Where should guests eat/chat at during cocktail hour?

We have 6 or so cocktail tables for guests to stand at, but really nowhere to sit. There will be some yard games out and some areas for people to walk around but we won't open the reception space until people sit down and cocktail hour ends. I think tables are nice to have (even high ones).

We just let people into the reception area which I think would be the best option for you. It's always a pain to "fight" for the cocktail tables or try to hold your purse, a cocktail, and also an appetizer. They can put their stuff down, grab a cocktail and wander inside/outside and mingle wherever. We just had someone announce when dinner was going to start and people made their way to their seats and the buffet.

If the reception space doesn't need to be set up during the cocktail hour then just let your guests mingle in there. I wouldn't waste extra money on the cocktail tables then if they can just get a drink from the bar and take it back to their diner table. I enjoy weddings where I can do this.
For our wedding, which is on private family property, we will have the ceremony in the barn and then we have a temporary cocktail hour bar set up outside where guests can get a drink and then take that to their table for diner which is in a tent outside the barn.

Mine will be in the reception space. Cocktail hour will be ready by the end of the ceremony and dinner will served buffet style an hour after the ceremony ends

Our cocktail hour will be in a temperature control tent, there is a bar there & they will have some high top tables & seats. Hopefully the weather cooperates, and it will be warm as the outside is beautiful.

I didn't spend extra on tables aha. They kind of just stood around in a space and chatted with plates and their drinks. They didn't seem to mind since it was all just finger food.

Our venue has tables and chairs on the patio area so we’ll have guest hang out there. I hired a service to help set up the reception area so after pictures, I’ll need to go check to make sure it’s perfect (DiY/ocd bride) lol that’s the main reason we’re not opening the reception are after the ceremony. Our wedding is early aug and we’re hoping to have nice weather 🤞🏽 if not, we’ll obviously have guests come inside.
If you have it in the budget, I’d say rent some tables at least; it’s hard to hold a drink AND plate AND eat....IMO

We have 1 bar but two bartenders. They will be set up inside our reception area. We plan on having cornhole and what not outside on the side of the property, close to smokers area. We will be outside taking our photos during cocktail hour (hopefully weather permitting). Guests will have free range to find their seats, mingle, play games and go to and from the bar during our photos. We wanted people to get situated at tables and find their seats and everything before we are announced into the reception. We don't have any high tops being set up or anything outside for people to stand at.