Where is the 1880 Union Hotel located? We are located in beautiful Los Alamos, California, in the heart of Santa Barbara Wine Country on the Central Coast.

• 45 minutes north of Santa Barbara

• 35 minutes south of San Luis Obispo

• Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

• Approximately 2 hours 20 minutes from Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

What types of celebrations do you host? We host a wide range of private celebrations and milestone events, including birthday parties, anniversary dinners, baby showers, bar and bat mitzvahs, engagement parties, bridal showers, family reunions, graduation parties, cultural events, and celebrations of life. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering of 15 or a full-property celebration for 300, our historic venue in Santa Barbara Wine Country provides a one-of-a-kind setting.

Do I need to book out the entire property?

Not necessarily. While full-property buyouts are available and popular for larger celebrations, we also host events in individual spaces like the saloon, brick terrace, rose garden, or grand room. Reach out with your guest count and vision and we'll help find the right setup for your group.

When do I need to confirm my final guest count? Your guaranteed guest count is due 30 days prior to your event by 12:00 PM PST. This number cannot be reduced afterward and will be the minimum you are billed for (or actual attendance, whichever is higher).

Do you have on-site accommodations? Yes! The 1880 Union Hotel has 9 beautifully restored guest rooms perfect for overnight celebration or multi-day events.

• 9 rooms feature full en-suite bathrooms

• Additional shared amenities include: 2 powder rooms and 1 dedicated shower room All guests enjoy access to a cozy kitchenette, poker room, sitting area, and reading room — ideal for informal breakout sessions or downtime between meetings.

Is a full property buyout required to book rooms? Yes, a full buyout is required with a two night minimum stay.

Do you allow outside catering? All food is prepared and served by our in-house culinary team led by Executive Chef Noban Shahid, featuring seasonal Central Coast flavors. Outside catering may be permitted only with prior approval from the Events Manager (e.g., food trucks or specialty vendors) and may incur additional fees. Cakes and specialty desserts are welcome with advance approval.

Can guests take leftover food home? No. In accordance with California Department of Health regulations, food may not leave the event space.

What types of menus do you offer? Our in-house team creates fully customized menus inspired by the season and local Central Coast ingredients. Options include plated dinners, family-style service, buffets, tray-passed hors d’oeuvres, late-night snacks, and more. We happily accommodate dietary restrictions and special requests.

Do you have late-night snack options? Yes! We offer a variety of fun late-night bites such as curly fries, chicken tenders, carnitas loaded fries, chicken & waffles, LA street dogs, sliders, s’mores bites, and mini cinnamon rolls.

Can we bring our own alcohol? No. The 1880 Union Hotel is the sole licensed provider of alcoholic beverages on property. We do allow approved outside wine with a corkage fee (management approval required in advance).

What bar options are available? We offer tiered open-bar packages featuring local wines, craft beers, signature cocktails, and full premium spirits, as well as consumption-based bar service. Champagne toasts and table-side wine service are also available.

What time can our wedding end?

• Indoor events: may continue until 2:00 AM

• Outdoor events & amplified music: must end by 10:00 PM (county noise ordinance). After 10:00 PM, celebrations move indoors.

What are the weather backup plans? We always have beautiful indoor spaces ready. Final weather calls are made as follows:

• Breakfast events – 6:00 PM the evening prior

• Lunch events – 8:00 AM same day

• Dinner events – 12:00 PM same day

Is the venue smoke-free? Yes, the entire indoor property is 100% smoke-free. Two designated outdoor smoking areas are provided (outside venue doors and in the Rose Garden).

Do you require security? We reserve the right to require licensed security for certain events. If needed, it will be arranged through a professional company at the client’s expense.

Can we bring our own décor, entertainment, or vendors? Absolutely! All outside vendors must provide proof of insurance and a signed vendor agreement. We monitor sound levels and approve staging, lighting, and power needs in advance.

What fees and taxes should we expect? All food & beverage is subject to a 21% service charge and current California sales tax.