The one thing about living in San Luis Obispo in fall is that it's just not Northern California.

That's where I've lived for the past 18 years and it is absolutely gorgeous, especially autumn. The colours are so rich and run the gamut, not like in SLO. The smells are amazing; the grapes are fermenting on the ground and the air is so fresh it's almost like your lungs are praying. The weather is crisp and there isn't a cloud in the sky.

I've worked in a restaurant in NorCal for five years and my employer does a lot of weddings on our site. It's absolutely the perfect place to get married, and fall is the perfect time.

Here are some good places to go:

Chateau Souverain - They have good wine and a great site, featuring a castle-style restaurant, a fountain, and hundreds of feet of pretty landscaping. Their food is pretty good. They're a little expensive, though.

Madrona Manor - My boyfriend works here! But seriously, it is GORGEOUS! The site is amazing and big and the grass is pretty and there are flowers all over. You can do day-and-night weddings. It's also an inn as well as a restaurant, with special suites just for wedding parties.

Bodega Bay Lodge and Spa - I've actually stayed here. The rooms are gorgeous and not too badly priced considering it's on the water. The ocean is to die for (not great for swimming, of course) and the lodge has a pool and spa and workout center and of COURSE the area is amazing! When the sun hits the water... my god.