If my in laws had made that offer, I so would have taken it. We paid for our own wedding, which is why we went so cheap.
Go to VEGAS go to one of the Chapel's that your family can watch from home via the internet. They can see it live as it happens then you can have your Honeymoon.
Don't listen to the elope thing unless you and her want to do that. It's y'all's wedding, so do what y'all want.
We spent a total of $4000 including the dress, and rings.
IIRC: Rings were about $1600
Dress, about $600
photography about $400
We did it at our church, so it didn't cost us anything
And my wife couldn't have been happier with the results. Obviously there was some nickel and dining that made up another grand, but we came out for under 4k.
Now, an interesting tid-bit we learned on our honeymoon to the city is that you can actually reserve the state capital building for a wedding FREE OF CHARGE. I don't know if you have ever been to the capital, but its pretty nice really. Obviously you have to call ahead, and it can probably only be on a Saturday or Sunday, but hey, where else can you get marble and granite for free? The woman giving the tour said that its a tax-payer funded public building. Of course, I told the wife ill remember this next time I get married.
We spent a total of $4000 including the dress, and rings.
IIRC: Rings were about $1600
Dress, about $600
photography about $400
We did it at our church, so it didn't cost us anything
And my wife couldn't have been happier with the results. Obviously there was some nickel and dining that made up another grand, but we came out for under 4k.
Now, an interesting tid-bit we learned on our honeymoon to the city is that you can actually reserve the state capital building for a wedding FREE OF CHARGE. I don't know if you have ever been to the capital, but its pretty nice really. Obviously you have to call ahead, and it can probably only be on a Saturday or Sunday, but hey, where else can you get marble and granite for free? The woman giving the tour said that its a tax-payer funded public building. Of course, I told the wife ill remember this next time I get married.
Try the State Capitol, I think it is pretty cheap. Find a judge to do the ceremony. Get friends to decorate.
EDIT:
Wow Traxxis beat me to it.
EDIT:
Wow Traxxis beat me to it.
First wedding was the typical dog & pony show. Got divorced, met my current wife (who also was divorced and had the "big" first wedding).
Got married nearly 11 years ago in Eureka Springs - in the living room of an 1800s bed & breakfast, no family - just us, and it cost us the price of our rings, the marriage license, and a weekend stay at the B&B. It ain't the ceremony that matters.
Got married nearly 11 years ago in Eureka Springs - in the living room of an 1800s bed & breakfast, no family - just us, and it cost us the price of our rings, the marriage license, and a weekend stay at the B&B. It ain't the ceremony that matters.
Dang, you guys know how to come up with an "economical" wedding 
Court house, 45 bucks. and 15 mins.. the only way to go.
Followed by lunch at McDonald's. It isn't diamonds but a Happy Meal that's forever.
We have a winner!!!
My wife and I went to Italy for 3 weeks. We got married and the translator was the B&B operator, the witnesses (neither spoke English) were the B&B operator's husband and her girl friend. Total cost including dress and suit were $6000. That's right, you can have a 6 hour party or 3 weeks in Italy.
But like what was said earlier, do what you (she) wants!!! Just remind her that the wedding is for the 2 of you and not for anyone else (that includes yo momma!)
Marriage is the leading cause of divorce in the US.
