Non-Traditional Timeline

Do a welcome reception before the ceremony. I don't think that's too unheard of

Morning bump

Welcome to WeddingWire @L!

Do you know what the time of sunset is? You could probably just have a short ceremony and start the reception after. If you want to do the "reception" beforehand, you could just serve champagne and hors d'oeuvres and let people mingle. Basically it'd be a cocktail hour before the ceremony, and then just go straight to dinner afterward.

Are you wanting sunset pictures?

I like JP + AP's idea! Cocktail hour before, then ceremony, then reception!

Just be aware that it is sometimes difficult to drag the guests away from the bar when it is time for the ceremony to start. And make sure they don't bring red cups and beer bottles into the ceremony area -- it looks horrible in photos.

Our venue requires that everyone is checked in by security, so we are having light cocktails and light hors d'oeuvres before the wedding, (fh ans wedding party not there, my parents will act as hosts for this time) we have some fun game type stuff for people to do. This will last about 30 minutes. Then we'll have the ceremony followed by reception.

The sun sets at 6:15 the day of. Most professionals start sunset ceremonys 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes before sunset to allow for pictures. We are doing limited pictures, so I only want a few sunset photos. There will be a first look earlier in the day and family photos after so that all of that is finished come ceremony time. I have a cute white dress I can put on for the welcome dinner so that I am not seen in my wedding dress until the ceremony. This could work.... I like the welcome dinner idea.

I've heard it's becoming more popular to have the cocktail hour before the ceremony (like JP AP said). People will also be happier because they've had some food and a little booze already

This happens all the time. Cocktails, then ceremony, then reception.

This happens all the time. Cocktails, then ceremony, then reception.