How far is too far? Hotel to reception

Welcome to WW, SMC!! I think if you are providing a shuttle to and from the hotel to your ceremony/reception venue, that should be fine. If I had to drive it myself (on top of already traveling to the area), it would be too much, but I think your idea of having the shuttle is a great one.

And I hope you'll update your avatar to something unique so we can remember you and help you more in the future! The default avatars sometimes get lost in the crowd or ignored. Here's how to do that and more: https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/new-to-the-weddingwire-forums-please-read-before-you-post/b433c40c1a62b96a.html

Hi SMC, welcome to WW! If you're providing a shuttle, it should be OK. Obviously it would be better if it were closer, but it's not the end of the world.

However, there're other things to think about. Vendors may charge more if they have to travel. It's going to take much more time for you to do the tasting, meet with the venue, etc. If you need to decorate, it's going to be much more time consuming because of the distance. Just food for thought.

You might want to go with a trolley vs a shuttle bus; that way guests will have a view or perhaps a party bus with refreshment and snacks to kill time

Since you're providing a shuttle, I think it's fine. If possible, you might want to consider having the shuttle depart for the hotel at two separate times (perhaps 9:00and 11:00) In case you have guests who want to leave before reception is over (ie, grandparents, folks with young kids, etc)

I agree with the others... it's fine, especially since the reception and ceremony are at the same place. You might also want to include some information about B&Bs on your wedding website that are closer to the Barn for those who are interested ... that area is great and they may want to make a vacation out if it. Just make sure that it is clear to them that the shuttle service is only for the main hotel (unless you want to make stops).

I think Jamie B. has a great idea about having different times. But a trolley could be risky . . . people's hair might get messed up and the weather might not cooperate.

Thanks ladies! Really appreciate your quick responses and for welcoming me to WW. We just got engaged a couple weeks ago so we're quickly trying to lock down a place for next year - fall in NY is very popular!

There's a farmhouse next to the barn that we're going to rent for the week before the wedding so we'll have ample time to decorate and such as it'll be very DIY. Looks like we'll go with the hotel block and shuttle van + recommendations for area B&B's.