In Newark, if you want a nice wooded site, check out the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Newark on Willa Rd. Economical and they work with Appleton Catering (mentioned above).

Try Delaware Center for Contemporary Arts (DCCA) if you like something a little bit funky and less traditional. Beautiful space.

I was married in Italy but came back and had a civil service here at Rockwood Musuem in the garden then we asked a friary on Silverside Road to use their basement hall and we made a donation to them. Various friends & guests brought different dishes, and we used resources like BJ's & Costco - it was a nice room & great grounds outside around for photos and letting the kids run around. There are lots of ways to do it - use your resources and imagination! How many people, what to do in case of inclement weather, and what is affordable to you are all good questions that Loren wrote. We did Easter at Bellevue one year and rented a pavillion. We also did a hay ride/bon fire there for a birthday party - they are great to work with there.

It just totally depends on what is most important to you and your fiance - we have a ton of resources here. For example, maybe someone you know is a member of a group like The Elks or Masons (halls on Foulk Road for Masons and on Carruthers Lane for Elks) both are very reasonable and you can bring in your own food/caterer. Good Luck and best wishes for a long & happy marriage whatever you plan!

Check out any of your local fire companies for hall rental rates. The bigger ones will likely require you use their caterer, but the smaller ones may be able to work more aroundyour budget.

Comments from Facebook:
Jessica wrote: "Waterfall! Or talk with Appleton catering bc they have a lot of venues that they are a vendor for and can help you out"

City Wide Limousine wrote: "Rockwood Mansion on Shipley Rd has gorgeous outdoor setting and a new indoor facility."

Emmy wrote: "Belvue State Park has pavillions. Reserve one and call somewhere like Dreamer's Cafe for catering. The owner, Steve is great! :) tell him emmy sent you!"

Teresa Rothaar wrote: "Seconding the pavilions at Bellevue; they cost about $250-$300, the best deal going. And if you want to save even more $$$, get a Costco membership (if you don't already have one) and self-cater. You can pretty much cater the whole wedding at Costco, including the cake. You wouldn’t get a fancy tiered cake, but you can get an all-white one–-and their cakes are insanely good, much better than what a fancy bakery would charge hundreds of dollars for. Good luck!"

Teresa Rothaar wrote: "Incidentally, the Costco member magazine just did an extensive article on how people trying to have nice weddings on a budget can get everything they need there (they're even selling wedding dresses this spring). You can read it here ----> http://www.costcoconnection.com/"

Honor Lene Covahey wrote: "Www.ceremonywithhonor.com"

Loren- what do you consider affordable??? (everyone's budget is different) does the venue need to provide food or are you willing to have it catered or do the cooking yourself? how many people do you plan to invite? (most venues have minimum and maximum guest counts)

I was also going to suggest checking with Bellevue. We did our wedding there - ceremony outdoors at the gazebo, reception in the mansion. I think they also do events at Cauffiel House, which is smaller than the mansion. It was pretty reasonable for everything.

Bellevue State Park may be your best bet. You can rent one of their covered pavilions for about $250-$300. Also, to save $$$ on food, I suggest getting a Costco membership if you don't already have one. You can pretty much cater the whole wedding at Costco, including the cake. You wouldn't get a fancy tiered cake, but you can get an all-white one--and their cakes are insanely good, much better than what a fancy bakery would charge hundreds of dollars for. Good luck!