What is the capacity of the Chapel?
The Sanctuary and side room on the upper floor can seat up to 120 guests, as can the waterfront garden. The Reception Hall on the lower floor can seat up to 64 at tables for a catered meal. For more casual receptions with guests standing, the Hall can accommodate 120 guests with chairs for about 50 around the perimeter. Canopies can be rented through various agencies for outdoor events in the waterfront garden. See Photo Gallery

How do I find out if the date I would like is available?
You can determine potential availability of the Chapel by checking with the Facility and Events Manager at 253.549.7039.  It is advisable to book early and have alternative dates. Reservations are not confirmed until we receive an insurance rider, the contract is signed and the deposit plus ½ of the rental fee is paid.

How much do you charge to rent the Chapel?
See: Rental Rates

Is the deposit included within the rental fee?
No, the refundable security/damage deposit is a separate charge above the basic rental fee and is due when booking your date, along with 50% of the rental fee. Use Agreement

Under what conditions will some or all of the deposit be withheld and when will the deposit be refunded?
An infraction of the Use Agreement and/or the Facility Rules or damage to or loss of Chapel property may result in loss of all or a part of the deposit.  Status of the facility is determined at the end of the event with the Chapel Host and the client or client representative.  In over 200 events, less than a dozen deductions from the deposit have been made. Deposit refund checks are mailed every two weeks.

What method of payment do you accept?
The Chapel accepts credit cards, your personal check, money orders, bank checks, or cash.

Can I have a copy of the contract?
A sample Use Agreement (contract) is provided. This sample is for information only and is not an offer to rent. Use Agreement

Why do you require an insurance rider from the client?
Insurance providers do not allow policy holders to sublet or “rent” their insurance coverage to a third party such as an individual renting the facility. Therefore, anyone renting the facility for an event such as a wedding and/or reception  or other event is required to provide their own insurance covering the Fox Island Preservation Society and the Chapel. Our experience is that most homeowners insurance policies will provide the required certificate at no or minimal cost. If your insurance provider will not supply the required certificate, you will need to purchase a “Short Term Special Event Policy.” These policies are provided at varying prices. Should you elect to rent the Chapel, it is advisable to check with your insurance carrier prior to contacting the Chapel to assure that you can meet this requirement. Additional details are provided in the Use Agreement. Also see Insurance Certificate Letter.

May a client provide their own caterer, photographer, florist, minister, musician, etc.?
The Chapel is a non-religiously affiliated facility, and as such allows each couple to bring in the officiant of their own choice.  Clients are free to choose their own wedding related resources. We require our prior approval of all caterers and any musician who uses Chapel instruments.  Caterers not previously approved must provide a copy of their Catering License and Business Insurance at least two weeks prior to the event.  All equipment, except the dishwasher, is available and must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.  Dishes, flatware, utensils etc. owned by the Facility are not available for use.  If there are any questions regarding kitchen use, check with the Chapel Host.  Please check our Resources for links to some suppliers who have been used successfully at the Chapel in the past, and review our complete policy regarding Catering.  Kitchen clean up, removal of all glass (bottles etc.) from the facility, and removal of all Lessee and/or Caterer owned materials are the responsibility of the Lessee.  All trash must be bagged and placed in receptacles in the fenced area outside the front side door to the Chapel. 

Can we cater our own event?
Yes, however, self-catering is limited to warming of previously cooked dishes, available space in the refrigerator and freezer, and use of any equipment except the dishwasher.  Cutting or chopping on counters is prohibited.  Dishes, flatware, utensils, etc., owned by the Facility are not available for use. Facility Rules.   Kitchen clean up, removal of all glass (bottles etc.) from the facility, and removal of all Lessee and/or Caterer owned materials are the responsibility of the Lessee.  All trash must be bagged and placed in receptacles in the fenced area outside the front side door to the Chapel.   A minimum of $100 will be deducted from the Damage and Cleaning deposit in the event that any of the rules are violated.

What do I need to do to rent the Chapel?
First check with our Facility and Events Manager for date availability, arrange for a tour and sign our contract, and pay the deposit plus 50% of the rental fee. You will need to check with your insurance provider (Insurance Certificate Letter) before signing our contract.

What times are available for a rental event?
You may decide between a 9-hour rental or a 5-hour rental within the hours of 10:30AM and 9:30PM.  Rental time includes all deliveries, set-up, decorating, and clean-up.

What is the policy regarding wedding rehearsal time? 
Your wedding rental includes an additional 1½-hour rehearsal time, arranged on a separate date before the event, depending on previously scheduled events.  The Facility and Events Manager will assist you in arranging the specific time.

What if my rehearsal or wedding goes over our rental time period? 
If you exceed your rehearsal time, $75 per each additional ½ hour will be deducted from your deposit; $150 per each additional ½ hour will be deducted from your deposit for exceeding your wedding rental time.

Is there a policy regarding alcohol?
Clients desiring to serve champagne or wine/bottled beer must indicate this on our contract and must also obtain a liquor license, available from any liquor store.  To serve wine and bottled beer during receptions, clients must use an approved caterer and a licensed, bonded bartender. Disregarding the policy results in loss of at least the entire deposit.  Please see our Facility Rules regarding alcohol for our complete policy.

What equipment does the Chapel provide?
See Amenities and Items for Use.

What area is provided for dressing rooms?
Men have a small area adjacent to the main floor restroom. Women have a larger, elegant area on the lower floor that includes two restrooms. See our photo gallery for details.

Is there a parking problem for large events?
We have not experienced a parking problem even at full capacity events. Parking is provided around the cul-de-sac and on the street as long as driveways are kept clear and privacy is respected.

What are the noise/music policies?
Because of the close proximity of our neighbors, noise and music sound levels must be kept reasonable. The Chapel Host will inform the client if sound levels become unreasonable.

Is there a dock available for use?
No. There are private docks on each side of the Chapel, which are not available to our clients. Some arriving and departing guests have used small skiffs to travel to and from larger boats anchored in Echo Bay. Some brides and grooms have left for their honeymoons by jet ski, canoe, kayak, and float plane.

Is the building air-conditioned?
This facility has an excellent heating system. There is no air conditioning system, but a reasonably comfortable temperature is maintained during summer months with open windows, fans, and natural circulation of air.

What is the policy on flower petals, candles, and decorating?
You may use flower petals and candles, but no birdseed, rice and/or confetti. You may use existing nails over doors, windows, and archways, but no other attachments may be used in the Chapel. Only dripless candles may be used. No candles may be placed on windowsills, ledges, or on top of instruments. Basic Measurements and Decorating Information

How much of the setup and cleanup are the clients responsibility?
It is the client's responsibility to set up and takedown all chairs, tables, and decorations in accordance with the Facility Rules.  Kitchen clean up, removal of all glass (bottles etc.) from the facility, and removal of all Lessee and/or Caterer owned materials are the responsibility of the Lessee.  All trash must be bagged and placed in receptacles in the fenced area outside the front side door to the Chapel. Cleaning the floors is our responsibility.  The Chapel Host will be in attendance throughout the event.

What if I need to cancel my contract with the Chapel? 
Should you cancel your event more than sixty (60) days prior to the rental date, the deposit is forfeited and any rental fee paid is refunded.  In the event you need to cancel your wedding less than sixty (60) days prior to the rental date, you would forfeit the deposit and all rental fees paid.