1880 Union Hotel
  • Spaces
  • Event Flow
  • Rooms
  • Included
  • Pricing
  • FAQs
Book a Tour

1880 Union Hotel

Los Alamos, California  •  Santa Barbara Wine Country

A full-property buyout in the heart of wine country. Historic charm, modern comfort, and a team dedicated to every detail of your celebration.

Book a Private Tour Explore the Property
Scroll

Est. 1880

A Historic Landmark

At the heart of Los Alamos since 1880, the Union Hotel has long been a place for travelers and celebrations. Rebuilt in 1915 after a fire, its enduring facade has been carefully restored to preserve its charm while offering modern comfort.

Over the years, the Union has welcomed guests from around the world, hosting music legends like Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, and Jon Bon Jovi, along with actors Kurt Russell and Kate Hudson.

300
Max guests
10
Guest rooms
145
Years of history
2am
Indoor curfew
Featured in British Vogue — first kiss ceremony at 1880 Union Hotel
Featured in British Vogue

The Property

Gathering Spaces

From the sweeping Union Garden to the intimate Saloon, each setting carries its own charm, coming together to create a venue as timeless as its history.

Vine tunnel leading to the gazebo
Wedding ceremony at the gazebo White gazebo decorated with florals
Up to 300 guests
The Union Garden

Anchored by a charming white gazebo, the Union Garden offers a storybook setting for your vows. Lush grass and open skies frame a timeless backdrop, whether you envision a floral-lined aisle or a simple sunlit exchange. Versatile and expansive, the lawn transforms into an elegant outdoor dinner or starlit reception from day to night.

Perfect for
  • Ceremonies beneath the white gazebo
  • Outdoor reception dinners on the lawn
  • Dancing under the stars
  • Family-style banquet seating
Key dimensions
Capacity
300 guests
Setting
Outdoor lawn
Feature
White gazebo
Curfew
10:00 PM
Courtyard ceremony setup aerial view
Aerial view of courtyard reception tables Evening reception with string lights
Up to 300 guests
The Union Courtyard

Just beyond the hotel's historic walls, the Union Courtyard captures the relaxed elegance of California outdoor living. A built-in terrace bar anchors the space, while string lights overhead and an outdoor fireplace create an inviting atmosphere perfect for dinner under the stars and dancing into the night.

Perfect for
  • Al fresco reception dinners
  • Cocktail hours by the fireplace
  • Live music and dancing
  • Ceremony seating on the brick terrace
Key dimensions
Capacity
300 guests
Feature
Outdoor fireplace
Bar
Built-in terrace bar
Curfew
10:00 PM
Union Lobby lounge with chandeliers
Lobby corner seating nook Union Lobby bar counter
150 standing  |  80 seated
Lobby & Bar

Rich wood tones, vintage details, and the charm of a historic hotel welcome guests into the Union Lobby & Bar. Perfect for a welcome drink, cocktail hour, or a quiet retreat between festivities. Cozy seating nooks encourage conversation, while the bar's warm glow sets the tone for the celebration ahead.

Perfect for
  • Welcome cocktail hour
  • Rehearsal dinner
  • Indoor ceremony backup
  • Late-night indoor continuation
Key dimensions
Standing
150 guests
Seated
80 guests
Indoor bar
Full service
Curfew
2:00 AM
The Saloon
Bar detail Saloon interior
Up to 50 guests
The Saloon

Step into another era in the Union's storied Saloon, where warm wood paneling, vintage fixtures, and over a century of tales create an atmosphere unlike any other. With a built-in bar, classic pool table, and shuffleboard, the Saloon is made for late-night revelry.

Perfect for
  • After-party (post 10 PM outdoors)
  • Welcome party
  • Pool table and shuffleboard games
  • Sunday brunch
Key dimensions
Capacity
50 guests
Saloon bar
13.1 x 55.1ft
Game room
19.7 x 16.5ft
Curfew
2:00 AM

How the day unfolds

Sample Event Flow

Every celebration at the Union is unique, but here's a sense of how a classic wedding day flows across the property.

4:00 PM
Welcome Champagne
Guests arrive and are welcomed with a champagne toast, setting the tone for the celebration ahead.
4:30 PM
Ceremony
Guests gather on the Union Lawn or Union Courtyard, framed by the historic hotel facade and charming white gazebo, for a romantic exchange of vows.
5:00 PM
Cocktail Hour
The celebration moves into the Union Lobby & Bar, where guests mingle over cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.
6:00 PM
Dinner
A plated or family-style meal unfolds on the Union Courtyard beneath a canopy of string lights, creating an unforgettable open-air dining experience.
7:30 PM
Dancing & Entertainment
The courtyard transforms into a lively dance floor, with room for a band or DJ to keep guests on their feet well into the evening.
10:00 PM
Last Call (Outdoor)
Outdoor festivities conclude per local noise ordinance, while the energy shifts indoors for the after party.
10:30 PM
After Party in the Saloon
The Saloon becomes the perfect late-night setting for up to 50 guests, with the option to add the Union Bar for two full-service bars. Late-night bites and music keep the celebration going until 2:00 AM.

Overnight Accommodations

Guest Rooms

With a full property buyout, you and your guests enjoy private access to all 10 vintage-inspired rooms, accommodating up to 20 overnight guests in the heart of wine country.

Presidential Suite
Presidential Suite + Dressing Room
  • King bed
  • Dedicated dressing room with secret entrance
  • Large sitting area
  • Clawfoot tub
  • Full ensuite bath
  • Private balcony overlooking courtyard
Suite
The Governor's Suite
  • King bed
  • Full ensuite bath
  • Private balcony overlooking courtyard
  • Elegant vintage decor
Premium King
The Stagecoach Suite
  • King bed
  • Sitting / valet room
  • Full ensuite bathroom
  • Old West character and details
Standard Rooms — 4 available
Homestead, Silverado, Pioneer & Gold Rush
  • King bed
  • Full ensuite bath
  • Vintage decor throughout
Standard Rooms — 2 available
The Schoolhouse & "Say Say Say" Room
  • King bed
  • Full ensuite bath
  • "Say Say Say" room featured in the 1983 MJ & McCartney music video
Bunk Room
Bunk Room
  • Single bunk beds
  • Pull-out trundle
  • Shared bath access

Common Spaces

Shared spaces available to all overnight guests throughout your stay.

🃏
The Grooms Den
A late-night retreat for the groom and his crew — poker table, Old West character, and good company.
🛋
The Parlour
Plush seating and sofa at the center of the guest rooms for morning coffee or winding down.
🎮
The Game Parlor
Three vintage-style arcade games for guests to enjoy between events.
🍽
The Pantry
Fully equipped kitchenette for stocking snacks or drinks.

What's Included

In-House Rentals

Everything listed below is included in your venue package at no additional cost. No rental fees, no outside vendors needed for the essentials. Just bring your vision.

All items included
60 inch round tables with white folding chairs
60" Round Tables + White Folding Chairs
Capacity for up to 300 guests
Full reception setup
Full Reception Setup
Tables, chairs, and place settings ready to go
Dinner table with plates, silverware and glassware
Plates, Silverware & Glassware
Full place settings for up to 300 guests
60" Round Tables
Up to 300 guests
White Folding Chairs
Up to 300 guests
Cocktail Tables
10 available
Patio Heaters
4 available
6ft Rectangle Tables
2 available
8ft Rectangle Tables
2 available
Plates & Serving Bowls
Up to 300 guests
Silverware & Glassware
Up to 300 guests
*

Not included: Linens, florals, candles, menus, and personal decor items. Your coordinator or florist can help source these to match your vision perfectly, or ask for our Preferred Vendor list to see some of our local favorites.

Rates & Reservations

Investment & Packages

Every celebration at the 1880 Union is one of a kind. We offer a wide range of options so you can build the perfect event around your vision, your guests, and your budget.

Most popular
Wedding Buyout
For events over 50 guests
Venue fee (48hr access)$16,000
Overnight accommodations (2 nights)$8,000
Saloon — 3 hours + open bar$3,000
Beverage packagesFrom $55 / person
Food packagesFrom $95 / person
Connect with us for a custom quote and menus

Rates do not include taxes. Food and beverage packages are per person and vary by menu selection, guest count, and are subject to a 21% service fee.

Book a free tour
Engagement Shoot
Up to 3 guests
Starting from$500 / hr
2-hour minimum  ·  from $1,000
  • — Exclusive access to your choice of spaces
  • — Rose garden, gazebo, patio & historic interiors
  • — Cinematic architecture & romantic gardens
  • — Starred in music videos & film productions
  • — Only 2.5 hrs from Los Angeles
Intimate Elopement
Up to 5 guests
Starting from$1,000 / hr
2-hour minimum  ·  from $2,000
  • — Exclusive ceremony space of your choice
  • — Rose garden, gazebo, or brick patio
  • — Perfect for intimate vow exchanges
  • — Authentic 1880s historic character
  • — Ideal backdrop for elopement photography
Micro Wedding
Up to 25 guests  ·  Sunday through Thursday only
From $5,000
Varies by date & season
  • — Exclusive ceremony & reception spaces
  • — Rose garden, lawn, gazebo & brick patio
  • — Ceremony + cocktail hour + dinner flow
  • — Ceremony chairs included
  • — Overnight accommodations available to add on
  • — Historic Saloon available for after-party
  • — Indoor celebrations until 2 AM
Seasonal Discounts (Weekend Buyouts Only)
Off-season (Dec 10 through Apr 1) — venue and accommodations20% off
Weekday (Mon through Thurs) — venue and accommodations50% off

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a wedding curfew?
Outdoor events are required to end at 10:00 PM per local noise ordinance. Indoor events may continue with acoustic and amplified music until 2:00 AM.
Is catering included?
Yes. The Union provides in-house catering with menus crafted to reflect the season and the spirit of California wine country. Our culinary team will work with you to design a dining experience that fits your vision. See our Catering Guide for full details.
Do you provide tables, chairs, and rentals?
Yes. All rental items, including 60" round tables, white folding chairs, cocktail tables, heaters, rectangle tables, plates, silverware, and glassware for up to 300 guests, are included in your venue package at no additional cost. Linens and personal decor items are not included.
How many guests can stay overnight?
The hotel accommodates up to 20 overnight guests across 10 vintage-inspired rooms.
Can we host a rehearsal dinner or farewell brunch?
Yes. With multiple indoor and outdoor spaces, the Union is available for rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, and farewell brunches. Your catering team can assist with planning.
Is a wedding coordinator required?
A professional wedding coordinator (day-of or month-of) is required for all weddings. We do not require a full-service planner. We are happy to introduce you to coordinators from our preferred vendor list who know our venue inside and out.
What are the closest airports?
Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) is 44.6 miles via US-101S. Los Angeles International (LAX) is 129.6 miles via US-101S. We are approximately 2.5 hours from Los Angeles.
Is the property available year-round?
Yes. The Union hosts weddings and private events throughout the year. Seasonal pricing applies, with off-season discounts available December 10 through April 1.

Ready for your next step?

Let's Make It Official

You've seen the property — now let's talk about your celebration. Choose the next step that works best for you.

🗓
Book a Tour

Walk the property with our events team. Tours are private, unhurried, and the best way to picture your day.

Schedule a tour
📞
Give Us a Call

Prefer to talk it through? Book a call directly with Kylie or the team to go over your date, vision, and any questions.

Schedule a call
✉️
Request a Proposal

Ready for numbers? Send us your date, guest count, and vision and we'll put together a custom proposal for you.

Request a proposal
Address
362 Bell Street, Los Alamos, CA 93440
Phone
(805) 617-1669
Email
marketing@1880union.com
Instagram
@1880union
0