Couple divide the Internet after planning a 5.30am sunrise wedding ceremony

A couple's plan to hold a sunrise beach wedding ceremony at 5.30am has divided their friends and family.

There’s a lot to consider when planning a wedding, including the time of day you’d like to say ‘I do’.

While most couples opt for an late morning or afternoon ceremony, one couple have upset some of their guests by asking them to arrive for a 5.30am kick-off.

Having received a mixed response from attendees, the soon-to-be-weds headed online to ask if they were being unreasonable in their request for a sunrise ceremony.

In a post on Reddit the couple explain that the sunrise is a significant time of day for them and every year they celebrate their anniversary by waking up early and going to the beach to watch the sunset together.

“It's a very special tradition, as we have both overcome a number of personal challenges during our time together, and the symbolism of watching a new day begin is deeply meaningful for us,” the post reads.

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The tradition means so much to the couple, they had decided to incorporate it into their wedding by having an early morning beach ceremony followed by Mimosas and Bloody Marys.

However, the idea hasn’t gone down well with all their guests.

While most guests were local, some would need to drive for an hour to get to the early morning wedding ceremony and others were flying in from Canada, the man said.

“We've been getting a LOT of backlash from our families about this, who say this is way too early and we need to move the ceremony to a more ‘normal’ time of day,” the post continues.

But the couple don’t think they’re being unreasonable in their request for an early wedding.

Since sharing their timing dilemma, the post has received thousands of comments from users with many divided about whether it was fair to expect guests to come to a dawn wedding.

Many of the comments suggested some sort of compromise, where the couple have a private ceremony at 5.30am followed by a second ceremony at a later time for guests.

“A good solution is to have a private ceremony with you and your fiancé at 5:30, and then have a second ceremony at a more reasonable time for the guests,” one user wrote.

“I would just do the ceremony in the morning like you plan, if people show up they show up, and then have the reception at a normal time so that way everyone else who doesn’t show up can go to reception,” another user suggested.

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Some were less than enthusiastic about the idea of a sunrise wedding.

“I wouldn’t attend this wedding, that’s a crazy time, however, it’s your wedding, so do you. Just be aware there may be low attendance,” one user wrote.

While others pointed out the hassle for businesses involved in the early morning wedding plans, such as the hairdresser and makeup artist.

But many thought the couple should do what they want for their special day, regardless of whether guests were happy.

“This is your day with your fiancé,” one wrote. “Do what makes you happy. If friends and family can’t be inconvenienced to be there early to share this moment with you, then so be it.”

“Ultimately the wedding is for you two, not everyone else. I think it's a beautiful idea and congratulations!” another agreed.

“Too often I have seen the bride and groom burn out accommodating their guests,” a third user commented. “Enjoy your personal, and meaningful sunrise. Let everyone else enjoy your union at their leisure. Or not.”

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If the couple do go ahead with their dawn ceremony, they wouldn’t be the first to get wed at that time of day.

Earlier this year a photographer shared images of a couple’s beautiful sunrise wedding complete with 34 bridesmaids.

The bride found it so tricky to narrow down her bridesmaids, she decided to invite all her friends to be part of the bridal party.