Is a 1pm ceremony too early?

A 1 PM ceremony is a very common and practical start time. It allows you to hold a proper wedding breakfast, usually around 3 PM, followed by speeches, cake cutting, and then an evening party from about 7 PM. This gives you a long, unhurried day without feeling rushed.

For guests, a 1 PM start is easy to plan around. They can travel in the morning, enjoy the ceremony, and still be home by a reasonable hour if they need to leave before the evening reception. It also works well for families with young children who may not cope with a late night.

You will need to give notice at least 28 days before the ceremony, and your ceremony must happen within 12 months of giving notice. If you are marrying in a church, check banns or licence requirements. For a civil ceremony, remember that no religious content is allowed. You can still have poems and non-religious readings if the registrar agrees.

One thing to watch is the gap between the ceremony and the meal. Keep it short, ideally under an hour, so guests are not hungry or bored. Plan your photos during the drinks reception to use the time well. A 1 PM start is a safe, friendly choice that most guests will appreciate.