Church or No Church Ceremony

FH and I are both not religious now (he grew up a practicing Catholic, while I grew up a non-practicing one), so we’re having our ceremony outdoors at a nearby art gallery, taking our pictures there, then moving to the reception. You could easily do the same thing lol.

That’s what cocktail hour is for. You want to step away from the party and all he guests to have your couples photos and family photos done. Otherwise guests stick around, watch, take their own photos, and just get in the way or become a distraction.

1. You could do a first look and get all the photos done before the ceremony.

2. Have an extended cocktail hour with some light snacks and drinks for the guests. If it’s not too out of the way most guests appreciate a bit of time to freshen up.

3. Have a shorter break between the two. Take as many photos as you can before the ceremony that will not require both you and you FH. We are doing this one so it should save us a lot of time.

Our ceremony and reception were in one location. There was a location right across the street for pictures. A lot of our guests went home/to their hotel in between or to the nearby cafe. There was about two and a half hours in between. I was one of the last of my friends and family to get married and this is how most of them have been: no first look, 2-3 hours in between, and guests would leave the location during that time.

Get a prayer in your non religious wedding. It can work for you both.

So. Both my fh and I grew up going to church. Him Presbyterian. Me 1/2 protestant. 1/2 catholic. Neither of us are practicing. And he both dont follow organized religion.
If i had a strong desire to get married in a church. I would have pushed for catholic (which would have just pissed of my FMIL). But i have never wanted a church ceremony.
So we ended up finding a unique space for the ceremony thats different than reception (so 3 hours in between each).
We are getting married in an old court house built in 1855. Its beautiful. And the hall has an outdoor garden for photos.

Look into art galleries or city spaces or gardens.