Sonoma County, California: prime spot for a fall wedding

The one thing about living away from home 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 colors are so rich and run the gamut. 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 venues to consider:

Madrona Manor - This gorgeous site is tucked away in Healdsburg.The natural settings are stunning. You can do day-and-night weddings. It's also an inn as well as a restaurant, with special suites just for wedding parties.

Stryker Sonoma - More and more people are discovering this as a place to get married in Alexander Valley. It has breathtaking views of the vineyards and the site is beautiful and modern.

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.