Invite wording for a party after a courthouse wedding

I think it's really nice when people call those kinda parties a "Celebration of Marriage"

Or just say : We're having a party ! We are getting married in a private ceremony. But on the night of _____ we would like you to party with us and share our joy.". Then usual date, times start and end, place, whether snack or meal buffet and drinks, dancing, whatever.

Hi Kiki!

Welcome to the WeddingWire community

I think you can word this any way you like, there’s no set etiquette you have to follow. Along as the language used makes clear it’s a celebration/party, and not a reception or ceremony!

Great suggestions from the previous posters!

I saw these examples on Pinterest, I like the “Eat, Drink & They’re Married” and "Happily Ever After Party". The messaging is clear!

How many guests are you inviting?

We are going with
“your invite to celebrate the Marriage of X and X”, then the venue details as normal.
the back is doubling as a details card and saying “X and X will be married privately on Date, we hope you can join us to celebrate”

Thanks ladies! These are all very helpful. After staying up far too late last night in search of something I think we are going with this PDF invite that we can edit. I found on Etsy.....super cute stuff and very affordable.
This file was only $3.99! Viola Mirabilis Design was the ship if anyone is interested or still looking for things......she does menus.....etc and she’s having a big sale! Who doesn’t like a sale?! https://www.etsy.com/listing/570263309/just-got-real-elopement-invitation?ref=shop_home_active_23&pro=1

View Quoted Comment So another question is popping up......we will be inviting some out of town folks so do we need to send out save the dates in June then formal invite 8 weeks before the party?.....or should we meet in the middle somewhere and send out the formal invites out earlier....like in July then with a follow up postcard reminder in September?

View Quoted Comment

Hi Kiki!

This is totally up to you!

Couples hosting hometown wedding receptions/parties, typically send out STDs between four and eight months in advance, and formal invitations six to eight weeks before the event.

If you would like to do STDs, and then follow up with a formal invite, I would advise you to go for it!