What is the capacity of the Chapel?
The Sanctuary and side room on the upper floor can seat up to 130 guests, as can the waterfront garden. The Reception Hall on the lower floor can seat up to 70 or so at tables for a catered meal. For more casual receptions with guests standing, the Hall can accommodate 130 guests with chairs for about 50 around the perimeter. Canopies or tents can be rented through Benchmark Rentals (253) 537-0814 for outdoor events in the waterfront garden. See Gallery
What do I need to do to rent the Chapel?
First check with our 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 before signing our contract.
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 Manager at 253.549.7039 or sending an email. 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.
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. Clients with 5-hour rentals may choose between 10:30-3:30 or 4:30-9:30, depending on availability. Rental time includes all deliveries, set-up, decorating, photography sessions, and clean-up.
When should I book my wedding date--how early should I be reserving my special day?
If you would like a specific day for your wedding, our recommendation is to book at least one year in advance. If you can choose between several available dates, you have a bit more time, but we do advise to set your wedding date early.
How much time will I need for my event? I can't decide between 5 or 9 hours...
Please remember that your rental time frame includes from the time our doors are open for you until we say farewell...and that includes all decorating, photography sessions, your ceremony, and clean up, and if you're having your reception here, you need to factor in the time for your caterer to set up and clean up as well. Time starts adding up, especially when you have more people here. You may wish to check with your photographer and caterer before deciding which amount of time you will need.
I would like my wedding to begin at 2:00pm, and guests will arrive at 1:30pm--so, my rental time period would begin at 1:30, right?
If you would like to have flowers set in place before guests arrive, a photography session, and time to get ready for your ceremony, you will need to arrange that during your rental time frame. Many brides need 1-2 hours of set up time before their ceremony--but you should check with your photographer, your florist, and your caterer to be sure. Therefore, if your wedding is at 2:00pm, you may need to have your rental time frame begin several hours earlier, depending on your plans.
What if my rehearsal or wedding goes over our contracted 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. If there is another wedding booked following your event, you may not be able to go over your contracted time frame.
How much do you charge to rent the Chapel?
Please view Rental Rates
What method of payment do you accept?
The Chapel accepts Visa or MasterCard, your personal check, money orders, certified checks, or cash.
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 Information Letter.
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.
What equipment does the Chapel provide?
Please view Amenities and Items for Use and also Basic Measurements and Decorating Information.
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, with the exception of the caterer, who must be chosen from our Exclusive Caterer List (see Resources). We require prior approval of any musician who uses Chapel instruments. Table linens are available for $15 per table cloth. If there are any questions regarding kitchen use, check with the Chapel Host. Please 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?
You are welcome to self-cater for an additional fee of $200 for this service. Please be aware that 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. Table linens are available for $15 per table cloth. 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 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 Chapel Manager will assist you in arranging the specific time; please do not arrange your rehearsal dinner until we see if your requested rehearsal time is available.
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 gallery for details.
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 Banquet Permit, available from any liquor store. To serve wine and bottled beer during receptions, clients must also provide a licensed, insured 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 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.
Do you have measurements of the aisle, the front windows, tables, etc.?
Yes, please view Basic Measurements and Decorating Information.
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.
How much of the setup and cleanup are the client's 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.
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.
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 there a parking problem for large events?
We have not experienced a parking problem even at full capacity events. Parking is allowed around the cul-de-sac and on the street as long as driveways and mail boxes are kept clear and privacy is respected. Parking Map
When is the Chapel open for tours and viewing?
The Chapel Tour and Viewing Hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00am to 1:00pm, and the Chapel Manager is available during that time, plus by appointment. We are usually booked with weddings and events on weekends, and tours are therefore unavailable at those times.
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.
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 12 years of events, less than a dozen deductions from the deposit have been made. Deposit refund checks are mailed every two weeks.
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.
Are there other rules and regulations or hidden fees regarding my rental?
We make every attempt to be clear regarding our Facility Rules. All fees are discussed in either the Use Agreement or Facility Rules--there is nothing hidden, and we are as up-front as we can be. Please remember that our facility is over 112 years old, and it is kept in impecable condition. Our wish is for our clients to have the wedding and/or reception of their dreams! Please feel free to call with any questions you may have--we're happy to help!