We want a short outside wedding. How can we make it real simple?

You could have it at your house, a favorite garden or park or other meaningful site to you and your fiancé. It can be as simple or elaborate as you want. For real simplicity, you needn't wear the white wedding dress & bridesmaids dresses, etc. You can invite as many or few guests as you want and have a large or small or no reception after the wedding. It can consist of you and your fiancé, a maid of honor and best man (to witness and sign the marriage license) and the officiant and that's all. You could just take the best man and maid of honor out to eat after the ceremony. The officiant can be a clergy person or judge/justice of the peace. Talk to whoever you are going to have officiating about a simple service and wording, etc. You will probably want to have a photographer take pictures (this could be a friend or a hired professional). You could have a private wedding (with as many or few family members as you want) and a party/reception anytime later (not necessarily on the same day). Again, add or subtract any details of the wedding and reception as you prefer. See outdoor wedding for other considerations.