Is it possible to have a ceremony and a reception on-site?

Yes! We have several venues available for your events, and when you book two or more of these spaces (for a ceremony + reception) you get 20% off of each venue!

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How can I view the venues that are available?

Please contact the Director of Membership & Event Rentals for an informative site visit Monday-Friday. This is the only way to access the Alhecama Theatre and Pico Adobe. You may stop by for a self-guided visit of the Presidio Chapel during park operation hours, 7 days a week, from 11am – 4pm. You may visit the courtyard of Casa de la Guerra anytime.

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How can I check the availability or hold a date?

Contact the Director of Membership & Event Rentals for date availability. The Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation reserves your date with a completed contract and a non-refundable deposit. You can also look at date availability by checking our calendar here. 

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What if the date I’m interested in is already booked?

We will work with you to find another date, or show you one of our other venues!

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How many hours can we use the venue for?

• 10 hours for the Casa de la Guerra (extra hours start at $200/hour)

• 10 hours for the Alhecama Theater (extra hours start at $200/hour)

• 8 hours for the Presidio Orchard (extra hours start at $100/hour)

• 6 hours for the Presidio Chapel (extra hours start at $100/hour)

• 6 hours for the Presidio Parade (extra hours start at $100/hour)

• 24 hours for the Pico Adobe

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What is the capacity at your venues?

• Presidio Chapel - 180 guests

• Casa de la Guerra - 250 guests

• Alhecama Theatre - 140 guests

• Presidio Orchard - 400 guests

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What is the latest time an event can run?

At the Chapel, Orchard, and Alhecama Theatre, events must end at 10 p.m. At Casa de la Guerra, events must end at midnight. 

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How early can my event vendors access the site?

The venues open at 9:00 a.m. for your vendors. Vendors are to be off-site by midnight unless prior written arrangements have been negotiated well in advance. 

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Does the venue provide any tables, chairs, or event supplies for rentals?

We have chairs available for the Presidio Chapel for an additional fee. Chairs are available for client use at the Alhecama Theatre, if setup is needed, an additional fee will be required. Please contact the Director of Membership & Event Rentals for more information. No other event supplies are provided.

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What area is available for an event in case of rain?

If you are renting during the rainy season you should create a backup plan of tenting the event space. Also based on your guest count, the Alhecama Theatre may be used as a backup plan if the venue is available.

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Does the rental fee include staff?

Yes. Fees include an event attendant on the day of your event to assist with vendors and other general services at the Casa de la Guerra, El Presidio Chapel, El Presidio Orchard, and the Alhecama Theatre. Please note that the event attendant does not help with serving food or drinks, nor do they move tables and/or items around.

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Does the site require a day-of wedding coordinator?

No, we do not require a coordinator but we highly suggest it!

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Is there a space available for the bride to get ready in prior to the ceremony?

We have a “waiting room” for family or the bridal party, but we recommend getting ready elsewhere due to the size and capabilities of the room. 

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Are there any restrictions on music?

All music is allowed although the site coordinator may ask that the volume of music be turned down if there are complaints.

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May I serve alcohol?

Alcohol may be served by your caterer or other licensed bar service listed. Arrangements for the purchase of alcohol should be discussed with your caterer/bar service. The venue requires clients to abide by ABC Regulations. 

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What vendors can I use?

We allow any vendor with the one exception of the Casa de la Guerra privacy fence and additional lighting. Vendor information must be provided to the Director of Membership & Event Rentals 14 days out from your event.

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Does the Venue provide parking?

Some onsite parking is available on weeknights after business hours, and weekends, depending on the venue. Please email for more details. 

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Is insurance provided?

The applicant must provide a Certificate of Insurance in the amount of $1,000,000.  This can be obtained through the renter's homeowners insurance, or a private event insurance carrier such as The Event Helper or WedSafe.

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Are there contractual obligations after the contract is approved?

Depending on each venue there is a refundable cleaning/damage deposit, a Certificate of Insurance covering $1,000,000 general liability (naming the venue as additional insured), and a list of your vendors and a timeline of the day is required 14 days prior to the event.

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What types of events are permitted?

Please contact the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation for specific weddings, meetings, concerts, parties, etc. For more information, please email.

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Do you offer a non-profit rate?

We do indeed! If you are a certified non-profit, please email the Director of Membership & Event Rentals in order to learn about our special rates.

 

Does my rental fee help the operations of the Trust?

Yes! Your rental fee contributes to our mission of stewardship within the Presidio Neighborhood and inspires preservation advocacy throughout the County. We thank you for having your event here! 

 

I need a layout of your venue, do you have that?

We do indeed! You will find layouts for the El Presidio Chapel, Casa de la Guerra, El Presidio Orchard, and Alhecama Theatre by following the link here! 

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Have additional questions?

Please email or call (805)-961-5376.

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Events Calendar

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