Victoria’s Top Regional Wedding & Reception Venues

Balgownie Estate Bendigo

46 Hermitage Road, Bendigo, Victoria

Balgownie Estate Bendigo is an award-winning winery nestled in the charming Bendigo region, just under 10 minutes from the thriving town center.
As you arrive at the Estate, you are met with a driveway lined with olive trees and lush vineyards. Be inspired by the elegant and romantic outlook of sweeping vines and allow us to paint the picture of your wedding day as you envisioned it to be.
When hosting your wedding at Balgownie Estate you can expect the highest quality food, wine and service Bendigo has to offer. Balgownie Estate offers a variety of unique and special locations to hold your wedding ceremony and reception.
The Barrel room at Balgownie Estate is a captivating space lined with rich oak wine barrels this space encompasses all that you’ll need to make your wedding unique and unforgettable. Alternatively, Balgownies lush green lawn offers you the opportunity to experience a truly outdoor ceremony amongst the majestic corridors of vines.
For those looking for an indoor reception, the Cellar Door is a historic space featuring floor to ceiling glass windows with bi-folding doors providing a view across the manicured lawns and lush vineyards.

With a large bar and warm and inviting dining room, the cellar door at Balgownie Estate is the ideal location to host your wedding reception.

Bendigo District RSL

73-75 Havilah Rd, Bendigo, Victoria

At the Bendigo District RSL, we pride ourselves on our professional, yet personalized service. We understand that while your wedding can be the most exciting time of your life, it can also be one of the most stressful.

Each Wedding is unique and should reflect the individual tastes of those parties involved.

Our Functions Manager takes the time to thoroughly discuss all your special requirements to ensure your tailor-made event is a memorable one.

Feel free to contact our Functions Manager Leigh at any time.

Sunnystones Weddings

Sunnystones is a 50-acre property bordering the Long Forest Nature Conservation Reserve. We enjoy uninterrupted views of the forest, including many varieties of wildflowers, mallee trees, and box gums.

We have a large space just down the valley from the homestead which is perfect for the ceremony and/or reception. The setup can be customized to your liking, and vehicle access means it is possible for an array of personalized choices!

With some help from some external companies, we can make any part of the property functional, stress-free, and most importantly – fun!

The homestead is a large stone building that can accommodate 90 guests and can be broken into two separate wings, including a large dining hall, commercial kitchen, sun room, three fireplaces, nine bathrooms, games room, conversation pit… It just has to be seen to be fully appreciated.

We would love to hear from you!

Mitchelton Wines

Located on the banks of the mighty Goulburn River, approximately 90 minutes from Melbourne, Mitchelton Winery is the ideal location for your wedding.

This beautiful, picturesque setting inspires thoughts of ceremonies by the river, photos in the vines or intimate moments with your bridal party and a bottle of sparkling, in the 40-year-old cellars.

Arrive by boat to guests awaiting on pews surrounding our ceremony deck, overlooking the river or maybe arrival in a Daimler Limousine or 1966 Mustang is more your style … Mitchelton Wines has many options for your special day.

The Mitchelton complex features a variety of unique indoor and outdoor spaces to hold your reception including Muse Restaurant, Muse Terrace, The Montage Room, the River Cruiser or if you prefer an outdoor reception on the lawn overlooking the river.

With over 25 years of experience, the Mitchelton team can transform your dream wedding day into a reality. Whether you’re planning a large wedding for several hundred guests or an intimate family gathering, our Executive Chef and kitchen team take pride in delivering high quality, richly flavoursome, local and seasonally fresh menu, with options that can be tailored to suit your needs.

Hand-selected, estate-grown wines will complement your menu when you choose from one of our specially designed beverage packages.

Our events coordinator is available to meet with you by arrangement and will be happy to help you with the entire planning of your wedding day.

Narmbool Weddings

440 Horsehill Rd, Elaine, Victoria

Narmbool is Sovereign Hill’s beautiful pastoral property at Elaine, just 30 minutes from Ballarat or 90 minutes from Melbourne. Set across 2,000 hectares, with a magnificent garden and onsite accommodation, Narmbool is perfect for executive retreats, conferences, fine dining, and weddings.

With a magnificent garden, a bluestone homestead, a purpose-built function roo, and on-site accommodation, Narmbool is perfect for weddings.

Hold your ceremony and have photographs taken in the exquisite grounds of Narmbool. Then follow with your reception in the Garden Room or at Narmbool Lodge.

RACV Goldfields

Exchange vows in native gardens, on the manicured lawns, or the Ballroom terrace overlooking the golf course and Creswick State Forest.

Whether an intimate gathering or a lavish dinner for up to 400 guests in our Grand Ballroom, your wedding reception at RACV Goldfields Resort will be breathtaking.

Enjoy pre-dinner drinks on the Ballroom terrace or foyer, followed by an elegant reception in the Ballroom or in one of our seven more intimate rooms. Our professional team will work with you to perfectly execute your big day.

Curate your menu from the cocktail or banquet selections, created by our talented culinary team to totally indulge your guests.

Your personal wedding coordinator will assist with the finer details, from themes and table decor to floor plans and menus.

It’s the ideal wedding venue that you and your guests will always remember. For more information, please contact us today

Bendigo Town Hall

Planning your wedding day is one of life’s most treasured times, bringing your dreams and hopes together.

We can assist you every step of the way, by ensuring that all details are refined to suit your needs. After choosing one of our venues, we work with you to create innovative food and beverage menus around your tastes, guests, and budget.

Our approach is simple in that we talk with you to understand your needs, and then we work alongside you to match menu options, features, and the venue to your specifications.

Tailor your event to suit your style, whether it be a small intimate wedding or an elaborate dinner for family and friends.

Start planning your wedding day today by sharing your wish list with us.

Mercure Ballarat

Wedding By Mercure Ballarat offers much beautiful spaces to host your wedding ceremony and reception with the grounds of the property.

Set around a beautiful landscaped lake with rose gardens, you have the choice of two areas with grounds to celebrate your nuptials, Our reception rooms overlook the lake and gardens, providing a relaxed ambiances for you to enjoy and celebrate with your famil and friends.

Once here, you will not have to leave the property. We can accommodate all your needs. Indulge in beauty treatments in the day spa to relax before the big event. Enjoy a drink in Billy’s Bristo & Bar with its Mediterranean inspired menu, then retire to the great choice of accommodation, from double rooms through to family apartments.

Our wedding team will be delighted to spend time with you and showcase our Wedding Wonderland.

Special Offer, Secure your wedding at Mercure Ballarat this exclusive offer:

– Gift voucher to the value of $300 for Rubilicious Wax and Beauty Bar

– 9 holes of golf for 4 people at Ballarat Golf Club

Sylvania Park

Sylvania Park is a perfect location for your next function and accommodation.

Here at Sylvania Park, we provide:
* A beautiful setting for your wedding ceremony and reception
* Polished timber floor and ceiling with full-length windows
* Catering and beverage options to suit any budget
* Perfect and secluded venue with excellent opportunities for unique photos
* Two renovated homesteads are available for self-contained accommodation

For bookings and inquiries, please contact us.

Craigs Royal Hotel

Over 6 years, restoration and refitting works have created a wedding venue, unmatched in the region.

Stunning bridal suites, luxurious guest accommodation, and beautiful settings throughout the hotel allow for one of a kind photo opportunities.

Food will impress with bespoke menus created – formal dinner or cocktail style – by head chef Shannon Easton capturing the best of regional flavors and produce and a wide selection of local and Craig’s own cellar wine collection.

4 Luxurious spaces to choose from
* Grand Dining Room
* The Prince’s Room
* The Reading Room
* The Bluestone Cellar

Allurah Functions & Events

7823 Midland Hwy, Magpie, Victoria

Allurah function and event centre is home to Leon and Kylie Lavery and their two children who had a vision of converting the Timeless Timber Gallery into a modern and stylish space while retaining its timeless charm.

After dedicating several years to the project, Allurah comes to life in late 2016 and has been providing quality service to a diverse range of clients from engagements to weddings.

Hospitality to Leon and Kylie is not a job – it is a passion.
This reflects in there service excellence and commitment to exceed the guest’s expectation Leon is a Head chef and brings 25 years’ experience from restaurants and wineries around Australia, while Kylie has over 15 years’ experience in managing large events and productions.

Together with their team of skilled staff, you can take comfort knowing your wedding will exceed your expectation.

Villa Botanica – Whitsundays

With five-star food and drinks, meticulous professional wedding planning, luxurious wedding-night accommodation, and one of the most beautiful places in the world – a Villa Botanica wedding are simply unforgettable.

When you choose Villa Botanica for your wedding, you are not only getting a magical place that is more like your own private paradise than a traditional wedding venue, but the benefits of years of wedding experience from our dedicated staff, and attention to detail that covers everything from free transfers for all your guests to the hand-carved wedding pavilion, exquisite gardens and a luxurious honeymoon suite.

Your expert wedding planner will guide you every step of the way. Our commitment is to ensure the lead up to your wedding day is an enjoyable and seamless process, so you can relax and fully enjoy yourself. Villa Botanica is a two-time winner at the prestigious Australian Bridal Industry Awards, voted Best Ceremony Venue and Best Reception Centre in Queensland.

The Venue

• 5-acre estate, exclusively yours for your wedding
• Waterfront location with views over the sea
• Breathtaking views and landscaped tropical gardens
• Beautiful palm-lined mosaic tiled walkway – the perfect backdrop to make your entrance!
• The exquisite hand-carved timber wedding pavilion
• Expansive 30m long veranda with views overlooking the sea
• Marble ballroom to get the dancefloor going!
• The famous Sea Deck, overlooking the water it’s the perfect spot for sunset drinks
• Hundreds of photo locations for the most Instagram-worthy wedding photos!

The Service

• Professional wedding planning
• Complimentary transport to deliver your guests safely home
• Dedicated venue staff who take great pride in their work
• All-inclusive weddings available, so you don’t need to worry about a thing!
• Exclusive discounts at recommended Airlie Beach accommodation providers for your guests

Weddings from $10,000 to $50,000 depending on inclusions, number of guests, and time of year.

Tindarra Resort

Celebrate your wedding day in a spectacular and exclusive setting situated on the banks of the Murray River, less than 2.5 hours from Melbourne.

Tindarra Resort offers a truly unique and picturesque setting. The Murray River and historic paddle steamers passing by create the ultimate backdrop for a wedding and the perfect location for your guests to unwind and enjoy your special day.

We have a blank canvas to transform your day into the wedding of your dreams, be it under the stars or an elegant silk-lined marquee, the choices are limitless.

We can organize all aspects of your special day and the days surrounding. From a welcoming BBQ with your guests, to brunch to bid farewell. Offering personalized packages tailored to meet your every need, we will assist in the planning and coordination to deliver a wedding experience of unforgettable proportions.

Your guests can relax in our luxury4-star accommodation and enjoy a relaxing weekend escape, with all the facilities your weekend wedding experience is complete at Tindarra.

Our events co-ordinator can assist you in selecting suppliers that will best suit your needs and budget.

Ballarat Provedore

Ballarat Provedore promises to bring your wedding dreams to life and create lifelong memories within their walls. Providing rustic charm (and delicious woodfire pizzas!), this venue offers two function spaces to choose from: the newly renovated function space ‘The Gallery’ or the ‘Provedore’ restaurant. And, with the ability to tailor packages to suit your every wedding want and need, there’s something for weddings of all shapes, sizes, and budgets at Ballarat Provedore. Check out their storefront and get in contact with their experienced function team today!

The Grand Majestic

The Grand Majestic in Ballarat is a gateway to grandness, elegance and beauty. From the moment you and your guests step through our doors, you will truly experience something very special.

This iconic Ballarat Grand Majestic building, proudly built over 130 Years ago, setting the tone in 1889, of wealth and exclusivity is true as it sounds, both grand and majestic.

Situated back from the roadside, allowing true vision to the admirer, The Grand Majestic overlooks an iconic tree-lined streetscape, which is truly unique to Ballarat’s history. As a provincial city built and founded upon the gold rush era, The Grand Majestic is unlike any other function venue.

Our venue offers three stunning rooms; The Ballroom, The Chapel and The Bar And Lounge – uniquely their own, yet equally complementing one another encompassing the richness of a bygone era.

Each room is classic, stylish, yet relaxed making it the perfect space to host a number of boutique events.

Contact us today to start planning your grand event!

Silks Function Centre

Have your exclusive, private wedding at SILKS Functions! A unique indoor and outdoor venue space at the Bendigo Racecourse, just minutes away from the CBD!

A beautiful location at Bendigo Racecourse with picturesque views, sumptuous catering, design ideas and guidance from event planning experts – this is what will help make your special day a day that guests will look back upon fondly.

SILKS Functions, with its very flexible layout, means it can be used in a variety of ways depending on the size and requirements of your wedding. From the ceremony to reception, SILKS offers extensive hospitality packages.

• A variety of function rooms, floor plans and areas to choose from
• A seated indoor venue, the largest room hosts 230. For standing events, this is raised to 350
• The outdoor flexible space can host up to 15,000
• Offers an event planner and event management services to assist your special event

The friendly and professional staff with their attention to detail and their over and above attitude ensures your function runs smoothly and stress-free.

Bellinzona Resort and Spa

Featuring established gardens, antique fountains, plenty of photography opportunities and accommodation on-site, historic boutique hotel Bellinzona Resort and Spa caters for weddings from start to finish.

**Friday and Sunday Weddings now available**

Located in the heart of Australia’s Premier Spa country, this historic boutique hotel sits proudly in the beautiful town of Hepburn Springs. Grange Bellinzona blends old world charm, Edwardian style elegance with all the luxury appointments and facilities ideal for any style Wedding. Our gorgeous established gardens and antique fountains, with the backdrop of the Wombat State Forest, is the centrepiece for your Fairytale Wedding. With an array of timeless and elegant indoor and outdoor choices for your ceremony and dining, from a laid back garden Wedding to a more formal affair, Grange Bellinzona can create a bespoke package which can help bring your ideas to life.

The venue has 43 en-suite bedrooms from standard to luxurious spa suite and family rooms. With six self-contained two-bedroom cottages, allowing bridal parties the privacy and relaxation to prepare for their special. Our accommodation is also available for your guests to extend their stay and explore this unique region, located just an hour from

Melbourne.

For guests who love food and wine, we have our very own Cellar Door, Bar and Restaurant offering a range of dining options indoor or on our panoramic decking from light lunches, Heritage Teas to Classic Italian cuisine at dinner. Our onsite facilities are designed to create a sense of relaxation for our guests, enjoy the indoor heated pool, sauna, spa and an in-house massage. Your dedicated Wedding Manager will work with you to ensure your day is one you remember forever.

Hydrant Food Hall

Hydrant Food Hall, located in Ballarat Central, is a renovated heritage warehouse.

Situated down a laneway, the warehouse instils a sense of ‘hip and funk’ in being Central but hidden.

The venue has an industrial aesthetic feel, creating a warm and character-filled environment.

It is a versatile and open space perfect for hosting any type of event from a private dinner to a birthday celebration to an engagement party or wedding.

We would love to hear from you!

Bridgeward Grove Olives and Art Farm Gate

Bridgeward Grove Olives & Art is a unique wedding space that offers an individual country setting.

We cater to your needs, offering you and your guests an amazing experience and truly a day to remember. We welcome you and your family to our farm to view the boutique function room.

We cater for 100 guests Max and create an intimate day for our wedding parties.

There are a number of other areas on the farm that are suitable settings for an outdoor wedding ceremony including our peaceful olive grove and the Campaspe River, not far away.

The farm also lends itself to beautiful wedding photography, with its country gardens, grove, a rural landscape and historic farm buildings as your backdrop – all this makes Bridgeward Olives & Art a superb location.

Please contact us to arrange an appointment and for venue pricing.

Mount Mitchell

Situated within the Pyrenees wine region, Mount Mitchell is a stunning wedding venue like no other!

Mount Mitchell is a stunning historic homestead located within the world-renowned Pyrenees wine region of Victoria. It’s beautiful gardens and significant homestead and outbuildings, provide many magnificent settings for exclusive events. This Pyrenees wedding venue provides you with backdrops including the surrounding mountains and their very own lake.

This perfect event location is only two hours from Melbourne, less than 60 km out of Ballarat and just a short drive from nearby Avoca.

•With beautiful gardens and surrounding grounds for that picture-perfect wedding
•Accommodation is also available for guests to immerse themselves in the Australian farm experience.
•A luxury Australian bush retreat with 200 acres to explore
•Professional event managers will help you plan your perfect wedding

Outdoor wedding venues and garden wedding venues are rarely as beautiful as at Mount Mitchell. Contact us for all enquiries and bookings!

Providence Gully

Providence Gully is located in the heart of the Historic Goldfields Region of Central Victoria.

Nestled in a quiet copse of native gums, Providence Gully Venue is a carefully cultivated oasis for special occasions. The owners have reinvigorated the settler’s cottage, rustic barn and surrounding orchards with a careful eye to bring warmth and charm to this country property.

The property, with its historic barn, was established in 1858 at the junction of Green Gully and Providence Gully Creeks. The Barn is situated on a tranquil 40 acre, covenant protected bushland and is ideal for your wedding.

In the evening the barns’ enchanting atmosphere sets the mood and by day is washed in sunlight through the French doors that open to a vine-covered terrace.

Providence Gully is the perfect location for your wedding.

Sovereign Hill Weddings

Sovereign Hill seamlessly combines the charm of yesteryear with the sophistication of a modern wedding.

Your guests will be captivated by the stunning backdrop of this unique 1850’s Museum and delighted by the charm of our costumed hosts and wait staff. This distinctive experience matched with our exceptional menus, exclusive photo opportunities and convenient onsite accommodation is sure to make any wedding an enjoyable and memorable occasion.

Our dedicated and experienced wedding team will guide you through the planning process and ensure that your special day becomes a treasured memory.

Pipers by the Lake

If you’re looking for the perfect wedding venue for one of the most special days of your life, then look no further.

Situated on the edge of Lake Wendouree and the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, Pipers by the Lake will help make your wedding day, beautiful, memorable and stress-free.

Housey Housey @ The Forge

Housey Housey @ The Forge is the perfect venue for a special event. It’s spacious, contemporary and right in the heart of Ballarat. In keeping with the rustic, authentic feel of The Forge Pizzeria restaurants, the timeless layout, high ceilings, exposed brick and warehouse-style allow for incredible events of all sizes. We host weddings, corporate functions, parties, celebrations and special events including markets and exhibitions. Events held in Housey Housey are catered for by talented chefs in The Forge Pizzeria kitchen and wood-fired ovens next door. Our food, beer and wine packages are expertly sourced by our Head Chefs and have a distinctly local and regional focus.

Ballarat Golf Club

At The Ballarat Golf Club, we believe your wedding day is the most memorable and romantic of your life and pride ourselves on making your special day stress free as well as beautiful.

Allow us to provide a stunning venue for your special day. With panoramic views of our award-winning golf course, ideal for your memorable photos, we have the ideal setting for your wedding reception. We will assist in all aspects of your day, and from menu selection to the fold of your serviettes, our friendly staff will be on hand. We believe we can cater to your every need, including meals, drinks and entertainment.

Remember, we are not only here to help, but we also want to help, so let us make your wedding day the one you always dreamed of.

Ballarat Yacht Club

We pride ourselves on the versatility of our events spaces at The Yacht Club; the possibilities are endless in this dynamic venue. Business or pleasure, we can host your event in one of our private rooms or you may choose to utilise the venue exclusively for your guests.

The most impressive location on Lake Wendouree for a party or conference, fabulous service, catering and beverage options along with reliable, up-to-date A/V, sound equipment and disability access.

Choose The Yacht Club to host your upcoming work or social event!

George Ballarat

Located in Ballarat’s CBD, The George Hotel Ballarat Accommodation is situated on the towns most historic streetscape Lydiard Street North.

The hotel is within meters of Her Majesty’s Theatre, the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery, the Regent Multiplex Movie Theatre, the Ballarat Visitor Information Centre as well as cafes, restaurants, city shopping and public transport.

Willow & Stone Estate

Willow & Stone Estate is a new and exclusive wedding and special event venue, central to Ballarat, Victoria. Extreme privacy, beauty and location make Willow & Stone a stylish but relaxed venue for your very special event. The exclusivity of this property remains intact because we limit the number of weddings and events we offer each year. We recommend you view the property to experience just how special and unique it is. Contact us today to book a private tour.

Harcourt Valley Vineyard

Harcourt Valley Vineyard is Bendigo’s most awarded winery with our vineyard and winery views, perfect for weddings.

Harcourt Valley Vineyards is a charming venue set in the vines in Harcourt, 30 minutes from Bendigo and 90 minutes north of Melbourne. Boasting beautiful scenery, it’s the perfect place to host your wedding.

Harcourt Valley Vineyard is Bendigo’s most awarded winery, with over 500 medals and 35 trophies. It is the oldest vineyard in the local Shire, producing some of the region’s best wines and currently rated as a 5-star winery by James Halliday.

We offer an extensive range of local wines including Riesling, Chardonnay, Rose, GSM, Malbec, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Surrounded by gum trees and vineyards, it is the perfect location for a picturesque wedding in the vines.

Orchards at Spring Vale Farm

Located just outside of Ballarat at the gateway to the Pyrenees & Grampians wine districts, at Orchards at Spring Vale Farm you get a unique venue to make your day special!

Just 1.5 away from Melbourne, Orchards at Spring Vale is a magnificent bluestone homestead surrounded by fabulous gardens with various garden rooms, a large spring-fed dam and 1000 picturesque apple tree orchards, producing award-winning apple cider.

There are a number of stunning locations on the property to hold your ceremony. Set against the gardens, orchards and the beauty of the original 1860s blue stone homestead, the grounds provide exceptional locations for positioning your marquee. The beautiful locations are ideal to host a formal wedding or a more intimate, relaxed gathering. You are only limited by your imagination.

• With a dedicated team to help you design a unique and memorable celebration
• A choice of packages to cover Ceremony, Reception, Photos and Accommodation
• Exclusive and private use of the property

The homestead offers a fairy-tale setting for your intimate winter wedding.
Special winter packages are available

Scrub Hill

Celebrate in our restored former 19th century Bluestone Country Church and lawns.

The moment you arrive at Scrub Hill 1869, an unforgettable experience awaits you.

Spectacular weddings, hip parties, corporate collectives, beautiful funerals and creative workshops are all reasons to gather in our divinely charming spaces.
We offer exclusive access to the entire property to personalise the flexible spaces in your own style, for the perfect country wedding or celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Reception

What happens on a wedding reception?

The Arrival of the Newlyweds. Once the bride and groom are finished with their photos, they enter the reception venue where they are greeted by either a song of their choice or “Congratulations.” In most cases, once the bride, groom, and wedding party proceed to their seats, the bar is opened and starters are served.

While there are no set rules or procedures for wedding receptions, many do follow a traditional formula. If you’ve been invited to a wedding but don’t know what to expect from the reception, check out this overview of what is likely to happen at a “typical” wedding reception. Even if the event you are attending is informal or avant-garde, chances are at least some of the following components will be involved.

What is the difference between wedding and reception?

The biggest difference between the wedding ceremony and wedding reception is the purpose of each event. The wedding ceremony’s purpose is to officially and legally marry the couple. The wedding reception, on the other hand, is the party hosted to celebrate the couple’s marriage.

Before we dive into the differences between a wedding reception and a wedding ceremony, keep in mind that this is what’s traditionally done. Some couples may opt to ditch tradition and do things their own way. (For instance, a modern elopement may skip the wedding reception altogether and focus just on an intimate ceremony.) There’s no right or wrong here. Do what feels right for you and your partner on your big day. Below, we’ll break down the various elements that make each event distinct.

What should a wedding reception have?

Wedding Reception Checklist: Things to Do

• First Things First. Pick the wedding date. 
• Wedding Venue. Book and reserve a reception venue. 
• Plan Your Wedding Reception Food and Beverages. Hire a caterer if needed. 
• Wedding Cake. Hire a wedding cake vendor. 
• Wedding Reception Music. 
• Flowers. 
• Photography and Videography. 
• Rentals.

Is wedding reception a ceremony?

The reception ceremony is celebrated just after the main wedding day. It is the first public appearance of the newlywed couple after their marriage. The reception is usually organized by the family of the groom and is a sort of a grand party.

This is a celebration time for both the families as they rejoice over their new accord. The reception ceremony also serves as an opportunity for the bride to know the acquaintances and associates of the groom’s family. This is the time when the bride finally represents herself as an important member of her new family. Reception ceremonies are therefore arranged from the groom’s side to make the world know that they have a new member and they celebrate her arrival. It is an extension of the marriage celebrations.

Is wedding reception necessary?

Think of reception, including food, music and entertainment, as an after-party. Once you leave your ceremony, you are legally married. Because of this, there are no laws regarding what you can and cannot include. As a result, you certainly can skip out on the reception altogether. 

Your typical wedding reception runs about 4-5 hours-plenty of time for cocktails, dinner, toasts and, of course, dancing! Follow this foolproof wedding reception timeline to ensure a smooth, fun-filled evening of celebration for you and your guests.