Questions
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book?
Event bookings in Port Gamble are on a first-come, first-serve basis and can book up to a year and a half in advance. For prime dates, such as Saturdays in July and August, we recommend booking at least a year in advance. Fridays and Sundays book up more slowly and we recommend six to nine months ahead for those days. Other dates will stay available year round, and we accept bookings up to ten days before an event. We will make the best effort possible to accommodate you!
Can I have more than 160 guests?
No. Like any venue, we have occupancy limits set in place by the fire marshal that we cannot exceed. St. Paul’s Church holds approximately 150 guests in the chapel and 100 outside in the tent. The Hood Canal Vista Pavilion can accommodate no more than 160 guests at tables, but is more comfortable with 125 guests or fewer.
Are tables and chairs provided?
Yes. Port Gamble includes tables and chairs available from our inventory at each venue; set up and break down is handled by Port Gamble staff. We have round guest tables and white folding chairs.
Where are the closest accommodations?
The Port Gamble Guest Houses are located within a few blocks of St. Paul’s Church and the Hood Canal Vista Pavilion, with stunning views of Hood Canal. These guest houses accommodate up to sixteen guests between the two, and are fully furnished and stocked with games, kitchenware and linens. They are an ideal choice for your family or bridal party. If they are not available, we recommend the Poulsbo Inn (about 10 minutes away), or several other Bed and Breakfasts that can be found on our Preferred Vendors list.
How much parking is available?
Unlimited! Port Gamble has several grass lots reserved specifically for weddings and events that provide unlimited free parking for your guests.
Why do you require certain caterers?
This is one of Port Gambles greatest benefits to our brides! We provide you with a list of several options for fabulous local caterers. Port Gamble has developed strong relationships with these caterers so that they know our facility, staff, policies and procedures very well and can offer you the best flow for your event. The caterers on our list have worked at Port Gamble many times and we guarantee that you will benefit greatly from using one of our spectacular caterers. With our caterers, you event will run more efficiently and cleanup will be much easier.
Are we required to use other specific vendors from your list?
No. We are happy to make suggestions for vendors such as florists, photographers and DJs that have worked at Port Gamble many times and demonstrated quality, professional work. We will provide you with a preferred vendors list as a recommendation only, and not a requirement (with the exception of caterers). Vendors must demonstrate consistent quality and customer service to be added to our list, and we diligently survey all our brides to find the best possible vendors.
Where do I get tablecloths, dishes, glassware, etc?
Port Gamble offers the convenient service of renting table linens, glassware, china, flatware and other party supplies directly through our facility. Rental through Port Gamble includes delivery, set up, tear down and cleanup of all rented equipment at no additional cost. Contact a Port Gamble representative for details.
When will my wedding rehearsal be?
Port Gamble provides a one-hour rehearsal at no additional charge. Rehearsals are scheduled on Thursday afternoons for weekend weddings. We are typically booked for events on Friday and Saturday nights, so it is difficult for us to guarantee a rehearsal the night before a weekend wedding. In some cases, we can make exceptions a few weeks before the event.
How far in advance can I come in to decorate?
All of our rental periods include your set up and tear down time. You are allowed to come in within the time slot of your reservation only, and we do not permit items to be stored, dropped off or set up before the day of the event. Instead, we have devised our reception time slots so they include enough time for all your set up and tear down based on our experience with our facilities.
Where can I get ready the day of?
Port Gamble happily provides dressing space in our historic conference rooms in town at no additional charge! This facility offers seclusion, a private bathroom and is less than a block from the Pavilion.
Is there staff onsite during the event?
Yes. Port Gamble staff members are available the entire time of your reservation. We are also happy to prompt and run your rehearsal if necessary and prompt your bridal party down the aisle the day of. However, we are the facility coordinators only and not wedding planners. Our services do not include serving of food or alcohol, coordinating the schedule, contacting the vendors, decoration, or other duties not related to the facility.
Why are kegs not permitted?
We don’t allow kegs because we would like to maintain an atmosphere of moderation and appropriate behavior. We do allow bottled or canned beer, hard liquor, and wine with a licensed bartender present. Restricting kegs makes it easier for the bartender to avoid over serving.
Why do you require a licensed bartender? Can I have a friend do it?
We require a licensed bartender for the safety and comfort of your guests. A bartender is a convenience to you, and allows for peace of mind that over serving will be avoided. The bartender is responsible for monitoring the alcohol distribution, taking care of all the mixing and serving of the drinks and managing of the bar. Because of the sensitivity of the duties of the bartender, we require a third-party bartender with a Washington state class-12 alcohol serving permit. Unfortunately, we do not allow self-serving, or friends or family acting as a bartender, even if they are licensed. The bartender cannot be a wedding guest or consume alcohol during your event. Port Gamble staff will diligently enforce these regulations, and will need to see documentation of both the banquet license and bartender’s permit. Most of our caterers provide bartenders, and we are happy to recommend other companies that provide this service.
Can we sell alcohol or have a cash bar?
No. Port Gamble does not have a liquor license, and therefore it is illegal to sell liquor on the premises. You cannot have a cash bar, no host bar, sell drink tickets, make it by donation or use other forms of payment. We require a state-issued banquet license that specifies that you agree not to sell alcohol under any circumstances. This policy is strongly enforced by our staff.
What is the latest time we can stay?
All of our reservations end at 10:00PM, in accordance with Kitsap County noise regulations. This includes all breakdown and cleanup of your event, and the building is closed up and locked promptly at 10:00PM. We recommend that your event end no later than 9:15 PM. In some cases, with prior arrangement and an additional fee, we will allow cleanup only to happen later than 10:00PM.
What kind of cleanup am I responsible for?
You are responsible for taking out everything you brought in, including trash. We have dumpsters on site that you can empty the trash containers in to. If you use rose petals, you are required to sweep them all up and throw them away. They cannot be left on the lawn or dumped in the gardens. You are not responsible for sweeping, mopping or cleaning the bathrooms, as that is handled by our janitorial staff. We do ask that you leave the pavilion in as clean a condition as possible, free of debris and litter. You do not need to break down the tables and chairs, that is covered by our staff.
