Distance between ceremony and reception sites?

[june48]

What''s the longest drive do you think should be between a wedding ceremony and reception site (in minutes)? Do you dislike it when you have to drive between the two sites? I''m really confused about what to do because I was originally going to have both my ceremony and reception in my family''s church, but then when I added up all the costs of renting all of the linens, china, bringining in a caterer, etc. it was almost the same price as having the reception 25 mins away in the ballroom of a beautiful historic building. My mom and my MIL are deadset against having such a long drive between the two events, especially because there will be so many out-of-town guests. What do you guys think? It''s a priority for my guests to enjoy the wedding so I don''t want to inconvenience them of course.

 

[lovelylulu]

june: I have a similar situation and i really don''t know the answer or i haven''t come to a decision myself. briefly, if i get married at the church in the same town that the reception is taking place, we could only have the ceremony at 1pm and we are really wanting to have an evening reception. however, having a big block of empty time between ceremony and reception is not going to work...the other option is to use a church that is about 25 miles away, so about 35 minutes (

) and the drive is easy and scenic. we were thinking that we''d provide transportation between ceremony and reception to ease the pain of travel, but we''re still torn if that is just too darn far???? any opinions

in your situation, i think that 25 minutes is not unreasonable. it depends on whether when you picture your perfect day, do you see the church as your ideal reception site or that lovely ballroom. if it''s the ballroom i say go for it!!!

maybe i should take my own advice...

 

[njc]

I have been to several weddings were there was a 20-30 minute drive between the ceremony and reception and it really doesnt bother me. If you are having out of town guests, try to find/use a hotel that is close to the reception site, this way guest can enjoy the evening without worrying about having to drive a large distance in an unfamilar place, particularly after drinking!

Personally, i would rather drive 30 minutes to the church and 30 minutes back to the reception with a 2 minute drive to my hotel than anything else. Another idea would be to have a shuttle if possible.

HTH!

 

[Caribou]

I don''t think 25 minutes is too far at all. My MOH''s reception was about 25 minutes away. Keep in mind that your pictures will happen after the ceremony (unless you get them done before hand) so your guests will have to wait at the hall only about 30 minutes. I''m sure they''d rather wait that long then possibly an hour.

Some consideration to your guest is nice but remember, this is your wedding, it''s not like you are asking them to attend a house party or a childs 3rd birthday party. I think people are willing to be more flexible when it comes to a wedding.