I was married three weeks after asking her father. It was a big culmination. Not that expensive because the family pitched in for food and her brother acted as DJ. I attended church then, which made that easier.
Alternative locations - outdoors. I have a park nearby w/a gazebo. That puppy seems to busy every week. Since it's a city park, I'd guess you contact the city. No preacher, no problem. Find a justice of the peace. My father used to do that, and since he was so happy to be asked, he didn't charge most people (exception).

6 weeks from the time I whined til the wedding day. Got married and had the reception in a hotel...very nicely done-105 guests. I don't see why people take so long to plan weddings-it's just added stress-you'll have enough of that AFTER the party's over....good luck!!

We took roughly 4 months to plan the wedding. Started right after I asked her and were married 4 months later, almost to the day. Our pre-marriage counseling recommended long dating relationships with short engagements (6-months was considered the top end as far as length goes).