Reception a few months later

The reception a few months later could be planned the same way you'd plan any other party or wedding reception - you'll find a venue, photographer, caterer/food source, bar service/drink source, something to wear, and other accessories. You'll then send out invitations, but you'll want ones that are catered specifically for just a reception (Minted and other invite sources have reception-specific wording but you can always make your own!).

The WeddingWire checklist will honestly be a big help, you'll just adjust the ceremony-specific items to need to be done sooner than the reception ones!

Also, your reception can be as formal or as casual as you'd like or as large or small as you'd like. Most of the tradition associated with weddings centers on the ceremony, so you'll have some more freedom planning a reception-only event!

I understand that feel of being overwhelmed and not being used to weddings. We are only doing a 4 hour wedding. Which included ceremony and reception. But the rest of the time we will be doing couple photos with are photographer away from everyone else. You could do a micro short wedding so you don’t have to plan out two events. Just a thought but your idea of court house and get together afterward sounds good too. What ever makes you feel the most comfortable is most important. I wish you the best of luck.😊

I would say a micro wedding or having the ceremony & reception same day but having different invite list to each. Plenty of people have had intimate ceremonies and grand receptions! It makes since, anyone can come party but not everyone needs to be there for your ceremony. That's an intimate time!