How much time can lapse between the wedding ceremony and the reception?

I personally hate gaps at weddings and see a lot of people skip the ceremony when this happens. I understand that churches have set times for ceremonies but it’s always best to have your cocktail hour immediately following while just leaving time for travel.

I would do it closer to the ceremony time. Personally, as a guest, I would be wondering what to do in that time between the two events.

My sister did this and everyone returned for the reception.

I HATE gaps. But the gap makes sense if the locations are far. If they aren't then it's kinda dumb to have a gap. I however understand for the bride's purpose it means you can take photos and set up your reception yourself. However don't expect an equal amount of guests at ceremony and reception if it's going to be a giant gap in between. Our best man had his wedding where there were 20 ceremony guests and 180 reception guests because he had literally a 3-4 hour gap in between

As a guest I would probably not attend both if there was a large gap in between.

I would vote to avoid the gap if you could, looking at a guests pint of view it seems like a inconveniences and might affect the attendance at your ceremony

How long is the gap? I think very long gap is inconvenient for guests, especially if they have nothing to do in the area, or are from out of town, or are coming with smaller children. If gap is too long you’ll likely have some guests skip ceremony & come to reception only. If you’re ok with it, then it’s fine.

I HATE gaps. We went to my FH's cousin's wedding last year that had a 4 hour gap between ceremony and reception (12:30p ceremony and 5p reception). We were literally talking about how inconvenient it was with his parents this weekend. The ceremony was also about 45 minutes from the reception site. Their hotel block was a few blocks away from the reception so we drove 45 minutes to the ceremony, then came back and hung out in our hotel room for a few hours (we live about 10 hours away).

Typically, I'd say avoid gaps at all (besides the time it takes to drive) at all cost. But if you want one, I'd tell guests in advance & block a hotel nearby & suggest things to do during the time. I'd also plan on people skipping one event or the other (not all guests, but some). We went to a 3 PM wedding in NY, it lasted 1 hour. Reception at 7:30 PM. So a 3.5 hour break. We went back to the hotel and didn't change but were EXHAUSTED because the day was so long so we left after dinner.

Thanks for the ideas. It seems that if the ceremony is at 10 AM with photos afterwards at the ceremony site, then a lunch menu at the reception site might be the most appropriate for the guests--perhaps beginning at 1 PM, which would allow for travel time to get to the reception.