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 15 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

• Approximately 2 hours from Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

Does the 1880 Union Hotel host corporate retreats and brand events? Yes! We specialize in full-service weddings, micro-weddings, elopements, engagement parties and photoshoots. Our historic property offers both indoor and outdoor spaces with a romantic, vintage California feel.

Is a professional planner required? A professional wedding coordinator (day-of or month-of) is required for all parties and events to ensure everything runs smoothly. We do not require a full-service wedding planner. If you need help finding one, we’d be happy to introduce you to some truly amazing coordinators from our preferred vendor list who know our venue inside and out.

When do I need to confirm my final guest count? Your guaranteed guest count is due 15 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 features 9 beautifully restored guest rooms — ideal for wedding weekends or multi-day celebrations.

• 9 rooms with full en-suite bathrooms

• Bunk Room with Shared Shower

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

What is required to reserve the accommodations? Full-property buyouts are required to reserve all guest rooms and include a two-night minimum stay. This gives your team exclusive use of the entire hotel, event spaces, and common areas.

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. Wedding 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.