Elopement and reception later? Yay or Nay

Hello all we are getting married on May 15 2021 on the beach in NJ . I know this may come a little early, but being that our guest list is so small around 20 people. We are figuring due to COVID restrictions in NJ that eloping and having the reception at a later date in the year would be a good idea. Most of our guests is acquaintances and a few friends not too much of family on either side (whole another topic ). Both my parents are deceased and he only has his mother but she is in Wisconsin. Don't know if she would be able to fly in. I was discussing with my FH to either elope and party later on in the year, or invite everyone and just have a nice site down dinner at a decent restaurant. Any ideas? I know it can sound disappointing to plan a wedding with big hopes but with a small reality. Overall I am excited for our big day we already rescheduled from last July. This time we are going for it!!!! Just asking for some feedback. Thanks.