Is anyone doing a wedding for $6,000 or less in STL?

Thank you all for all the info. I really need it. I have been with the same man for 9 years. We have a son together that is 6. I have also raised his 3 kids for the last 9 years. They are 17, 16, and 12. I think it is time to get hitched! We are on a tight budget since we did everything backwards. Keep the suggestions coming. I really do appreciate any pointers.

Not sure of cost , but I heard about a place at Cuivre River State park that is nice also.

I am just on the other side of the river in Illinois. Taking out my photographer and venue, I am probably spending less than 2k. My photog and venue were 2500 each, though. So I am a little above 6k. My venue is an American legion post. I paid to reserve camping spots and their entire facility for the whole weekend, which is why it is so expensive. Had I just opted for the pavilion and the hall, kitchen, and bar (Which is all we technically *need*) for just one day instead of the whole weekend, I would have spent about $300. KC Halls, VFWs, American Legions, public parks, etc. There are some beautiful ones in STL and the surrounding area. I would advise to find a place that will allow you to do food and drinks yourself. I am using garden-grown green beans from my grandma's garden for free. I'm doing relatively cheap food. I'm decorating with mason jars because I already owned hundreds of them. Designed my invites myself online and printed them super cheap at office depot. Lots of ways to cut costs.

We are spending about $5500 for 120 people. What will save you the most is thinking out of the box when finding a venue. Places that exist only to host weddings will be the most expensive. Look for event spaces that allow you to choose your own caterer and put your own bar together. Also, places that already have tables and chairs for you to use because renting them is expensive and a headache. We are renting a cool old dance hall for $150 an hour and catering Hawaiian BBQ. A huge spread came in at under $2k. If we had our reception at a city park, the venue would have only cost $50. We are splurging and having liquor because our friends are drinkers, but beer and wine only are perfectly fine. iPod your DJ. Apracticalwedding.com has many awesome playlists and advice on how to pull it off. We hired a pro editorial photographer who was looking to expand into weddings. He's doing our whole wedding for $250 so he can expand his portfolio. Save on the ceremony by having a friend ordained and marry you. Buy flowers from Costco and arrange simple bouquets yourself the day before. Depending on the size of your guest list, it will take some elbow grease, but it can absolutely be done.