nye timeline

If you're having a party on NYE it should absolutely go until midnight. Have you considered starting your ceremony later? It isn't realistic in most places to get into a bar shortly before the ball drop and, as you said, it's already such a long day. I think NYE weddings are usually fun because they're planned as a true party that goes late into the evening.

It sounds like you should start later and go later or pick a different date.

I would think you need to keep the party going until after midnight for sure. When you have a wedding on a special day you need to find a way to incorporate that. You're asking people to forgo their usual NYE traditions to come to your wedding.

You're correct though, you need to start later, or it will be a very long day. It might be better to do a first look photo shoot outdoors at 3:30, then start the ceremony at like 5 or 6.

Yeah, NYE weddings should absolutely go past midnight. If I were in your position, I'd have first look photos and/or wedding party photos taken at the venue before sunset if you want to take advantage of the scenery, and start your ceremony around 6.