No.

I’d do the opposite. Skip the ceremony and go to the reception.

It's fine but it's sort of odd without a specific reason like the numerous reasons cited by PPs).

I did this once with an acquaintance-ish friend. I wanted to show my support but had a new baby at home and didn't want to take up a seat at a party where I would only know a few people.

I also had a coworker do this for me and frankly I appreciated it because we weren't close but I didn't want to leave one person off the invitation just out of our office group of six people. They avoid almost all social interaction outside of work so I thought it was sweet they came at all but was glad to not pay for a meal when they were unlikely to stay for more than a brief cameo.

Anonymous wrote:Saves the couple a lot of cash so they probably won't mind.

I have had a couple do this once who had another wedding to attend that day.

+1 I did that once when I had 2 saturday weddings. I still sent a nice gift, so I assume no one cared.

Well they gave drive time but if you can't spare time for the reception and commute sounds like you live near the wedding site well just let them know.

Yes, the wedding is more important.

Most weddings I've been to didn't even request an RSVP for the ceremony, only the reception for headcount/seat/dinner purposes.

Anonymous wrote:It's fine. I think they will appreciate that you want to be there to witness them getting married even if you can't celebrate after

They likely don’t care either way. They’ll just be glad for the gift.

It's fine. I think they will appreciate that you want to be there to witness them getting married even if you can't celebrate after

Yes but let the couple know. I had a few people do this to me and never informed me they wouldn't be at my reception (their reason was that they live 4 hours away and wanted to go home and not get a hotel). It made it awkward for the people at their table that half the people were not there.

I think it's fine, but I also think you'll be missing out!

Of course

Saves the couple a lot of cash so they probably won't mind.

I have had a couple do this once who had another wedding to attend that day.

There's an hour or so between wedding and the reception and the reception is about 45 minutes away from the ceremony site.