She’s your everything. He makes your heart dance all a-flutter. You just know that this love was meant to be (forever and ever and ever, till death do you part, amen). The wedding planning, however, can be a lot less blissful. If you’re looking at nuptials slightly larger than a courthouse wed-and-dash, there’s a lot to stress over. Case in point: The invitations (personalized, but late from the printer), the flowers (imported) and—gasp—the bridesmaid dresses, which were supposed to be Robin’s Egg blue, but somehow arrived a neon electric teal. OK. Before you start turning into Bridezilla and quite possibly pissing off your mother in law for life, why not take a deep breath and consider Paso Robles for your big day? There is no place more charming, chill, or convenient to get hitched. You have enough to worry about, really!
1. It’s convenient
Travel smarter. You have family in Los Angeles, Fresno, Monterey, and San Francisco. No problem! Paso Robles Wine Country is located conveniently between both San Francisco to the north and Los Angeles to the south (a 3.5-4 hour drive each, respectively). Have guests flying in from everywhere? We’re known for a “slower” pace of life here in SLO County (San Luis Obispo County), and the same goes for our charming SLO Regional Airport (SBP), located just south of Paso Robles. Really, your wedding party won’t believe just how relaxed and low stress this beautiful airport is. Big plus: SBP has announced new nonstop flights to and from Seattle/Tacoma and Denver.
Tip: Near the airport, find Edna Valley, home to Sextant Wines. Stop in for a glass of celebratory wine and a gourmet lunch of fine meats and cheeses before making your way to your lodging. You’ll be in “SLO” County, why rush?
For mapping and directions to Sextant click here
2. It’s scenic
Escape to a stunning Italian inspired resort replete with a stone abbey and a Tuscan Piazza. Allegretto Vineyard Resort offers up a magical Tuscan wedding venue. You’ll feel like you are in Italy (without spending a dime in airfare). “Ciao bella” will roll right off the groom’s tongue.
How about your very own Chateau at JUSTIN Winery? There’s no fussy decorations to fret over when you’ve already got a backdrop of gorgeous vines, and a pink sunset. Like a dreamy Monet painting, this wedding venue needs not one more accessory to provide a blissful and unforgettable ambiance.
Paso Robles is literally covered with such fantastical photo opps as this, meaning you can say, “I do” without giving much thought to whether the napkins should have been ivory lace or pale pink linen.
Tip: Kiss your beloved (and start a whole new future together) while strolling through the vines at Allegretto Vineyard Resort and JUSTIN Winery’s Chateau, both home to amazing world-class wine. We’ll toast to that!
For mapping and directions to Allegretto Vineyard Resort click here.
For mapping and directions to JUSTIN click here.
3. So many venues
Throw a wine cork, hit a wedding venue. Many Paso Robles wineries double as event spaces and killer wedding venues (which is understandable, when you consider the fact that we have generally sunny skies year round). Each location is a tad different, so every couple can do their thing. At Cass Winery, you can get hitched under an ancient oak tree surrounded by estate vineyards, then dance the night away under twinkle lights located just outside the tasting room. Whether you seek an intimate indoor setting—like an authentic barn or barrel room—or you want to stroll through the Zinfandel vines in your matching red gown, take our pick in Paso! You do you.
Photo credit: Peer Johnson Wedding Photographer
For mapping and directions to Cass Winery click here.
4. Lodging they’ll love
A modern hotel suite for the father of the bride and a multi-room vacation rental with a patio area for your bridesmaids? Done and done. You might even want a beachfront cottage for the groomsmen (who will no doubt try to catch a little surf before they need to wriggle into those starched matching suits). Whether you need to house your entire extended family (and his) or just a few friends, Paso Robles Wine Country is home to all kinds of unique stays that will ensure your guests are comfortable, happy and ready to throw rice all over you and your chosen mate.
Tip: Large groups will love the room and flexibility of staying at a unique Paso Robles vacation rental. Looking for something elegant for the bridal party? Allegretto Vineyard Resort offers up luxurious amenities including estate wine, spa services, and a pool.
For mapping and directions to Allegretto Vineyard Resort click here.
5. The wine!
Yes, I am captain obvious. Weddings and fine wine go together like—well—the money dance and the electric slide. When you tie the knot in Paso Robles, you’ll have hundreds of award winning wines at your engaged fingertips. Robust, fruity, light, sparkling—whatever your heart (or mother in law) desires—we have it all. When you get married at a winery or tasting room, it just makes sense to sip the fruit of their labor! Of course, you could bring some beer too, just for Uncle Larry’s sake.
Tip: When you get married at gorgeous Rava Wines you can sip on amazing, small lot sparkling and still wines crafted to dazzle and delight on your most momentous of days. Throw in views of their pond and surrounding vineyards and you’ll think that you have died and gone to heaven.
For mapping and directions to Rava click here.
This blog is written by flavor fiend Hayley Cain. Follow her @flavorslo on Instagram or at astoldbyhayley.com.
Looking for a place to stay in Paso Robles?
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