What is the seating capacity?
The sanctuary will seat up to 250 guests, with adequate parking available.
How much time do you provide for wedding rentals?
We allow 4 hours for your wedding between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. (except for Sunday mornings). All weddings will include a 1 hour rehearsal time usually scheduled the day or evening prior to your wedding day. Extra rental time may be arranged.
Are the church facilities available for initial tours and follow-up visits?
You may arrange to meet with Lynda Wickline, Fridays through Sundays. Please contact Lynda at lwickline@centurytel.net, or (253) 549-6629. There will be a prompt response to emails and phone messages.
What is the policy on rehearsal time?
Depending on time and availability, the rehearsal can usually be scheduled for the night before your ceremony.
NOTE: Some clients may accomplish both a rehearsal and partial set-up within the scheduled rehearsal time, or some may need an additional rental hour.
Do you have exclusive arrangements, or may the client provide their own minister, musician, florist, photographer, etc.?
The wedding client is free to bring in their own minister.
NOTE: The F.I.U.C.C. has an exclusive arrangement with its organist/pianist, Catherine Greene. She is highly recommended as pianist and accompianist, and is the only person authorized to use the church organ. Contact Lynda Wickline (253-549-6629) with questions.
What wedding-related “items” will the F.I.U.C.C. provide, and will there be an additional charge?
Please refer to our complete list: Amenities and Items For Use.
Is the deposit included within the rental fee? What happens if we need to cancel?
The refundable security/damage deposit is a separate charge above the rental fee, and is due at the time of booking to hold your date. The total rental fee is due 30 days prior to the event. A $100 booking fee will be charged if your event is cancelled more than 30 days before your event. You will forfeit the $250 deposit if you cancel less than 30 days before your event.
Under what conditions would some or all of the deposit be withheld, and when would the deposit be refunded?
An infraction of our Rules and Policies or damage to or loss of F.I.U.C.C. property may result in forfeiture of part of your deposit. Deposit refund checks are usually mailed within two weeks of your event.
If our wedding preparations (decorating, set-up, or clean-up) require more time before or after our scheduled rental time, what is your policy about extending our hours?
The church desires to make your event special and memorable and will work with you within scheduling limitations. Arrangements for additional time can be made ahead of time but the church must be closed and the parking lot vacated by 9:30 p.m.
Is there a policy on alcohol?
There is a strict “No Alcohol” and “No Smoking” policy covering all events at the Fox Island United Church of Christ.
What area is provided for dressing rooms?
Women have private use of the Fireside Room with the large women’s restroom across the hall. The Fireside Room and has mirrors, tables and chairs, good lighting, multiple electrical outlets. Gentlemen may have use of the Choir Room near the front of the sanctuary as a dressing area, with nearby access to the restroom facility and the outdoor patio.
What is the policy on flower petals, candles, and decorating in general? (Please review our policies prior to your purchases)
We say “yes” to the use of flower petals, potpourri and candles, and “no” to birdseed, rice, and confetti. There is a definite “no attachment” policy in the Sanctuary and at the church in general, but you may wrap, twist and tie to secure decorations. All decorations, their attachment and uses, must have the prior approval of the Wedding/Facility Coordinator.
NOTE: Decorating plans must be restricted during the month of December, when the church will be decorated for the Advent and Christmas season.
How much of the set-up and clean-up is the client’s responsibility?
The sanctuary must be left in its original condition upon your departure, so please arrange for your own work parties for removal of decorations and returning chairs and furnishings.
Where is the Fox Island United Church of Christ?
Fox Island is visible to the south when crossing the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, and is a short 15-minute drive from Gig Harbor. On I-5 from Seattle or Olympia, take Highway 16 (Bremerton/Gig Harbor Exit). Cross the Narrows Bridge and continue 2 miles on Hwy. 16. Turn off on the Olympic Drive Exit, turning left on the overpass. From that point you may follow the signs to Fox Island, using the following instructions:
- Follow Olympic Drive (which becomes 56th St. NW) until you come to the first 'T'.
- Turn left on Wollochet Drive and follow the main road through two lights.
- At the third light, bear right as the main road turns into 40th St.
- At the first stop light intersection, turn left from 40th onto 70th Ave.
- Turn right at the “T” and continue on 32nd St. (which becomes Warren Drive) until you come to the sign for the Fox Island Bridge.
- Bearing to the left, cross the bridge and continue down the main island road (Island Blvd.) for 1.9 miles.
There will be another large church on the left-hand side of the road, but look to the right for our driveway about ½ block past this church!
The Fox Island United Church of Christ is on your right, the driveway located at the end of a chain link fence surrounding our tennis courts. You can see the belfry from the road.
You may also find a map and directions to the
Fox Island United Church of Christ online (click here)
For scheduling information, please contact our Wedding/Facility Coordinator at lwickline@centurytel.net, or call (253) 549.6629. Your message will be answered promptly.
FOX ISLAND UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
P.O. Box 475
726 6th Avenue
Fox Island, Washington 98333
253.549.2420