Ceremony start times - what’s best for the flow?

I think 3pm is a great time! My husband and I had our ceremony at 330pm

We are getting married on a Friday and chose a 4pm start time. One thing I would keep in mind is if you want photos taken outside it gets darker earlier.

3pm is the perfect time. Give you guys time to prep and relax, guest don't have to wait so long between ceremony and reception.

You probably prefer 3pm in hopes you can have an outdoor ceremony but unless your reception starts fairly early (6pm dinner), that's a lot of time for people to kill. Them being an hour away from home makes it highly unlikely that they'll leave and come back. And while some will stay the night, quite a few people likely won't.

I would personally do 5pm. I just wouldn't bank on Oct 19 having ideal weather for an outdoor ceremony. Just plan it for inside so you don't have to stress watching the weather reports days leading up to the big event. Even if it doesn't rain, it'll be cold and for seniors/kids, that's just a miserable time for when it's supposed to be a happy celebratory day.

Personally, I would do 3 pm.

It gives enough time in the morning for Bride and Groom with wedding parties to get ready. Followed by family photos and first look photos in the afternoon sun. Ceremony starts at 3 pm, after that you start the wedding party photos, which gives the guest time to check in and relax.

Have your cocktail hour around 4:30 to 5:30 pm (when you are doing your photos with the groom). Every one move to the reception location and then do your grand entrance around 5:45 pm, dinner ready for 6 pm and the rest of the events follow.

Hmmm... kind of a tough one. I feel like I'd be more inclined to do the 3pm because honestly, the day flies by and it already feels like there is not enough time so with 5pm, you may feel rushed. Is it a smaller party or larger guest list? I think it's sweet of you to be thinking about guests not being able to check in in time but honestly I don't think it's a huge deal. As a guest I would either stay over the night before or maybe cause it is only an hour away, just get ready at home and come ready - an hour is not too far to go for a wedding. Also if you have your ceremony at 3pm, what if you do dinner at like 6/6:30pm, with cocktail hour 5-6pm, that way everyone can maybe head back to hotel (if they want to check in at 4pm, after ceremony, but still head back and make it time for cocktail hour) - is this an option? Also, 3pm you still might be able to catch some sun for outdoor ceremony in October like you said which I know we cannot predict the weather but chances are higher and I think would be nicer.