My family is not really big on marriages and my parents already said before I got engaged they wouldn't pay for a wedding. My fiance' is the complete opposite and really wants a wedding and his family seems pretty big on a wedding too, but they have not offered to help finacially with the wedding. I really don't know which way to go.:confused:

Let his family know that you do not have the money for a wedding and your parents are leaving it up to you. Then see if they offer money toward a wedding for you and then work with whatever they offer. Maybe have a wedding at their house or your parents house.
Come up with all the options you can for the most affordable wedding you can.
Courthouse wedding is fine but if they want more they should either help out or settle with whatever you can afford.

My wife and I got married while I was still in college. Our wedding was totally awesome... from the reception dinner (at my house), the wedding at our church to the reception (at the college).

I know this was 1985, but we spent about $800 including the honeymoon (only 2 days.) That would equate to about $2000 in today's $$. You guys can do this.

First, decide you WILL have a wedding, financial assistance or not. You WILL.

Done that? OK, now get to work. This is going to FUN... finding ways to get all the little pieces of your wedding you want without being stupid financially about it. A wedding is, at its core, a simple ritual with a couple of parties attached. Keep that in mind.

Don't take party "debt" into your marriage. Have the wedding you can afford. Swallow your pride and actually ASK people for what you need, do it proudly. Deliver pizzas a few nights a week to pay for it, but do this, and have fun.

When everyone around you sees how serious you are about the event, how dedicated you are to not going into debt, everyone's creativity will kick in and you will find compromises that give you an excellent event.