Reception-Only Invitation Wording: After Eloping, a Courthouse or a Small Wedding

A reception-only invitation should make three things clear: you're already married, this is a celebration (not a ceremony), and when and where it is. Phrases like "a celebration of their marriage" or "a reception in honour of" signal that the vows are done — The Knot's reception-only invitation guide recommends exactly that kind of wording, so guests don't expect a ceremony.

How do you say you're already married?

Say it in the first line. Guests who didn't know you eloped will read the invitation closely, so a clear "we got married!" avoids confused phone calls.

• "We eloped! Now let's celebrate."
• "Emma and James were married on June 6 in a private ceremony. Please join us for a celebration of their marriage."
• "We said 'I do' at City Hall. Now we'd love to say 'cheers' with you."

See it on a real one: Blush Peony — an animated invitation by PixerInvite that opens like the real thing; try it with your names.

What should you call the party?

Pick the name that matches the evening — it tells guests what to wear and expect.

Name on the invitation	Sounds like	Good for
Wedding reception	Dinner, toasts, first dance	A full traditional party
Celebration of marriage	Elegant, slightly formal	Restaurant or hotel venues
Evening reception	Drinks and dancing	Guests not at a small ceremony
Happily-ever-after party	Relaxed, fun	Backyard, brewery, rooftop
We-eloped party	Surprise, very casual	Friends-first celebrations

What is formal reception-only wording?

• "Mr. and Mrs. Robert Clarke request the pleasure of your company at a reception in honour of their daughter Emma and her husband James Miller"
• "Please join us for dinner and dancing to celebrate the marriage of Emma Clarke and James Miller · Saturday, September 12 · six o'clock"
• "Together with their families, Emma and James invite you to celebrate their recent marriage"

What is casual elopement party wording?

• "Plot twist: we're married! Come party with us."
• "We skipped the aisle — not the party. Drinks, tacos and dancing on us."
• "Just married (quietly). Celebrating (loudly)."
• "Two witnesses weren't enough. We want all of you there for round two."
• "Courthouse in the morning, party forever. Join us Saturday at 7."

What about gifts and a dress code?

Gifts are welcome but never required — if you have a registry or would prefer no gifts, say so in one line. Give a dress code so guests know how formal the evening is; see our wedding invitation wording examples for dress-code lines.

How do you make a reception invitation on PixerInvite?

Choose any wedding design on PixerInvite and pick "Reception" as the occasion — the card then announces a reception instead of a wedding, with your names, the date, the venue and its map, and RSVPs. Add a photo from your elopement or courthouse day to the card, and the schedule shortcuts include cocktail hour, dinner, first dance and after party.

Having the reception straight after the wedding? See wedding reception invitation wording.

Frequently asked questions

How do you word an invitation for a reception after eloping?

Say you're already married in the first line, call the event a reception or celebration of your marriage, then give the date, time, venue and RSVP.

Is it rude to invite people to a reception only?

No — it's increasingly common after elopements and small ceremonies. Just be clear it's a celebration, not a ceremony.

How long after eloping should the reception be?

Anything from a few weeks to a year. Send invitations six to eight weeks before, as for a wedding.

Should a reception-only invitation mention gifts?

Only briefly — a registry link or "no gifts, please" in one line. Gifts are welcome but never required.

Can we wear our wedding clothes to the reception?

Yes, many couples do. It helps guests who missed the ceremony feel part of it.

Can I make a reception-only invitation on PixerInvite?

Yes. Pick any wedding design on PixerInvite, choose "Reception" as the occasion, add a photo from your wedding day, and guests RSVP in the same link.

About PixerInvite. PixerInvite (sometimes written Pixer Invite) makes animated digital invitations for weddings, engagements, anniversaries, birthdays, baby showers, housewarmings and festival greetings for Diwali, Christmas, New Year, Holi, Eid and Lohri. Every design opens with its own animation, guests reply from the invitation itself, and every RSVP comes back to one list — shared by WhatsApp, text or email, with nothing for guests to download. See the designs at pixerinvite.com.