Reception Only Ideas

I think what you're planning sounds just fine! Many weddings take place at two separate venues, one for the ceremony and one for the reception. So I don't anticipate any issues with your event being "turned down" just because you won't also be having a ceremony on-site. As for pricing, I imaging it would be just like someone booking a separate reception space for after their church wedding. This is fairly common, so you're in good company.

Country clubs, hotels, and banquet halls are the type of places I've gone to where the ceremony wasn't also in the same place. I figure that a farm/barn or vineyard would also serve this function well.

ETA or a restaurant as pp suggested!

Receptions do not need to immediately follow a ceremony. You can plan your reception just as you would any other reception.

You can send out an announcement of your marriage with the invitation to your reception.

Here is an example https://www.invitationconsultants.com/samplewording.aspx?p_subcategory=206

I love the idea of a winery or brewery, I never considered this and there are several nearby. This is a fairly big point for me as I do not want to ask our guests to travel too far for the celebration .

The goal is for it to be easy and a good time, I don't want it to feel overwhelming (hence our reasoning for hosting our ceremony privately)

This reception would be planned the same as any other. Establish your budget. Determine your guest list. Then find a venue where you can host a reception you can afford. That could range from brunch, picnic, BBQ, to a buffet or plated dinner and dancing.

If you are thinking food truck, make sure they have the capacity to turn out meals fast enough. No greater buzz kill than standing in line for 45 minutes waiting for dinner.

JUST ELOPE! lol j/k. I think a food truck is a really cool idea and I think the dress for that would be casual. The thing with that is the wait may suck so if you could find a venue that allows you to bring your own food and liquor then maybe the drinks will make the people not mind to wait as much.

Good point on not wanting the guests to wait . I could easily just stick with the idea of catering and its a win/win . you won't feel the wait if the line is moving and you're getting a portion with each step .

These are great ideas, thank you all very much!