Cell phone pictures by venue

I think it’s worth a conversation. Does your contract say anything about them being allowed to take promotional photos of your event?

I would ask, they should respect your wishes unless it’s mentioned in your contract. If you’re fine with them taking a photo, but in a more tactful way, tell them that.

Definitely worth a conversation. I would also assume that in working as many weddings as they probably do that they would be more aware of where the photographers are and know to stay our of their way.

I would definitely discuss this with them. Just explain that you’ve seen pictures on their website and wish for them to refrain from taking pictures.

Yes I would DEFINITELY discuss this with your venue!

I’ve been debating having the same conversation. Our caterer also is an officiant and I saw a video of him standing at the alter live streaming the bride walking down the aisle. I would be so annoyed. I’m going to wait until closer to our day and just mention I don’t mind them taking photos from far away but I don’t want them in the middle of anything taking them (also my FH is SUPER against them taking anything). I’m also going to say I’ll be happy to provide photos that my photographer takes that highlight the venue if they would like as a sort of compromise.

Wow, I have never seen that. When I was a videographer, I'd have told a venue owner to get heck out of my way if they'd hopped in front of my camera! I had to tell my share of guests, "the couple is paying me a lot of money to film this, and I am very sure they don't want your cellphone in every frame, please put it away."

Definitely have the conversation. I would think it was super weird of a venue owner to do in the first place... we worked with venues and always provided professional clips from weddings for their social media (with the couples' explicit permission) and I know our photography colleagues did the same.

I would most definitely clear this issue with your venue and give your photographer a heads up. Check your venue contract before questioning.
To the venue: “ I noticed on your social media posts that your images include people. I would like to have it documented that we, our bridal party, and guests are not to be photographed or images posted to social media without the individual(s) written consent. Venue environmental images without us or our guests can be posted”.
This should nip it in the bud. If it does not, include screen capture images that are causing you concern. Share with them that you hired a professional photographer to capture your wedding day and do not want their work interrupted. Your wedding experience should not include his marketing pieces. If that’s in the contract, ask how you are compensated for accommodating his marketing pieces. To the photographer: “I am concerned that the venue will interfere with the execution of our professional wedding images. I have attached their links for you. It appears that in order for these images to have been taken, they could have interfered with the couple’s experience and the photographer’s positioning. Please let me know your thoughts and advice on how to approach the venue.” This warns your photographer, let’s them know you are a team, and makes them aware of your expectations. Perhaps your photographer will reach out personally to the venue.

You can definitely have that conversation with them! And no need for a sign. If anything maybe have your wedding planner or officiant/minister/etc. announce at the beginning that the bride and groom requests to keep all cell phones turned on silent and to not take videos or pictures during the ceremony especially when the professional photographers and videographers are capturing the moments.