The 1880 Union 362 Bell St • Los Alamos • CA 93440
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Why You'll Love This Place
A Here Comes The Guide Wedding Venue Review
From humble beginnings as a Wells Fargo stagecoach station, and later a turn-of-the-century hotel and saloon, the modern-day 1880 Union has been reborn as a luxurious and incredibly unique celebration retreat that artfully retains the venue's historic charm. The weathered wooden façade is right out of a Hollywood Western, and the Saloon, with its whimsical Old West memorabilia, foodie fare, and signature microbrew, is now a lively Santa Barbara Wine Country hotspot. But all that's for the public …
For you and your in-crowd, the rest of the 1880 Union becomes your exclusive, private playground to live out your wedding weekend fantasy. While it's tempting to simply cowboy (or cowgirl!) up, the minute you step into the extravagant lobby your imagination goes upscale. Taking in the opulent crystal chandeliers, heirloom grandfather clock, and satin loveseats clustered around the hearth, you quickly realize that this is the kind of place where Gold Rush dandies and their grande dames once hung their lace-trimmed hats. A grand piano and an old-fashioned reception desk with an antique cash register stand ready to make your own "welcome to my party" statement to greet your arriving guests.
Ceremonies are held in the estate's enchanting backyard, accessed through a discreet iron gate that opens to a vine-covered arbor and serene rose garden. Just beyond, a white wrought-iron gazebo atop a raised dais crowns a lush sweep of lawn. Sheltered by magnolia trees on one side and an ivy-cloaked brick wall on the other, it's an exceptionally romantic spot to exchange vows. Afterwards, while you explore the property's intriguing photo ops, your guests enjoy the social hour in a neighboring brick courtyard, aglow with bistro lights and the flames from the huge outdoor fireplace flickering softly in the twilight.
Continue the festivities al fresco, or invite guests inside to the lavish Dining Room, where nostalgia elegantly merges with high style and French windows capture pretty garden views. Chandeliers in beaded cages, a jazzy Art Deco bar, and an eclectic mix of wood and marble tables with plush velvet chairs banishes any thought of an ordinary reception. And expect out-of-the-ordinary cuisine as well: Your personal gourmet chef will craft a menu inspired by local ingredients and your own culinary sensibilities.
After-party, anyone? Just head upstairs to the Mezzanine, where a trio of giant leather couches welcomes you to a quirky entertainment lounge, featuring an antique chess set, a Victrola, a poker room, and even a retro pinball arcade. When it's finally time to retire, nine imaginatively decorated rooms lodge your nearest and dearest, but reserve the seductive Presidential Suite for yourselves. Surrounded by exquisite period furnishings, dramatic chandeliers, and a cozy fireplace, you'll feel utterly indulged—especially after a soak in the magnificent claw-foot copper tub. And spoiler alert: A sliding bookcase reveals a secret Bride's Room, chicly outfitted with multiple mirrors and a gorgeous stained-glass door that leads to a balcony overlooking the courtyard—so perfect for an end-of-evening bouquet toss!
Naturally, this fun and fascinating landmark has attracted its share of celebrities. 1880 Union knows how to roll out the red carpet, so rest assured that their experienced, dedicated event team will treat you and your group like privileged VIPs.
Deals
The Destination Weekend Wedding Package
Celebrations at this historic Santa Barbara Wine Country landmark include:
- Private use of the entire private hotel and gardens, from Friday noon check-in to Sunday noon check-out.
- Overnight accommodations for two nights for up to 20 guests in 9 luxurious rooms, including 2 suites.
- Saturday event until 11pm for up to 300 guests, up to 50 event guests the night before and morning after
- Option to hold your Rehearsal Dinner, Ceremony, Reception, and After Party -- all in one location!
- Parking, event staffing, security, tables, chairs, linens, tableware, insurance, and all taxes & fees—no hidden costs or surprises!
- $600 credit toward Tricia Dahlgren Events coordination services.
- Complimentary, personalized food & beverage tasting.
March–November, weekends: $16,000*
December–February, weekends: $11,000*
Mid-week events, all year: Please contact the venue for a personalized quote.
*Overnight guests pay for their accommodations for 2 nights, lowering your rate by up to $3,000.
Custom in-house cuisine starting $80/person.
Please contact guestrelations@1880Union.com for details and your personalized proposal!
PRICES: What's this going to cost?
Rental Fee
- $5,000–8,000/event
- Rental fee varies depending on:
- Day of week
- Time of year
Saturday or weekend wedding packages require a buyout of 1880 Union’s 9 historic guest rooms for an additional fee. You may opt to have your guests cover the cost of their own rooms
Meals (when priced separately)
- $80/person and up
- Customized menus include staffing, event insurance, and day-of wedding coordination.
- Food & beverage minimums apply.
Capacity
Indoors | Outdoors | ||
---|---|---|---|
Ceremony | Seated | 30 | 300 |
Cocktails, etc. | Standing | 150 | 300 |
Reception | Seated | 50 | 300 |
Meetings | Total meeting capacity for this venue is 50. |
CEREMONY CAPACITY: The site holds 30 seated indoors and 300 seated outdoors.
EVENT/RECEPTION CAPACITY: The facility can accommodate 50 seated or 150 standing guests indoors, and 300 seated or standing outdoors.
MEETING CAPACITY: The facility seats up to 50 guests.
Venue Details
Site Uses
- Ceremony
- Outdoor Ceremony
- Wedding Receptions
- Outdoor Reception
- Small Wedding
- All-Inclusive
- Rehearsal Dinner
- Special Events / Parties
- Business Functions / Meetings
- On-Site Accommodations
- Late Night
Essential Info
Price
$ • $$
Catering
In-house
Completely customized food & beverage packages are built interactively from scratch.
Alcohol
In-house
BYO with corkage fee
In-house mixologist.
Amplified Music
Indoors
Outdoors
Some restrictions
Wheelchair Access
Access limited
Availability
Year-round. There’s an 11pm event curfew, but your overnight guests can continue the party later than that.
Venue Type
Buildings & other settings available:
- Banquet Hall / Events Facility
- Garden
- Historic / Landmark Building
- Hotel
- Inn / Lodge
- Patio / Deck / Terrace
- Private Estate
- Restaurant
- Retreat
- Unique
Venue Views
Peep the views you’ll enjoy from this venue!
- Fountain / Water Feature
- Garden
- Hills
- Landscaped Grounds
- Meadow / Fields
- Other View
Services & Amenities
Feel like a VIP with these services and amenities:
Catering: in-house
Kitchen Facilities: n/a
Tables & Chairs: provided
Linens, Silver, etc.: provided
Restrooms: wheelchair accessible
Dance Area: yes
Dressing Areas: yes
AV/Meeting Equipment: some provided, CBA
Parking: on street
Accommodations: 9 guest rooms
Outdoor Night Lighting: decorative, landscape, and string lighting
Outdoor Cooking Facilities: BBQ CBA
Cleanup: provided
View: fountain, garden, landscaped grounds, fields, hills
Other: event coordination, grand piano, picnic area
Restrictions
But take note of the following limitations!
Alcohol: in-house or BYO with corkage fee
Smoking: designated areas only
Music: amplified OK with restrictions
Wheelchair Access: limited
Insurance: included
Map
Real Weddings
Send an email to The 1880 Union
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Alternate Info: Union Hotel Victorian