Resources
Where to look before you pay anyone
Clerk pages, park permits, serving charts, and shops that publish their prices. Nobody paid to be on this list, and none of these are affiliate links.
It's nowhere near everything out there, just a good place to start. For the rest, a quick search is your friend: try your county and state plus what you need, like “Washtenaw County Michigan marriage license” or “picnic shelter rental” with your town's name.
Marriage license and paperwork
Your county clerk sets the fee, the waiting period, and whether you need an appointment. Look for all three on your own county's page. These show what a good one covers.
- New York City Clerk, New YorkFee, ID rules, and the 24-hour wait
- Cook County Clerk, IllinoisLicense and civil union steps
- Los Angeles County, CaliforniaEvery fee on one page, including ceremonies
- Clark County Clerk, NevadaThe Las Vegas fee schedule
- Washtenaw County Clerk, MichiganA clear example of a smaller county's page
Parks and public places
Parks rent pavilions and ceremony sites for a fraction of a venue fee. Search your state parks site for “wedding” or “group facility.”
- Yosemite National Park, CaliforniaHow a national park wedding permit works
- Rainbow Springs State Park, FloridaReservations, fees, and rules for a state park wedding
- Goliad State Park chapel, TexasA state park chapel you can book
- Lake Sylvia State Park, WashingtonA pavilion set up for day-use weddings
- Minneapolis Parks, MinnesotaCity park ceremony sites and permits
Rentals with published price lists
Most rental companies make you ask for a quote. These post their prices, so you can tell whether a local quote is fair before you sign.
Insurance and event permits
Parks, halls, and some backyards need a one-day liability policy or a permit. Ask the venue which, then compare a couple of quotes.
Food and drink
If you're feeding people yourself, the two things to get right are quantities and keeping food at safe temperatures.
Cake and dessert
Serving charts tell you how big a cake you actually need. If a friend is baking, check your state's cottage food rules first.
- Wilton cake serving guideThe standard chart bakers use
- Cottage food rules, MichiganWhat a home baker can sell
- Cottage food rules, CaliforniaClass A and Class B home kitchens
- Home bakers, WisconsinLicensing for homemade baked goods
- Food Network, fresh flowers on a cakeWhich flowers are safe and how to place them
Flowers and decor
Buy what's in season and learn to keep it alive for two days. That's most of the savings.
Invitations and your wedding website
Postage is the line item people forget. A free wedding website can replace the RSVP card entirely.
Photos
Collect guests' photos in one shared album, then print the good ones.
Attire
Resale, charity shops, and rentals will get both of you dressed for less than most veils.
Links checked August 2026. If one has moved or a page has changed, let us know.
Vendor listings
Vendors who publish their prices
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This is where vendors who post real prices under our limits will show up, each with a paid label and the price next to the name. If that sounds like your business, the details are on the advertising page.