Ceremony Only Wedding / How soon after the ceremony should guests leave??

I have to admit how shocked I am by everyone insisting how offended they would be. And insisting its violating etiquette. I saw photos from a wedding where NO ONE was at the ceremony except the bride groom and officiant. It was soooo sad. I think its amazing you are doing what you can do and the people who love you and should be at the wedding will understand and those who would be offended maybe will be a blessing to know you may not need that negativity in your life. It's as if everyone has forgotten that it is an honor to be invited to a wedding. It's a sacred day that you are sharing with friends and family. Not the other way around. . There should be no social obligation to provide anything to them for coming. They are NOT PAYING for the wedding, it's not a concert where they purchased admission and expect a certain event ! THE wedding in whatever fashion you have is their reward for being a part of your life and personally why would you want people like that at your wedding or in your life anyway....don't let anyone make you feel bad about a ceremony only or that you need to provide treats. I would suggest deciding how you want the event to go beforehand, and making it known via website, text written schedule or announcement at event ect. Also if you didn't already let them know its ceremony only . I agree with others that in this situation instead of going straight to photos away from everyone maybe you could stand in the isle and do a photo will all the guests or go right into a full guest photo.. I thought that was a great idea but logistically if not done right away could eat up a lot of time.. i'd talk to you photographer to see what they think before committing to that if on a tight schedule.. I do agree spending 15-30 minute greeting. Your guests and thanking them for coming is important.. I would also save my greetings to those who are not staying for photos or going to the after dinner. The close family friends you should be close enough with to clue them in to hang back during the greetings ect. This also gives the photographer an opportunity for can candid shots if you don't receiving line. And receiving line almost forces all guests into the line and is very inpersonal in my opinion. If you only have to greet 5-10 couples families spend a few minutes with each taking the time to make them feel special and then move on. If you and your spouse are poor at keeping on task then have the coordinator or photographer prepared to nudge you along after a few minutes if you get someone who isn't taking the hint. Good luck and remember if you spliced you list down, you probably narrowed it down to people you love and who truly love you so they will be so excited and feel blessed just to be a part of your beautiful day!

View Quoted Comment Thank you so much for this!!

View Quoted Comment My thoughts exactly... thanks a bunch, really appreciate it