Our reception venue won't open till 5:30. not sure if this is a deal breaker and if we should book somewhere else. we r getting married in a park at 3, having the photos there till 4ish then I have a gap till the venue a restaurant can take us at 5:30. it will be winter and sunset is at 5. they suggest I get all my guests to go to the local bar for happy hour drinks then head over to the reception. would this work or too many locations?

I think that sounds fair. If the photos are being taken at the same venue as the ceremony, then the bar is only a hold over place until the reception so it's only three locations.

You don't even have to make the bar a formal arrangement; you could have the ceremony officiant announce the idea before you arrive at the ceremony so people know there are informal options. Some people may not wish to go to a bar, they might choose to drive around, go home, stay at the park and chat, etc. It's only an hour and a half between the two which will go quickly. Plus, if you don't make it formal, you don't have to pay for the drinks...

If you're looking at a restaurant for your reception venue, I think you'll be hard pressed to find one that opens earlier.

thanks, you have made me feel better!

We did very similar to Nep.... Most of our guests just went home, but the young ones went to the pub and got a head start before we started paying for restaurant prices drinks

Nep said everything that I want to. Making it informal makes life easier for your guests, I know that during the 'gap' in weddings I much prefer a quiet coffee shop, or having the opportunity to pop home (to change shoes, check on babysitters, put baby to bed, etc!).

I don't think anyone will mind the three locations!

We had our ceremony at 2pm I think and by the time the guests had congratulated us afterwards it was about 3.30pm. We had photos with the bridal party at the same location until 4.30 and then headed off to the reception at 5.30 for more photos. The guests were allowed to arrive at the reception at 6pm when they were served canapes and drinks and the formal reception with us introduced started at 6.30pm. Our ceremony was in the same area as we live so most people went home in between or invited other family members and interstate and OS family back to their homes for coffee and a catch up. Some people went out for coffee etc between.

I think your guests will be fine with the gap