Is it ok to have no alcohol at our reception?

Find a new venue ASAP. Properly hosting your guests include at the least an open beer and wine bar.

Some people will decline because of the alcohol situation. This is fine, it's your day! But yes, I strongly recommend stating this clearly. On the save the date/invite I would state something like "due to venue restrictions, no alcohol will be served" or "alcohol free reception".

When is your wedding? If it is an afternoon cake and punch reception, it's fine.

Any other time or reception you should have alcohol.

MrsV2Be, OP stated they are using the venue regardless because it's perfect in every other way. I wouldn't give up a perfect venue because some people are upset they can't drink alcohol.

I would find a new venue. Use the donation money towards your alcohol budget. I know you don't need alcohol to have fun but your guests shouldn't have to want for anything.

I agree with Kelsey. You definitely don't need to find a new venue, but people do expect alcohol at weddings nowadays. Put down that your venue has restrictions about alcohol on your invitations as a heads up. Maybe offer a limited bar at the rehearsal dinner or something? And you could serve sparkling cider in champagne flutes for your toast!

Yes, this is a problem. Have your ceremony there, not your reception.

If the reception is in the church, most people will realize that no alcohol will be served.

That being said, you will have guest opt to come to the ceremony and leave right after.

Also, just because alcohol is served at an event, does not mean that guests are planning to get drunk. That sentiment is just plain stupid.

I would never decline a invite because no alcohol isn't being served lol however some people will. I personally don't see it an issue but that's just me. Regardless, you stated it was perfect so either way you're going to do it

I would find a new venue. But then again, I believe in being a proper host to my guests which includes providing alcohol.

The exception to this etiquette is a short, cake-and-punch reception after the ceremony.

TimeLadyErika is right. If it's a short reception at a non-mealtime with no dancing, then a cake and punch reception is fine. If you're looking for more of a party atmosphere, then you need to find a new venue.

I would fine a new venue, because I do enjoy drinking (FH does not drink) as does most of my family and while not required to have a good time, it's the type of good time I want to have following my ceremony.

That being said, that may not be your case and I think if you decided to stick to the venue, that is fine, but recognize that a some guests might decline.

The best way to do this, to avoid declines and side eyes, is to not have an evening/dinner time wedding. Maybe lunch or even brunch, would be better.

@Kelsey D. I stand by my opinion. The only way this is acceptable is if it is a cake and punch reception, early daytime. Alcohol is expected at weddings that are longer than an hour or two.

Sky if you're just making this post to essentially get validation then it probably won't work out for you.

MrsV2Be, I totally understand. I actually have a very similar opinion as you, my wedding will have a full open bar because of this opinion. however, it sounds like OP is sure they want this venue. I don't think they will change their ideal venue just because others can't drink and even if it's against "the rules".

Unpopular opinion here- I don't think having alcohol is a requirement, but I live in a pretty religious area. If I had no alcohol at my wedding, my FH's family would actually be relieved, but we are serving it since my side drinks if it's around and it is allowed at our venue. It wouldn't be a deal breaker for my family if there was none though and if we found the perfect venue and it didn't allow any alcohol, we would book it without hesitation.

I can't believe alcohol is that big of a deal lol our familes don't really drink so that's not anything we have to worry about

If it's a cake and punch reception, then yeah no alcohol is fine. But if you're doing dinner, your guests should be able to have a glass of wine.... If you're doing dinner, I'd find a new venue and enjoy a champagne toast with my new hubby!

I would do one of two things, keep your venue and have a simple cake and punch daytime reception following your ceremony or change your venue. If you're having a meal and expecting people to stay you'll need to serve at least beer/wine.

I've always thought if people aren't going to show up to a wedding to celebrate with you simply because no alcohol is present, then they need to reevaluate what is important. I would never decline a wedding invite because there's no alcohol. This is coming from someone who will also have no alcohol due to restrictions and 95% of the guests being very religious and against alcohol.

Don't give up on your perfect venue just because you can't serve alcohol there. That'd be ridiculous!