I did a destination wedding to an all-inclusive resort in the Bahamas.   We found a good rate for 5 nights at a place that did the wedding ceremony for free - we went off-season.  We paid for the license but they provided a small bouquet of flowers, a bottle of champaigne and a small cake - it was just the two of us.  We had a reception for family and close friends when we got back at a fire hall that we got for free, with catering and cake done at a discount from someone we knew and did the decorations ourselves.  I bought a simple white wedding dress for less than $100 off a discount rack and the tux was rented.  All in all, we spent less than $3000 and were very happy with the outcome.  It is possible to have a nice simple wedding without having to spend a ton of money.