How far is too far to drive on wedding day?

[Spottydotdotty]

My partner and I are getting married in July. We only booked it a week ago and we're having a very low key day. Max of 30 people, very close friends and parents only, at the registry office in the morning then we want lunch with everyone afterwards (PIL are paying). That's it, no evening reception or anything.

We've provisionally booked a private space for lunch in a really nice pub we like out of the city but it's a 30 min drive from the registry office to the pub. DM thinks it's too far to ask everyone to drive to, is she right?

No i dont think 30 minutes is too far to drive, especially as theres no late night finish, sounds like it will be a lovely day.

No that sounds fine. Just make sure theres lots of parking near both venues. People like a bit of time to unwind.

I've driven an hour from a church to a hotel on a wedding day more than once so 30 minutes doesn't seem so bad to me.
If it's only 30 people is she thinking of herself/someone in particular for whom 30 minutes away from the registry office is 1hr 30 from home?

I think it's fine but I'd look into a coach so people can have a glass of wine and not worry about driving

Given the number of people who seem to expect people to go half way round the world for a wedding: no 30 minutes drive post ceremony to a nice pub is completely fine OP. Sounds lovely and relaxed. Congrats and have a great day.

No it’s not

Well you know your guests....are they drivers? Is getting there likely to be an issue? If you want a boozy lunch then that isn't going to happen. If that's nor your thing then fine. Your day, your choice. Wouldn't bother me if there was no travel to the registry office. Probably wouldn't be ideal if I have to drive 1.5 hours to registry and then another 30 mins to restaurant.....but that's only my preference.

YANBU

30 mins between venues is fine if there is adequate parking. I’d also try and help connect peeps so they can car pool which at your wedding size is east via what’s app

Also It’s called Uber…

What are taxis and public transport like? Many people do like a glass of something to toast a newly wed couple.

Is there accommodation near the pub? Feasible in a taxi? I'd probably want a drink.

Thanks everyone! It won't be that boozy, everyone has young children who are also invited and the one couple who don't aren't big drinkers anyway. The pub has lots of free parking but that's a good point about sharing the driving, I'll think about that a bit more.

I think there's a small possibility DM was hoping she'd have more say in where we went. She's bombarded me with loads of restaurants but they're either not available on that day, can't seat enough people or are just not our thing. I think she might be a bit annoyed that we booked something without discussing it with her first... But maybe I'm just paranoid!

There is a train station nearby and it's definitely feasible in a taxi... I'll have to check about hotels though. This is part of the reason it's taken us 12 years, 3 children and 2 mortgages to get married- the stress of organising!!!

@Spottydotdotty

There is a train station nearby and it's definitely feasible in a taxi... I'll have to check about hotels though. This is part of the reason it's taken us 12 years, 3 children and 2 mortgages to get married- the stress of organising!!!

No. You do not have to check about hotels. If guests don't want to drive 30 minutes (completely reasonable) then they can find out where local hotels or B&Bs will be. 99% of people have the internet, even if its just at work, so it's not exactly difficult for people to research for themselves if needed.

You've put this off for long enough so don't let entirely reasonable decisions create unnecessary stress for you. Enjoy your day and make sure you remember it xx

Sounds fine to me
Don't worry about it, everyone can sort themselves out if they want to stay over or drink