UPDATE: I am getting married in 3 weeks and everything is squared away! :)

I posted this originally on the main forums, but thought you all might be able to help.

Ok, let's start doing some checking around! Do you have a theme? What area of Orlando would you like to stay in?

I'm pretty open, right now our wedding is planned for the Omni Championsgate and they have the space, but their minimum spending req is $2k for the room which we can't meet because we don't have the budget for it. 

We don't have a theme and would open to something outdoors.  I've already checked into all the main gardens in the Orlando area, also Paradise Cove and several B&B's.

Maybe check out the Polynesian Resort at Disney. You could try to find somewhere simple to have your actual ceremony on the property then go to Ohana's for dinner. http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/polynesian-resort/dining/ohanas/  It's super yummy and all you can eat. It's about $25 per person but includes all of your food and non-alcoholic drinks. They may be able to give you a discount since you'll have a large group. After that, head on over to Downtown Disney for dancing!

Are you, anyone you know and anyone you're related to in the military??

Take a look at this place - it's called the Oak Plantation and is in Kissimmee. It looks like they have a lawn area that slopes down to a large lake with a fountain. That migh make for a pretty backdrop! There's an inn http://www.theinnatoakplantation.com/ and also a large resort http://www.afvclub.com/main.taf?erube_fh=search&search.submit.GetResort=1&search.resortid=4070&search.invType=3&month=04&year=2010

Suites are available at only $59/night if you or your guests are interested in staying the night. There's not a restuarant onsite, but there is room to host your receptiong. YOu can their wedding person direct at 407-518-8180.

What about here? You can host your reception at Wolfgang Puck's restaurant and it says that packages start at only $15/person. http://www.wolfgangpuckorlando.com/catering.html

Found another neat place! Not sure what pricing is for weddings, but you could have ceremony and reception here. Room rates were only $99/night and include wine at check in and complimentary breakfasts. http://www.orlandohistoricinn.com/

i found another venue that might be worth giving a shot also: casa feliz. it's in winter park and has a small garden room you could rent. the website says it seats up to 35, but also has 75 mahogany versailles chairs included in the rental for the room. so maybe you could try calling them and see how many people they could accommodate?

Wow! You ladies are awesome!  I need to check some of those places out. Sam, I originally looked at casa feliz..soooo nice but out of our price range for the rental.

And Beth, no no one is in the military in my family.

Thank you sooooo much...this gives me food for thought!