Frequently Asked Questions

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 70 or so 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 or tents can be rented through AA Party Rentals. Contact them through their website or call them in Tacoma at 253.922.9898.

What do I need to do to rent the Chapel?
First, check with our Chapel Manager to see if the specific date and time frame you are interested in is available. Second, you can call or e-mail us to schedule an appointment to tour the Chapel. It is best to try and see The Chapel during the day so you can appreciate the amazing view! To secure your date you’ll need to sign the contract, pay the $500 fully refundable cleaning and damage deposit, and half of the rental rate up front. It is wise to check with your insurance provider before signing our contract, as you’ll need to secure a certificate, claiming the Chapel as insured. This is usually not a problem with most insurance providers and a certificate is usually issued with little or no cost to you. See more about the insurance requirements below in the section titled, “Why do you require an insurance rider from the client”. We are happy to answer your questions regarding this issue at any time.

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 Chapel Manager at 253.234.7670, or sending an e-mail to rentals@foxislandchapel.net. We will return your voice mail or e-mail within 24 hours. It is advisable to book early and have alternate dates if possible. Reservations are not confirmed until the contract is signed, and the fully refundable cleaning and damage deposit is received and half the rental rate is paid.

What times are available for a rental event?
The Chapel is in a residential area so our hours are set in order to be a good neighbor. We can open the building as early as 10:30 a.m., and close as late as 9:30 p.m. Please note that rental times include 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?
As soon as possible! If you would like a specific date for your wedding, our recommendation is to book at least one year in advance. We also understand that this isn’t always possible. If you are flexible and can choose between several available dates, you have a bit more time, but we do advise to set your wedding date early.

What if my rehearsal or wedding goes over our rental time period?
If you exceed your rental time, $200 for each additional ½ hour will be deducted from your security deposit.  Please note that our use permit does not allow us to hold events before 10:30am or after 9:30pm.

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

What method of payment do you accept?
The Chapel accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, 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 signing the contract to insure that you can meet this requirement. Additional details are provided in the Use Agreement. Also see Insurance Certificate Letter by clicking on this title.

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?
See Furnishings & Equipment.

Can we cater our own event?
You are welcome to self-cater. There is a kitchen use fee of $200 that should be paid in advance. This fee is charged if you have a caterer or self-cater. Our kitchen is considered a “serving” kitchen. There is an oversized stainless steel refrigerator for your use, a standalone freezer, and two ovens. The kitchen does not have a dishwasher, and the high speed sanitizer is reserved for our caterer’s use. Kitchen clean up, removal of all glass (bottles, etc.) from the facility, and removal of all Lessee owned materials are the responsibility of the Lessee. All trash must be bagged and placed in receptacles in the fenced area outside the front door to The Chapel.

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 $10 Banquet Permit from Washington State. This process can be easily completed online.

What is the policy on flower petals, candles, and decorating?
You may use flower petals and candles, but please no birdseed, rice, and/or confetti. You may use existing nails over doors, windows, and archways, but please do not use any other attachments that may damage The Chapel’s walls. Only dripless candles should be used, and we cannot allow placing candles on windowsills, ledges, or on top of the piano.

What are the noise/music policies?
Because of the close proximity of our neighbors, noise and music levels should be kept reasonable. All music is to be kept indoors. The Chapel Host will inform the client if sound levels become disruptive.

How much of the setup and cleanup are the client’s responsibility?
It is the client’s responsibility to set up and take-down all chairs, tables, and decorations in accordance with the Facility Rules. If using the kitchen, kitchen clean up, removal of all glass (bottles, etc.) from the facility, and removal of all Lessee owned materials are the ultimate responsibility of the Lessee. If choosing a preferred caterer from our list, the catering company will take care of their own clean up and removal of their materials. 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 Hostess will be in attendance throughout the event.

Is there a dock available for our use?
The Chapel does not own or have access to a dock, but anchored boats are welcome. We’ve had brides and grooms arrive and depart their ceremony via the water, on everything from jet skis to row boats to outrigger canoes, and even a float plane! Our unique waterfront location provides very special opportunities for wedding parties to utilize this space.

When is the Chapel open for tours and viewing?
The Chapel does not have set hours for tours. Please contact our Chapel Manager to make an appointment.

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. If the need arises that the Chapel or reception area carpet needs to be cleaned as a result of your rental, all or part of the deposit could be forfeited. This includes Non-Profit and Board Sponsored Events. In hundreds 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?
If you cancel the rental sixty (60) days or more prior to the rental date the initial rental fee is forfeited and the security deposit will be refunded. In the event you need to cancel the rental sixty (60) days or less prior to the rental date you would forfeit the entire rental fee.  If the entire rental fee has not been paid in full the security deposit will also be retained.  In the event that the entire rental fee and the certificate of insurance have not been received sixty (60) days prior to the rental date, the Chapel may cancel the reservation and all deposits and fees paid are forfeited.