Adults only wedding invitation wording guide
How to kindly communicate a child-free celebration
Deciding to host an adults-only wedding is a personal choice and one that’s more common than ever. Whether it’s about creating a relaxed atmosphere, managing your budget, or respecting venue limitations, clearly communicating this detail helps avoid confusion and keeps your celebration running smoothly. The right wording strikes a balance: it sets expectations without sounding demanding and feels aligned with your wedding tone. Here we’ve broken down a range of child-free wedding invitation wording ideas to suit different levels of formality and space.
Short & sweet adults only wording ideas
“Adults Only Reception”
A clear and simple option that gets the message across without fuss.
“Please join us for an adult reception”
A gentle, formal way to inform guests that children are not included in the evening celebration.
“Please note this will be an adults-only celebration”
Slightly more personal, ideal for couples looking to maintain warmth in tone.
“Adult (18 and older) reception to follow”
Direct and helpful for guests unsure of age cutoffs.
“Children over 16 years of age only”
A clear specification if you’re including older teens but not younger children.
“We respectfully request no children under 16 at the reception”
A polite, respectful way to set boundaries while acknowledging the sensitivity.
“Although we love your little ones, this is an adult-only affair”
Friendly and affectionate, ideal for casual or rustic celebrations.
“Due to limited venue space, adults only please”
Practical and appropriate when logistics are the reason for the decision.
More detailed adults only wedding wording
“The bride and groom request that this be an adults-only reception”
A simple, formal statement that comes directly from you as a couple.
“Please celebrate with us at an adults-only reception immediately following the ceremony”
Provides a timeline while making your wishes clear.
“Due to space or budget limitations, we are unable to extend the invitation to children”
Honest and respectful, especially helpful when guests know you have limited capacity.
“Although we love your children, we regretfully cannot accommodate them at the venue due to restricted numbers”
Keeps the tone warm while reinforcing practical considerations.
“To allow all wedding guests, including parents, a night of relaxation, we respectfully ask that no children attend the reception”
Empathetic and considerate—perfect for weddings aiming to give everyone a chance to unwind.
“We hope you will understand our decision to make the wedding children-free, and take the opportunity to let your hair down and celebrate”
Inviting and celebratory, this wording fits modern or fun, relaxed weddings.
“Unfortunately due to space limitations, we are having an adults-only reception. The only children attending are those who are part of our wedding party.”
Clearly outlines your policy with exceptions, helping avoid confusion.