beautiful consideration! 😘

While enjoying the atmosphere must be the top priority, I think there are unique moments that only guests can capture.

Especially candid selfies or hilarious expressions have a value different from a beautifully taken professional photograph. Indeed, I’ve preferred some of my friends’ photos over the professional ones. 🥺

Additionally, video content is quite valuable; due to copyright laws, many Japanese videographers can't use the original music, so sharing videos taken by guests can help relive the happiness of the day! 💕

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 28

I think it’s wonderful, though I feel that having only one photographer might limit the experience.

Moments and angles that guests can capture from their perspectives are certainly valid. I felt this while attending weddings and when I had my own!

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 29

When I attended weddings, I often enjoy the experience so much that I forget to take pictures. (^ ^) Still, I wonder if not taking pictures during key moments like the first bite or entrance would be seen as rude, so I'd usually take a few! (laughs)

However, when looking back, if there are no photos, I can’t reminisce, so I often get pictures from friends who enjoy snapping shots. 😊

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 30

All guests can be photographers! ❤︎

In one of the performances, I plan to hand out disposable cameras for everyone to take pictures as they please! ♩

I think that will yield more natural photographs. 😊

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 31

Photos taken by a professional are indeed stunning, but I also appreciate the beautiful shots that can only be taken from a guest's perspective!

I feel like those photos capture our authentic selves, so I want to have those moments photographed by friends and family.

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 32

Rather than seeing guests looking at their smartphones or cameras, I want to see their expressions, so I’d like to go device-free and trust at least two professional photographers!

Opinions on Device-Free Weddings 33

I know this might sound strange, but at weddings where I attend alone, it might feel awkward not being able to take pictures at all. 😂

Survey Results

When we conducted a poll through our Instagram story, the results showed a clear division between supporters and opponents of device-free weddings.

Only 20% supported device-free weddings.

80% of guests and the bride’s side expressed a desire to take and receive photos.

It appears that the support for device-free weddings is a minority opinion.

While it’s not a wedding, restaurants and cafes occasionally also have "no photography" policies.

(Even in places that don’t ban photography, some patrons get angry at those who do take pictures.)

While everyone may have different feelings about it, the policies are ultimately decided by the hosts. It may be beneficial to navigate this issue with the mindset of "when in Rome, do as the Romans do," while also using it as an opportunity to reflect on one’s own values.

Additionally, consider bringing up the "device-free issue" as a topic between couples or friends; it can be an interesting way to understand each person’s values.