Nonchurch ceremony locations that don't cost an arm and a leg?

Hawaiianpunch512

My fiance and I are planning a very small wedding, about 25 guests for August 2010.  We're really just looking for some venue to have the ceremony and then have a really nice dinner afterwards...The thing is, I can't find a non-church venue that doesn't cost an arm and a leg to rent for an just hour.  I've looked at some venues that offer both ceremony and reception space in one location, but I'd rather not spend 5K f on just the venue and catering alone (for such a small party).  Does anyone have any ideas?  Thanks in advance!

heatherhall2391

are you looking at restaurants? for such a small party and a non-church option with a great dinner afterwards, that seems like it would be right up your alley. there are so many wonderful places that i would think you could check out!

wink is amazing and a tiny spot for an intimate location. olivia's is beautiful and delicious. you could rent out lamberts upstairs but you'd have to be willing to smell like smoked meats. i saw a new place called el arbol recently that had a lovely patio and seemed like it might be a good spot. justine's in the way east side is supposed to have great atmosphere but i've not been yet. or you might be able to use the garden at eastside cafe and then have dinner there. i've also seen weddings at the big red sun, a cool garden spot on the eastside. soooooooo many options for a small party like yours! you could even rent out a house. homeaway.com or frbo.com have a lot of different sized homes with space big enough to potentially host an event but the restaurant would have all the chairs and such and that would save you more in the long run.

i'd start checking out some good foodie spots!
good luck!
h.

jenn.atx

There is a free chapel called chapel dulcinea, but you have to book way in advance.  I went to a wedding there that was very intimate and beautiful.  They had 40 guests, 25 would be perfect!  http://www.chapeldulcinea.org/
Jeffries has a house that you can rent for dinner and a garden where you could have a small ceremony. 
What about the botanical gardens?  I think the fee to rent for the ceremony was reasonable, but I think they would only allow for a standing wedding... 
Also, hotel st. ceclia, if you rent suite 4, it has a backyard that will hold 35ppl.  The room is expensive, but it can serve lots of purposes... great place to get ready, beautiful ceremony location, and you can stay there for wedding night!   We were considering this when we were still having a small wedding.  I actually have better pictures than what they have online, so if you'd like to see the backyard, I'll be happy to send them to you.  Good luck! 

ejayne

Check out Le San Michele in Buda! I got married there last October and it was amazing!

Also, if you go with Chapel Dulcinea (so beautiful! we were originally going to have our ceremony there, but had too many people) you could go to the Mandola Estate Winery for dinner. Or I think you might be able to do the ceremony at the Winery too.

http://lesanmichele.com/

http://www.chapeldulcinea.org/

http://mandolaestatewinery.com/