Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I reserve the space and make my wedding date definite?
A: Please return your signed contract with the deposit. Bell Harbor or World Trade Center Seattle sales staff will send you a confirmation with a counter-signed copy of your contract after the deposit has been received.
Q: How much is the deposit?
A: A non-refundable deposit of 20% must be returned with the signed contract.
Q: How far in advance do we need to book our wedding?
A: It depends on the time of year for your wedding. Saturdays in the summer book up very quickly and often are booked up to 18 months in advance. As soon as you have a set date for your wedding ceremony or reception, please contact us. We will place a 7-day courtesy hold on your date while your contract is being developed. A required return date will be on the contract.
Q: What outdoor wedding ceremony locations are available?
A: For outdoor ceremonies, the Roof Top Plaza is our primary location which offers incredible city and water views. Our ceremony package includes seating, sound system with microphone and speakers, staging, a back up room in case of rain, and two dressing rooms. The Rooftop can accommodate from 20 to 300 guests.
Q: What indoor wedding reception locations are available?
A: Harbor Dining Room
This beautiful waterfront room can accommodate up to 300 guests for a seated dinner with a dance floor and up to 400 for a cocktail style reception. With views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountain Range, your guests can take advantage of the colorful sunsets while they sip champagne on the Harbor Dining Room Terrace.
A: World Trade Center Seattle
The Holland America Line dining room in the World Trade Center Seattle can accommodate up to 80 guests for a seated dinner with a dance floor and 140 for a cocktail style reception. The room is round with floor to ceiling windows and expansive views of the Seattle waterfront, West Seattle, and the Olympic Mountain Range. It also features a large connecting patio, which allows full advantage of the beautiful sunsets. If it is too small for your reception, it is a great rehearsal dinner option.
Q: How can I save some money?
A: If your dates are flexible, we offer discounts on facility fees and food minimums on Fridays, Sundays, and weekdays.
Q: When is my final payment due?
A: The estimated balance due is required a minimum of two weeks in advance of the wedding date. Payments may be made by credit card or personal check.
Q: What happens if I must to cancel my event?
A: Initial deposits are not refundable and are forfeited due to cancellation. Additional fees are incurred depending on how far in advance you cancel. Your contract will clearly detail these policies for you to read prior to signing.
Q: How early can I set up?
A: Please let us know how much time you will need and we will work with our schedule to accommodate you as best we can. A minimum of 1 hour will automatically be reserved for you with an option of more time based upon availability.
Q: Do you have a dance floor?
A: Yes, we have a dance floor onsite, and it is included in the room rental fee.
Q: Do you know a good officiate, photographer, or florist?
A: Yes, we can recommend local vendors to suit your specific needs. Please let us know what you are looking for and we will be happy to assist you.
Q: Can we have a rehearsal for the wedding ceremony?
A: Your ceremony package includes a one-hour rehearsal at no additional cost. This will be provided at a time that does not interfere with other booked events. We can confirm the date and time no earlier than 25 days prior to the wedding.
Q: Do you offer buffet or plated meals?
A: We offer a full-service banquet menu that includes passed or stationed hors d’oeuvres, full buffet or buffet stations, and multi-course plated meals. Please ask your sales manager for current menus and beverage lists.
Q: How does a food minimum work?
A: Bell Harbor requires a food minimum, which is based on the banquet room and the day of the week that you select. Your food minimum is the minimum amount you need to spend on food to rent the facility. This is in addition to the facility fee. You may apply all food purchases towards this goal. Beverage purchases, tax, and the service charge do not apply towards the food minimum. If the food minimum is not met, the balance will be charged to the wedding party’s master account (for example, if the food minimum is $5000, and you only spend $3000 on food, then the difference of $2000 will also be charged to the master account).
Q: What is included in my facility fee?
A: Your facility fee covers much more than just the room rental fee. For all ceremonies, we include a one-hour rehearsal, two dressing rooms, and a one-hour ceremony. For all receptions, we provide china, white linen, votive candles, dance floor, tables, chairs, and stemware. Other items such as specialty linens, chair covers, tenting, wedding arches, candelabras, and pedestals may be rented for additional fees.
Q: When is the guaranteed guest count due?
A: The estimated guest count is due 14 days prior to the event. The final guaranteed guest count is due three business days prior to the event. Bell Harbor and the World Trade Center will defer to the 14-day count, should a three-day count fail to be provided. Meal counts must also be provided at this time (i.e. plated dinners, number of children, vendor meals, etc.).
Q: How may I pay my payments?
A: You may make deposit payments by check or credit card.
Q: How do I handle gratuities?
A: All food and beverage purchases are subject to a service charge and Washington State sales tax. Service charges cover all set up, clean up, and gratuities for banquet servers and bartenders. The service charge is 20% and is taxable.
Q: Can we bring in our own food or alcohol?
A: You may only bring in a wedding cake as we do not have a pastry chef onsite. No other outside food or beverages may be brought in.
*Due to seasonal changes and the wide range of information covered, all information provided here is subject to change without notice.
For more information about booking social events and weddings at any of our premier Seattle waterfront venues, or to schedule a property tour, please contact us.
