Not just "no flash" (which I understand)--we were told absolutely no (eta: professional) pictures. Just wondered if anyone else has been given this stipulation? FWIW, we are not marrying in a church.
When we were told this, I was floored. We're paying a huge amount for the photog and we can't even use her to capture the MOST important part of the day? The alternative given: we could recreate any "scenes" that we want afterwards. How can you recreate your reactions as you say your vows? The look on my dad's face when he walks me down the aisle?
And did I mention it's my FFIL that will be marrying us? lol We were basically told of this policy and then FMIL followed up with a, "Will that be a problem?" We looked at each other and said yes.
His reasoning: the photogs tend to disrupt the ceremony. "They tend to completely stop the bride/groom/ceremony to take certain pictures." I have never been to a ceremony and witnessed that. The photogs are always background and barely noticed. After I assured that my photog will not do that, he relented. Crisis averted! But I just wondered how common that was.