How early to arrive at venue?

Most guests may arrive at 3:30 to get good seats. My ceremony starts at 4:30 but it's open for seating at 4

My wedding was at 1230. I got there at 1115 thinking I could take dorm group pics outside first. Nope, guests were already arriving because they hadn't wanted to get stuck in holiday traffic so they left really early.

I will be getting my hair and makeup done at a hotel directly next to the venue. My ceremony is scheduled for 2:30 and I'm planning to arrive at the venue at 1:30. I'm hoping I get there before any guests so I can sneak in without anyone seeing me.

Are you not taking any pictures before the ceremony? Or getting dressed on site? If you're arriving at the ceremony location, literally ready to go, I would still get there about an hour beforehand. Guests will start arriving 30 minutes ahead of time. If you don't want them to see you, you'll want to get there before that so you can be out of sight when they start arriving.

Don't leave anything to chance; get there earlier and be relaxed.

Hmm...I'm doing pictures with my girls and my family at my moms place (where we're getting ready, 5mins from venue). The guys are getting ready at the hotel we're staying at, but will be going to the venue earlier so my FI can do family pictures before the family with his side. .... I'm thinking maybe I just show up for ceremony time, anyone else done this recently, did you still show up a few minutes early and just wait in the car?

Thanks

I will be there already. The ceremony and reception are at the hotel where I am staying. If that wasn't the case I would want to arrive early. I recommend that you ask your officiant, photographer, or DOC what their brides typically do.

FH is required to arrive at the ceremony site an hour early with his best man and the greeters/ushers.

I am probably only going to arrive 10-15 minutes early. There really isn't a place for me to hang out.