Are you me? Lots of similarities going on!
DP and I have been together 9 years. Discussed marriage a couple of years ago. Chose a ring together last year. He proposed last month.
DP would like to get married abroad as it's cheaper, but we would also have a party here, so it's not cheaper altogether.
I'm leaning towards a ceremony here.
Things we are considering:
If we do get married abroad, then I would consider a city or very close to one. That way if people would like to come with us (up to them), they could potentially come out for a 3 day weekend and only one days annual leave, rather than a week, and more chance of flights being reasonably priced. Venice was fairly high on my list (Italian weddings are legal here).
Cons are we have a large family, a lot said they would come, so you still have the 'wedding' to do- plan a ceremony, photographer, florists, find and book a meal somewhere for everyone. That to me is the same cost as doing it at home, but with added flights, hassle and sorting things in another country/ language.
Another option is to do a hotel wedding, as you suggested, maybe Greece. My sister did this 15 years ago, so we have some idea of it. Pros are it's SO easy to sort. You literally shown up with your outfits, book a photographer. When we got there, she was given an option of colour flowers she wanted, a selection of dates during the holiday she could do it on, did she want the standard cake or pay extra. We were taken by minibus on the day of the wedding to the local chapel/ registry office, ceremony conducted, few photos, back to the hotel. A room was there for us, food and cake was provided (all inclusive hotel anyway).
Cons of it were- limited choices available, it didn't really have a wedding atmosphere beyond the hour of the ceremony and an hour after, as we all got changed out of posh outfits and into swimwear very quickly. Major con for us is that we would have to spend at least a week on an extended family (for both sides) holiday, which is not for us.
Things we are now considering to get married on a budget:
getting married somewhere on a Thursday/ Friday with close family, with a small drinks reception after, then having a big party Saturday.
A twilight wedding
Looking at something like a village hall rather than a hotel/ stately home, and avoiding a sit down meal.
As we have a big family on each side, a sit down meal is what will add up the cost for us, and we really aren't bothered about it, so that's what we're looking to avoid. Obviously we will have food, but we don't need a traditional 3 course wedding breakfast. We'd rather have a party atmosphere!
If you haven't already, look on the local council websites for the areas you would consider getting married. They have lists of every place that has a license to conduct ceremonies. And a lovely one that none many consider, have a Google of national trust properties near you that offer weddings. You might find a gem. You can also ask on your local Facebook groups (anonymously if you need) for recommendations of budget/ alternative wedding reception venues locally, you'd be surprised at some places that get offered.
Good luck!