My husband and I got married in a desert park north of Phoenix. We had chili and beer for the reception. I think the entire wedding cost us $500, including the rings. We wanted something simple and fun. The inexpensive part was because we had no money. It must have been memorable because people talked about it for years.
When our daughter got married, we kept reminding the kids it’s about the marriage. The wedding is a ceremony to proclaim and bless the marriage in front of witnesses. They spent a bit more money on theirs, but not too much. It was truly a blessed day.
The guests walked out to the grove where they had built a cairn, the minister and the groom were waiting for us there. The brides father drove both his daughters out in an old ranch Jeep lined with quilts to keep the dresses clean.
After the ceremony we walked back to the house followed by a Mariachi band and ate Mexican food under a striped tent. It doesn't get any better or much cheaper than that!