The essentials
Post nothing from the ceremony if there was an unplugged request, nothing of the couple before they have posted themselves, and nothing of other guests' children. Reception photos are usually welcome once the couple has shared first, and a private gallery, if the couple set one up, is always the right place for everything. When in doubt, ask, or send the photo to the couple instead of the internet.
At a glance
- Ceremony
- Follow the unplugged request
- Before the couple posts
- Wait
- Other guests' children
- Never without asking
- Hashtag on the signs
- Reception photos welcome
- Private gallery link
- Always the right place
- Unsure
- Send it to the couple instead
Read the signals the couple gave you
Most couples tell you, if you look. An 'unplugged ceremony' sign or a line on the wedding website means no phones during the vows and no ceremony photos online, full stop. A hashtag on the table cards is the opposite signal: they would like reception photos shared, ideally tagged so they can find them.
A QR code on the table that opens a private gallery is the clearest signal of all. The couple wants your photos, and they want them in one place they control rather than on your feed. Upload there first, and treat social media as optional.
What not to post, regardless of signals
The couple before the couple. Many couples want to be the first to show the dress, the first kiss and the venue reveal. Wait until they have posted, then share yours, and tag them so they see it.
Other people's children, anyone who clearly did not want to be photographed, guests mid-bite or mid-tear, and anything from the getting-ready rooms. Also skip the photo where the professional photographer is in the shot: it makes their work look like your snapshot and it annoys them for good reason.
Private information hides in wedding photos: the seating chart with full names, the gift table with card details, the venue address on signage. Crop it out or leave it.
For couples reading this
Guests follow clear requests. Put the boundary on the website, on a ceremony sign and in the MC's announcement, and give guests a private place to share so the request does not feel like a refusal. The wording guide and the private gallery setup are linked below.
Questions & answers
Is it rude to post wedding photos before the couple?
Usually, yes. Many couples want to share the first photos themselves. Wait for their post, then share yours and tag them.
Can I post photos from an unplugged wedding?
Not from the ceremony. An unplugged request covers taking and posting ceremony photos. Reception photos are normally fine unless the couple asked otherwise.
Should I tag the couple in wedding photos?
Tag the couple, not other guests, unless you have asked them. Tagging lets the couple find and save your photo.
What if the couple set up a photo-sharing gallery?
Upload there first. It is private, the couple controls who sees what, and it replaces the need to post anywhere else.
Keep the moments close
Every guest’s perspective.
One shared collection.
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