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We got married at the courthourse, in a judge's chamber decorated with pictures the judge's twin five-year-olds had drawn. The judge was in a great mood, because it was the end of the week and the last thing he had to do before going home was fun.
That's probably a little spartan for you. But I've seen a number of weddings done inexpensively that'll probably be remembered fondly by the principals:
One was in a rented space in a public park; it was an old restored schoolhouse, very romantic and churchlike. The surroundings were pleasant. When the wedding was over, everybody pitched in and set up the hall for the reception, which was mainly cooked by friends. I think the reason that one shines is because _everybody_ who came helped out, and helped make the wedding happen. I mean, did their friends and family demonstrate that they loved them, or what?
Beaches are good _as long as it's a short ceremony and not too windy._ I saw a 20-mile wind blow up behind the bride once: she looked like a ship under full sail! They can be very romantic, and park authorities are usually pretty cool about it as long as you don't try to have loud music or anything. Then you can have the reception wherever.
House receptions are good, and frankly I'd invite people you know to cook. Also frankly: there's nothing wrong with a champagne and cake reception. You don't _have_ to serve them dinner. One thing that can work. If this is a gathering of the clans, make it an all-day affair: have the wedding in the afternoon, have a cake and champagne reception after, then repair to somone's house for informal no-nonsense eats -- a barbecue, maybe -- and a good old fashioned get-together.
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