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1. Can I hold a date tentatively?

Yes. As a courtesy, we will tentatively hold a date for up to two weeks without any payment or paperwork.  A non-refundable deposit of 50% of the room charge along with the rental application will confirm your reservation.

Rental Application

2. How can I obtain the certificate of liability insurance required for serving alcohol and/or self-catering?

A Certificate of Liability Insurance in the amount of one million dollars naming the Port of Bellingham as an additional insured is required for all events serving alcohol and/or events that choose to self-cater. Some insurance carriers issue a single-day rider on the applicant’s homeowner / rental insurance policy. Another option is to purchase event insurance. Here are just a few sites to choose from: www.directevent.me, www.wedsafe.com, www.theeventhelper.com WedSafe Insurance

3. When is my final payment and paperwork due?

The following items are all due no less than 10 business days prior to your event:
1. Final payment, which includes the refundable damage deposit
2. Day of event form to indicate open & close times
3. Certificate of liability insurance, if serving alcohol or using cater not on "pre-qualified" list

4. Are tables and chairs included in my rental?

Tables and chairs are included with the rental. The furniture in the facilities is for indoor use only. You are more than welcome to rent additional furniture for outdoor use. We do have white folding chairs available for rent at the Squalicum Boathouse.

5. When/how will I receive my damage deposit refund?

Damage deposits are refunded 10-14 business days after an event. If you paid using a credit card, your damage deposit will go back on that card. If you have paid by check, your refund will deposited right into the specified bank account.

6. What are the requirements for serving alcohol?

If you plan to serve alcohol, you will need to obtain a Certificate of Liability Insurance policy in the amount of one million dollars naming the Port as additional insured. Some insurance carriers issue a single one-day rider on the applicant's homeowner/rental insurance policy. Another option is to purchase event insurance online. Here are a few sites to choose from: www.wedsafe.com, www.theeventhelper.com, www.directevent.me.  In addition to the insurance requirement, a $500 refundable damage deposit will need to be submitted no later than two weeks before the scheduled event date.

7. What are the requirements for serving food?

If you choose to have your event catered by someone on our “pre-qualified” list, you are not required to get additional liability insurance; all of the listed caterers have their insurance policy on file with the Port. Simply indicate the caterer you have chosen on your rental application or phone us and we will enter it on your records.

If you choose to self-cater, or opt to use the services of a caterer that is not on the Port of Bellingham’s Pre-qualified Caterer’s list, you need to obtain a Certificate of Liability Insurance policy in the amount of one million dollars naming the Port of Bellingham as an additional insured. Some insurance carriers issue a single-day rider on the applicant’s homeowner/rental insurance policy. Another option is to purchase event insurance through www.wedsafe.com.

8. What items/decorations are allowed and not allowed in Port facilities?

The Port does not allow the following items:
-Helium balloons
-Open flame devices, fog/bubble/foam machines, or other smoke emitting materials
-Glitter, confetti, birdseed, rice and real flower petals
(Real flower petals may be used for table decorations)
-Tacks, nails, staples or tape is not to be used on walls or other surfaces that may cause damage

The following items are allowed:
-Floating candles, or candles in glass containers
-Unity candles if they are extinguished at the conclusion of the ceremony
-Bubbles (no bubble machines)
-Non-helium balloons
-Floral arrangements/centerpieces

9. Is there a sound system available for use?

Both the Bellingham Cruise Terminal and the Squalicum Boathouse have sound systems available for customer use.  Both venues have a wireless hand-held microphone and a hard wired port to connect a phone or a laptop via an audio connection cord to play music.  The Squalicum Boathouse has a system which is Blue Tooth capable. Our sound system is not intended to replace a DJ. We suggest hiring a band or DJ if your event requires more than background music or a basic PA system.