Policies and Guidelines
Things to Know
reservations
Bookings are taken on a first come, first served basis. A signed rental agreement and a non-refundable 50% deposit is required to book your date. The remaining 50% venue rental fee, a $400 security deposit, $250 catering fee (if applicable) and rental order will be due 10 days before the event.
We accept cash, checks, VISA and MasterCard.
The $400 security deposit is fully refundable and will be returned to you, provided there are no cleaning charges or damage.
cancellations and refunds
The 50% reservation deposit required at booking is non-refundable.
The $400 security deposit will be refunded within 20 days of your event, provided there is no damage or cleaning charges.
venue seating capacity
St. Paul’s church seats a maximum of 150 people in the sanctuary. The church terrace seats 100 at tables.
The Hood Canal Vista Pavilion seats 150 inside the reception hall and 160 comfortably under the tent.
rehearsals
A one hour rehearsal is included in your venue rental. We encourage it but do not require that you have one. Please remember that Port Gamble events take precedence over rehearsals. We cannot guarantee that your rehearsal will be the night before your event.
set up/take down/clean up
Set up and take down are included in your rental time. You will not have access to the church or pavilion until the time indicated on your contract. Early arrivals will be charged $62.50 per quarter hour.
The last hour of your rental is for collecting your personal belongings and loading them into your car. Events that run over time will be charged $250 per hour.
It will be your responsibility to return St. Paul’s Church or the Hood Canal Vista Pavilion to the condition in which it was found. For example, this may include light cleaning and garbage removal. We will sweep, mop, stack chairs and put tables away.
caterers
Port Gamble works with wonderful caterers. We’ve found that events run more smoothly with caterers who consistently work here. Use of one of our contracted caterers is required at the Hood Canal Vista Pavilion. Self catering or outside catering is acceptable at the church only for an additional $250 fee.
alcohol
To serve any alcohol (beer, wine, and hard liquor) Port Gamble requires a licensed bartender and temporary banquet permit (which can be acquired at any liquor store.)
Kegs are not allowed.
quiet hours
St. Paul’s Church and the Hood Canal Vista Pavilion are both located in Kitsap County. Music must end no later than 10PM in accordance with Kitsap County regulations.
deliveries
Delivery of food, cake, flowers, music equipment, etc. must coincide with your agreed upon rental time. Early arrivals will be subject to a $62.50 per quarter hour charge.
children
Children are welcome at Port Gamble venues; however, it is your responsibility to see that they are supervised at all times.
smoking
St. Paul’s Church, St. Paul’s Terrace, and Hood Canal Vista Pavilion are all no smoking areas. Guests may smoke outside of the church/tented areas at a minimum distance of 25 feet, in accordance with Washington State law. Please place cigarette butts in appropriate containers. When you arrive in Port Gamble, you will notice the venues are free of cigarette butts.
decorations
Here are a few guidelines for decorating at Port Gamble Venues:
You may burn dripless candles only and they must be under supervision at all times.
- No material may be attached, affixed, tacked, stapled, or taped to walls, doors, or any part of the interior.
- Artwork may not be removed from the walls.
- The piano may not be moved.
- The following items are not permitted, birdseed, rice or foil confetti–for alternative suggestions see FAQ.
tables and chairs
Tables and chairs are included in your venue rental and provided by Port Gamble. Anything extra (outside of our inventory, per venues) can be rented through Port Gamble Weddings & Events. Rentals cannot be delivered before your designated rental time and must be picked up by 9am the next morning. Remember that many rental companies do not deliver on Sundays.
