How short is too short for an afternoon reception?

I've been to a wedding that worked exactly like that. The guests didn't seem to mind having time in the day to do something else. I think especially for early weddings, there's not as much desire to stay for 6+ hours.

The only thing I would caution you is to be discreet about your after party. You don't want people feeling left out, even if you're not as close with them as others. The couple who hosted the after party I attended told everyone well beforehand, in private, and the location was a couple of rooms they had rented at a hotel a bit away. There wasn't any chance of someone stumbling across it by accident.

Are you taking pictures during that time? As long as everything runs on time, pictures are super quick, and only those in the know find out about the evening plans you might be able to pull it off. Otherwise as a guest I'd be hella mad to go to a wedding where the couple rushed the reception (after everyone bought them gifts or gave cash) so they could party with a few friends.

I think it works alas sounds really fun

It sounds like you have a good and fun wedding planned with adequate timing.

This is about what we're doing. Almost to a "t" minus the mimosas lol. And I agree about keeping the after party on the DL. We're doing either a hotel or something like that for our adult only after party but we're only telling the adults we know can be/ we want to be there.

I’m doing literally the same thing (except yard games because mine is winter in the north) ceremony at 2 reception until 5. Light snacks and punch available with cake. I think everyone will be fine and since yours is on a Sunday I think it’ll definitely be ok