Disconnected Wedding....

If someone wants to use their phone they will regardless. They are adults, treat them as so. You will be far to busy, you know, getting married to notice. I promise.

My photographer also told me that she didn't have any problem telling people to sit down if they were in her way LOVE her!

I absolutely want to do this-- I am thinking the officiant could announce it at the beginning of the ceremony.

It's courtesy and respect, anyone who can't handle not tinkering with their precious phones for less than one hour has a problem. That means they have less respect for you, your investment in your photographer, and the integrity of the ceremony than they have at movie theaters. Absolutely a great idea, and I'm thankful most of my couples do this. I don't need guests to do my job and have their asses and elbows blocking me. And not every couple wants footage of their private event posted on social media.

Courtney, it's good to be assertive, but keep in mind, systems are better when put in place ahead of time. That way we aren't the jerk faces that are making rules at your wedding, only helping you carry them out so we can effectively do our jobs. That way we are set up for success.

I've seen enough "horror photos" from photographer friends that there wasn't even a discussion about whether our ceremony would be unplugged or not lol

You know what? The point is not whether you have 'better photos from guests". The point is that your ceremony is a sacred experience (whether it's religious or not). The mental and emotional presence of your guests is far more important than any marginally-better-than-the-pros shot they can take. If your wedding isn't important enough for them to unplug for an hour, then they shouldn't be invited.