Reception only?

I think you can do that, but many people see it as rude.

As long as you properly host a reception (full meal at meal times, hors d'oevres if midafternoon, and bar), and clearly indicate in the invite that it's for a reception celebrating the marriage not the ceremony itself, you're okay. Some people may be a little hurt but just gently explain how you wanted the vows to be intimate.

This is ok, etiquette wise, when it's immediate family only. There might be some hurt feelings but most people understand the appeal of having such a small group for the ceremony.

Definitely not rude if you're keeping the ceremony to strictly family. We just received an invite from one of FH's groomsmen for his wedding and were only invited to the reception -"Join us in a reception celebrating the marriage of Bob & Becca"- didn't find it rude at all!

Awesome! Thanks everyone for their comments

As long as you truly keep it down to immediate family - you are totally fine! That is what we are doing and only 2 people have said boo about it. (Out of 200+ guests)

My invites said a reception celebrating our marriage and everyone has gotten it.

Just make sure guests know it's reception only. Otherwise, it should be okay as long as you really do keep it down to strictly family. The only time this is rude is when you invite most of the guest list to the ceremony and reception and the others to just the reception.

We are doing this, our ceremony is parents and siblings only and our reception (on a different day) is for everyone. I made sure to carefully word our invitations: "Bride's Parents & Groom's Parents request the pleasure of your company at a reception celebrating the marriage of their children Me & FH." Some people may be disappointed/hurt about not getting to witness the ceremony and you have to decide if that is something that would bother you.

Yes, a private ceremony with immediate family and larger reception is fine.

For those who are having an intimate ceremony, are you still having bridal showers. When I asked my two BMs to be in my BP, they were very excited and already started talking about shower planning. I know, in my case, its still early to be thinking about this, but this seems like a fitting thread to ask. Can the guestlist for the shower also include guests only invited to the the reception/celebration of marriage, or is that poor etiquette since they didn't attend the ceremony?

BeachDreams I don't know what the etiquette is here. By choice I am not having a shower because I don't want to appear gift grabby when most people who would be invited are only invited to the reception.

Beach- I had 2 showers that included people coming only to the reception. I am not however having a bridal party. I was hosted by my brothers FW and FH sister. The other by my dads sister for that side

@Joanne, I was concerned about that as well. I definitely do not want to appear gift grabby. ETA: @Erin, thank you for the additional input!

BeachDreams my FMIL did offer to throw me a shower, so at least she doesn't see a problem with it!

Given that you are not supposed to invite anyone to a shower who is not invited to the wedding, I don't think showers are appropriate in this situation (unless it is just immediate family).

We did that. Strictly family at the ceremony (aunts, cousins, parents, siblings, and my godmother and my two closest friends and my mom's two closest friends). We're inviting the entire guest list to the reception when we have it.