Distance between church & venue

I wouldnt think so then it gives you guys time to take pics and have fun before the reception

I think 30 minutes is fine, anything more than that I would say is too far. Do you have a hotel block/does it require additional driving?

Sounds like a fair distance to me. Anything over 30 would be pushing it but that sounds just fine!

23 miles is going to take 30 mins? That seems fast to me

23 miles is too far if it's the opposite direction. If it's going back to the direction of my house, no problem.

This might be a "know your crowd" situation. My family is from rural middle of nowhere, so 45 minutes to an hour is typical to get anywhere. When I moved to the suburbs, my friends would turn their noses up at traveling more than 20 minutes away in one night. If your crowd is more urban 30 minutes might be much, more rural and they'll think it's nothing.

30 minutes is fineee. Gives you time to take pics and do other things.

I don't think that it's too far! We lucked out and have our ceremony and reception space next door to one another. We are having it at a reception hall with an outdoor wedding lawn

Keep in mind that it would also be 30 minutes away for you guys and the bridal party So it doesn't really buy you time for pictures

I agree with two points already stated 1) Know your crowd 2) This does not give you (the couple/bridal party) time for more pictures. If anything it hinders you being able to take pictures after the wedding.

As a wedding coordinator, I would suggest, if you haven't already, traveling the route during the time of day and on the day of the week you are looking to get married that way you can get a good feel for how long it will take you from one venue to the other. Also, double-check that there aren't any special events happening that could alter traffic, for instance, a ball game, a music festival, or a parade.

I think it depends on the majority of your guests. Are they older or younger? If they are older they may not be as happy to travel the 30 minutes. If they are younger I don't think its a problem. Or vise versa. You know your guests!

Wow thank you so much for everyone that answered & gave opinions,this is my first time posting on here & I agree it is depending on the crowd & I think most of the people will be ok with it since it's going back towards where they live but this is worst case scenario I'm hoping to use a church that's a lot closer but it's been like pulling teeth with them to get responses & dates :/

I agree. I would be okay with it

23 miles sounds far for just 30 minutes but depends on where you live.. my venue is 12 miles away and in NY that takes 30 min but yeah I think thats a perfect amount of time

I would be ok with it. Just give your guests time to drive to the reception (maybe with traffic) and a little extra time for guests who may be checking into the hotel.

I don't think 30 mins is too far at all.

Yay date twin!

I agree with everyone saying it's fine. 30 minutes is fine, nothing to worry about. But nothing more. As a vendor, it's not because it's far or more time, but because it will effect your wedding day and the flow of it that you are not aware of, not being a vendor.

Are you providing an option to help your guests get there? That might lighten the possible burden on some guests.

Our ceremony is about 20 steps away from our reception.

I wouldn't mind driving 30 minutes, but this does not buy extra time!