Santa Barbara Weddings | Canary Hotel Santa Barbara

tying the knot

Request information about weddings at Canary Santa Barbara

or call 877-468-3515

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is a “Food and Beverage Minimum?”

The food and beverage minimum is the specific amount of revenue that you are required to guarantee in order to have your event with us. This minimum varies based on the day of the week and the time of year, as well as the specific space in the Hotel that you are reserving. The minimum is only a minimum, and does not mean that this is the total amount that you will spend for your event. The total amount will be determined by your specific menu and bar selections as well as your number of guests.

2. Is Parking Provided for my Guests?

There is Valet Parking available at the Hotel for $13.00 per car, and it is based upon availability. The other alternative would be the City Parking Lot, located on Chapala and Canon Perdido Streets, directly behind the Hotel, which is free for the first 75 minutes and $1.50 per hour after.

3. Does the Hotel Allow outside Vendors who are not on the Wedding Preferred Vendor List?

Yes, we do allow outside Vendors. You are not required to use the Vendors listed on our Preferred Vendor List, although we highly recommend them and have worked with them in the past. All outside Vendors are required to be licensed and insured. The only exception to this rule is for Rooftop lighting and lanterns. For this service, we do require guests to use Bella Vista Designs, who is our preferred lighting company.

4. Does the Hotel Require a Wedding Coordinator for all Weddings?

A professional Wedding Coordinator is required for all Weddings who are having their Ceremony take place at the Hotel. Wedding Receptions do not require a Coordinator, however they are always highly recommended for all Weddings.

5. Is there a Bridal Suite in the Hotel?

The Hotel does not have a specific, designated “Bridal Suite,” however we do have One Bedroom Suites, which are provided complimentary for the Bride and Groom on the night of the Wedding with our Wedding Packages (for Weddings with 50 guests or more).

6. Are we allowed to Bring in our own Alcohol for the Event?

You are allowed to bring in outside wine or champagne for your event, however there is an applicable $25.00 Corkage Fee applied to all open bottles. For legal reasons, the Hotel must serve all alcohol.

7. What if it Rains and my Event is scheduled on the Rooftop?

Anytime we schedule an event on the Rooftop, we automatically reserve an indoor space for your event, as a rain back up, at no additional charge. The other option available is to rent a tent for your event, in which case, you would incur the costs of the rental, which is typically about $4000.00. Tent decisions need to be finalized by the Tuesday before your event, and the decision to move the event indoors would need to be made at least 4 hours prior to the event start time.

8. How do the Bar Arrangements work for my Event?

The bar that we set up for your event can be arranged in many ways. If you choose to host the bar for your event, we can charge you on a “per drink” basis, which is based on consumption, or we can charge you on a “per person” basis per our bar packages, in which case your guests would drink, unlimited, during the specified amount of time that you choose. If you choose to offer a Cash Bar, this would mean that all guests are required to pay individually for their own beverages. There are many different levels of liquor available at the bar and you would determine what type of bar you would like to provide prior to your event. There is a $150 bartender fee, per 75 guests, applicable to all bars. Please refer to our Catering packets for specific pricing information.

9. Is the Upper Pool Deck open during our Event?

The area of the Rooftop that is reserved for private events is the Lower Deck. The Upper Pool Deck is always open to our in-house Hotel guests. Your event guests are welcome to utilize the Upper Deck during the event, however there is no glassware allowed there and they must be courteous to any Hotel guests that may be there. Typically, Hotel guests are not in the space past 5pm however they are welcome to be if they wish. The Hotel does not permit any additional décor or set up items in this area.

10. What is a Service Charge?

There is an applicable 20% service charge on all food and beverages for events. This service charge is distributed among Hotel staff and management and is applied toward the labor and service of your event.

11. Does the Hotel provide Heaters on the Rooftop?

Yes. The Hotel provides 12 propane heaters for each event on the Rooftop. There is no additional charge for the use of these heaters and the Hotel staff will light them for each event on an as-needed basis.

12. Is there a discounted Guest Room Rate available for my out-of-town Guests?

We do offer discounted room rates for out of town guests, however they are based on availability and specific rates will vary based on the time of year. The best discount available would be if you reserve a block of 8 rooms or more. Our Sales Department can assist you with specific rates once you have your specific date in mind. They can be contacted at 805-879-9173.

13. What is the price of Children’s Meals? What about Vendor Meals?

Children, ages 3-10, are eligible for a discounted meal price of $25.00 per meal. The specific meal can consist of a special meal such as Chicken Strips and French fries with a Fruit cup, or they can go through the Buffet or Stations with other guests at the same discounted price. The specific meal and number of meals must be determined 3 days prior to your event. Vendors that are assisting you the day of your Wedding are also eligible for a discounted meal price of $25.00 per meal. They will typically eat from the Buffet or Stations or will receive a “Chef’s Choice” plated selection with a plated menu. The number of meals must be determined 3 days prior to your event.

14. Does the Hotel provide us with a Menu Tasting?

All Weddings of 50 guests or more are entitled to a Menu Tasting once they have signed their contract and paid their initial deposit to confirm the event. Menu Tastings are scheduled 2 months prior to the Wedding and the specific date and time must be pre-determined with the Chef. Tastings typically take place on Tuesday-Saturday at either 11am or 2pm. Menu Tastings must be planned at least 2 weeks in advance prior to the date you are interested in.

15. Can the Hotel customize a special Menu for my Event?

Absolutely! Our Chef is always flexible and is open to creating a menu specific to your needs. Please inquire for details. Most customized menus are subject to additional costs.

16. Is Lighting Provided on the Rooftop?

There is ambient lighting provided on the Rooftop in the way of existing sconces and wall lighting. For more dramatic lighting for your event, we highly recommend string lights and lanterns, which are provided at an additional cost by our exclusive Lighting company, Bella Vista Designs. Please inquire for more information.

17. What is the Maximum Seating Capacity for the Rooftop?

The maximum seating capacity on the Rooftop for a sit down event is 150 guests. For a more casual Cocktail Reception the maximum capacity is 180 guests. The maximum capacity for a Ceremony AND Reception, both on the Rooftop, is 80 guests. With more than 80 guests, the cocktail reception and/or dinner and dancing would need to be indoors to provide enough space.

18. Is Amplified Music allowed on the Rooftop?

Yes. We do allow amplified music on the Rooftop. We do prefer to keep the decibel level as low as possible due to city ordinances but approved music vendors are allowed and the cut off time on the Rooftop is 11pm.

19. What if my Guest Count Changes?

An estimated number of guests is agreed upon in your initial Contract, however your final guest count is not due until 3 business days prior to your event. The final guarantee given 3 days prior cannot be decreased, however it may be increased subject to the Hotel’s ability to accommodate the increase.

20. Can you do a Plated Menu for my Event on the Rooftop?

Due to the proximity of the main kitchen and space limitations, we can only accommodate plated meals for 75 guests or less on the Rooftop. We can accommodate any number with a plated meal in our indoor Ballroom spaces.

packages

Extraordinary Weddings

catering menus

Download all menus

1. What is a “Food and Beverage Minimum?”

The food and beverage minimum is the specific amount of revenue that you are required to guarantee in order to have your event with us. This minimum varies based on the day of the week and the time of year, as well as the specific space in the Hotel that you are reserving. The minimum is only a minimum, and does not mean that this is the total amount that you will spend for your event. The total amount will be determined by your specific menu and bar selections as well as your number of guests.

2. Is Parking Provided for my Guests?

There is Valet Parking available at the Hotel for $13.00 per car, and it is based upon availability. The other alternative would be the City Parking Lot, located on Chapala and Canon Perdido Streets, directly behind the Hotel, which is free for the first 75 minutes and $1.50 per hour after.

3. Does the Hotel Allow outside Vendors who are not on the Wedding Preferred Vendor List?

Yes, we do allow outside Vendors. You are not required to use the Vendors listed on our Preferred Vendor List, although we highly recommend them and have worked with them in the past. All outside Vendors are required to be licensed and insured. The only exception to this rule is for Rooftop lighting and lanterns. For this service, we do require guests to use Bella Vista Designs, who is our preferred lighting company.

4. Does the Hotel Require a Wedding Coordinator for all Weddings?

A professional Wedding Coordinator is required for all Weddings who are having their Ceremony take place at the Hotel. Wedding Receptions do not require a Coordinator, however they are always highly recommended for all Weddings.

5. Is there a Bridal Suite in the Hotel?

The Hotel does not have a specific, designated “Bridal Suite,” however we do have One Bedroom Suites, which are provided complimentary for the Bride and Groom on the night of the Wedding with our Wedding Packages (for Weddings with 50 guests or more).

6. Are we allowed to Bring in our own Alcohol for the Event?

You are allowed to bring in outside wine or champagne for your event, however there is an applicable $25.00 Corkage Fee applied to all open bottles. For legal reasons, the Hotel must serve all alcohol.

7. What if it Rains and my Event is scheduled on the Rooftop?

Anytime we schedule an event on the Rooftop, we automatically reserve an indoor space for your event, as a rain back up, at no additional charge. The other option available is to rent a tent for your event, in which case, you would incur the costs of the rental, which is typically about $4000.00. Tent decisions need to be finalized by the Tuesday before your event, and the decision to move the event indoors would need to be made at least 4 hours prior to the event start time.

8. How do the Bar Arrangements work for my Event?

The bar that we set up for your event can be arranged in many ways. If you choose to host the bar for your event, we can charge you on a “per drink” basis, which is based on consumption, or we can charge you on a “per person” basis per our bar packages, in which case your guests would drink, unlimited, during the specified amount of time that you choose. If you choose to offer a Cash Bar, this would mean that all guests are required to pay individually for their own beverages. There are many different levels of liquor available at the bar and you would determine what type of bar you would like to provide prior to your event. There is a $150 bartender fee, per 75 guests, applicable to all bars. Please refer to our Catering packets for specific pricing information.

9. Is the Upper Pool Deck open during our Event?

The area of the Rooftop that is reserved for private events is the Lower Deck. The Upper Pool Deck is always open to our in-house Hotel guests. Your event guests are welcome to utilize the Upper Deck during the event, however there is no glassware allowed there and they must be courteous to any Hotel guests that may be there. Typically, Hotel guests are not in the space past 5pm however they are welcome to be if they wish. The Hotel does not permit any additional décor or set up items in this area.

10. What is a Service Charge?

There is an applicable 20% service charge on all food and beverages for events. This service charge is distributed among Hotel staff and management and is applied toward the labor and service of your event.

11. Does the Hotel provide Heaters on the Rooftop?

Yes. The Hotel provides 12 propane heaters for each event on the Rooftop. There is no additional charge for the use of these heaters and the Hotel staff will light them for each event on an as-needed basis.

12. Is there a discounted Guest Room Rate available for my out-of-town Guests?

We do offer discounted room rates for out of town guests, however they are based on availability and specific rates will vary based on the time of year. The best discount available would be if you reserve a block of 8 rooms or more. Our Sales Department can assist you with specific rates once you have your specific date in mind. They can be contacted at 805-879-9173.

13. What is the price of Children’s Meals? What about Vendor Meals?

Children, ages 3-10, are eligible for a discounted meal price of $25.00 per meal. The specific meal can consist of a special meal such as Chicken Strips and French fries with a Fruit cup, or they can go through the Buffet or Stations with other guests at the same discounted price. The specific meal and number of meals must be determined 3 days prior to your event.
Vendors that are assisting you the day of your Wedding are also eligible for a discounted meal price of $25.00 per meal. They will typically eat from the Buffet or Stations or will receive a “Chef’s Choice” plated selection with a plated menu. The number of meals must be determined 3 days prior to your event.

14. Does the Hotel provide us with a Menu Tasting?

All Weddings of 50 guests or more are entitled to a Menu Tasting once they have signed their contract and paid their initial deposit to confirm the event. Menu Tastings are scheduled 2 months prior to the Wedding and the specific date and time must be pre-determined with the Chef. Tastings typically take place on Tuesday-Saturday at either 11am or 2pm. Menu Tastings must be planned at least 2 weeks in advance prior to the date you are interested in.

15. Can the Hotel customize a special Menu for my Event?

Absolutely! Our Chef is always flexible and is open to creating a menu specific to your needs. Please inquire for details. Most customized menus are subject to additional costs.

16. Is Lighting Provided on the Rooftop?

There is ambient lighting provided on the Rooftop in the way of existing sconces and wall lighting. For more dramatic lighting for your event, we highly recommend string lights and lanterns, which are provided at an additional cost by our exclusive Lighting company, Bella Vista Designs. Please inquire for more information.

17. What is the Maximum Seating Capacity for the Rooftop?

The maximum seating capacity on the Rooftop for a sit down event is 150 guests. For a more casual Cocktail Reception the maximum capacity is 180 guests. The maximum capacity for a Ceremony AND Reception, both on the Rooftop, is 80 guests. With more than 80 guests, the cocktail reception and/or dinner and dancing would need to be indoors to provide enough space.

18. Is Amplified Music allowed on the Rooftop?

Yes. We do allow amplified music on the Rooftop. We do prefer to keep the decibel level as low as possible due to city ordinances but approved music vendors are allowed and the cut off time on the Rooftop is 11pm.

19. What if my Guest Count Changes?

An estimated number of guests is agreed upon in your initial Contract, however your final guest count is not due until 3 business days prior to your event. The final guarantee given 3 days prior cannot be decreased, however it may be increased subject to the Hotel’s ability to accommodate the increase.

20. Can you do a Plated Menu for my Event on the Rooftop?

Due to the proximity of the main kitchen and space limitations, we can only accommodate plated meals for 75 guests or less on the Rooftop. We can accommodate any number with a plated meal in our indoor Ballroom spaces.

We’ll handle everything but the vows.

You’re not just saying your vows and “I dos.” You’re starting a new stage in your life and Canary Santa Barbara is the ideal place to begin. Step into your new life surrounded by cool ocean breezes, beautiful mountain views and all of your loved ones.

Whether you choose to share the entire ceremony with us or have us host your reception, our banquet rooms, rooftop perch and guest rooms can handle it. The calming atmosphere is sure to help you drop your guard and loosen up a bit. Cut the cake. Throw the bouquet. Dance, dance, dance. Our staff will leave no detail untouched as we help plan everything from photo shoots to the menu to making sure the in-law’s rooms are as close or far away as possible. Canary Hotel is the venue for the ultimate Santa Barbara wedding.