Where do i start?

The first things to start with are figuring out exactly how much your budget is, rough guest count (more guests usually means higher cost), and then thinking about what time of year you would like to get married. Then, start looking for venues that fit your parameters. Weekdays and Sundays tend to be cheaper than Saturdays, but everything else kind of varies from there. Less traditional venues like ones owned by the parks department also tend to cost less than, say, a hotel ballroom.

Start absolutely with budget, because that will determine everything else. Hannah has some great advice! Also keep following and posting there, there are lots of people with tips around. Welcome!

First look at your budget, estimated guest list, and the general theme or feel you want your wedding to have. After that, start looking at venues, because that will finalize your date and could influence what vendors you look at.

Congrats!! I would say, deciding on your guest list may help. This way you can look into what venues would accommodate a small number and yet also won’t be too costly. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and as many as you feel you need for clarity. Hope it goes well!

Also someone else mentioned the date! That’s important to ask venues because you may be interested in somewhere and find out they don’t work for your date.

Pick a venue first that fits in your budget and go from there. They'll likely have other vendors they recommend and that's helpful.

1) budget
2) guest list
Knowing these will help you determine your venue.
With a small guest list (fewer than 25 guests), you can consider nice venues that can offer you a packaged deal for the ceremony and usually an hour of photos (winery, restaurant, boutique hotel, courthouse, etc). Then you can treat your guests to food afterwards at a house or restaurant. With a larger guest list, you can consider a church/temple with a hall attached for a light reception (punch and cake, or a catered meal), or a rentable space like a local park, community center, etc.

View Quoted Comment I love that you gave examples here, it's really helpful in knowing what could work

Are you marrying in a house of worship or a local park? Because a reception can be held at either immediately following with no extra fees. A legit reception can be as simple as cake and coffee or restaurant delivery and call it a day. Even having someone pick up pizzas that are pre ordered from the Costco food court is tight budget friendly, along with Costco sheet cake and skip all alcohol.