1. How far in advance can I book my event?

At Clise Mansion guests may reserve their date on the 1st of the month, 15 months prior to their event. For example, we can sign a contract for September 25th, 2012 on June 1st, 2011. At Robinswood House guests may reserve on the first of the month, 12 months ahead of the chosen date. Bellevue residents may reserve the Robinswood House 13 months in advance. Please see question 2 for details on booking summer dates at Clise Mansion.

2. Why do I have to wait until late April to book my summer wedding date at the Clise?

Clise Mansion is a little different then most venues due to its proximity to the venue used for the King County Parks summer series, The Concerts at Marymoor. Concerts are held directly behind our back yard and thus we must refrain from booking summers (June 1st-Sept. 20th) until after we get our concert dates. Dates are due to us in mid-April for the summer of the same year. Typically there are only 10-12 shows a year and they are spread across all days of the week. Therefore, we not only have many prime dates left for reservation, but are also able to be more flexible with booking time periods. We do maintain a 1st come 1st serve call back list that we would be happy to add your name to.

3. How much of a deposit do I have to put down?

For an event taking place in the high season the deposit is $750. For the off-season it is $500. Deposits are directly applied toward the rental fee and are not additional fees.

4. When is my final payment due?

Both the final payment and refundable security deposit are due 90 days prior to the event date.

5. What if I have to change my date?

There is a $300 charge to change the date. Any deposits and payments will be transferred to the new booking. The rebooked event must occur within one calendar year of the original date booked and the new date must be selected within 60 days of the cancellation date.

6. What if I have to cancel my event?

If an event is cancelled for any reason 90 days or more before the event date the result is a forfeiture of all non-refundable deposits, and only 50% of the remainder of the balance will be due. If the event is canceled within 90 days of the event date then 100% of the remaining balance will still be due. If the security deposit has already been paid it will be returned in full.

7. Does it cost extra to have my ceremony at your venue?

No, our rental costs are for the facility itself so guests may use it for a ceremony, reception, or both.

8. What do we do about a rehearsal?

Guests are allowed a one hour rehearsal period for their ceremony at no additional cost. Rehearsals at Clise Mansion will be offered Thursdays, 1pm-4pm. Rehearsals at Robinswood House will be offered Thursdays, 1pm-4pm, and Fridays, 9am-12 noon. We reserve the right to reschedule rehearsals if a booking should occur in these time slots.

9. Will there be staff from Seattle Bride at my event?

Yes, we always have Seattle Bride staff on site. Costs for staff members are included in the rental fee.

10. What if it rains?

In Seattle it is always necessary to have a Plan B. At Clise Mansion most events can be accommodated inside. At Robinswood House guests have until noon on the Tuesday before the event to decide if they would like to rent a tent directly from Seattle Bride. Tents are not allowed in the sunken garden area at the Robinswood House.

11. What time can I start setting up for my event?

The rental time period includes setup and takedown. Therefore, if a rental period is 6pm - 12am, then guests and vendors may not come on-site and begin set-up until 6pm. On the other end, the event must be cleaned-up and out by 12am. Please inquire about renting extra hours. If renters, guests, or vendors do come on site before the arranged starting time a fee of $75 per quarter hour will be assessed.

12. Can I add extra hours to my rental time?

Additional hours may be added at the front end of a day rental and at the end of an evening rental at any time.

Thirty days before the date of your event, if the opposite time period has not booked, we will open the hours from 4pm-6pm.

13. What time can I have my rental equipment delivered and picked up?

All rental equipment (chairs, linens, tables, etc.) must be delivered and picked up within the rental period.

14. Who does the setup and takedown at my event?

Our guests handle this facet of the operation in different ways. The majority of our guests make arrangements with the caterer to perform this task. Since they are already working closely with them on guest counts, lay outs, color schemes and more this seems to work well. However, we here at Seattle Bride are happy to help with this task (please call our office for associated cost). Or, we do occasionally have clients with large enough families that they choose to take this duty on themselves.

15. Can I have candles at my event?

Yes, candles are permitted at Seattle Bride events as long as they are in an enclosed container and have something to contain the wax. Please be careful to keep all candles out of the reach of small children.

16. Can I use rose petals?

Rose petals are allowed only if they are contained to the runner and table tops and are completely removed from the premises at the end of the event. If they are found on the floor or on our grounds a clean up fee will be assessed. Please call the office for more details on rose petals as we know of many other viable options.

17. Can we have our dog in the ceremony?

Pets are welcome to be in the wedding party at Seattle Bride facilities as long as guests keep them under control and properly clean up after them.

18. Can I bring in my own caterer?

We have a list of eight exclusive caterers for our guests to choose from. They offer a wide array of personality, presentation, and price. If you are in need of a Kosher or Halal caterer please call our office.

19. Does my wedding cake have to come from one of your caterers?

No, guests do not need to use one of our caterers for their dessert option. However, many of our caterers are very proficient at this and using their services is often a good money saving option.

20. Can I bring in my own alcohol?

All alcohol service must be arranged through Seattle Bride. Guests may not bring their own alcohol directly to an event. We offer a wide range of choices and would be happy to order your favorite beer, wine or champagne if it is available. Please see our Bar & Beverages section for more information.

21. Do you offer a corkage service?

Yes, please see our corkage policy in our Bar & Beverages section.

22. How late can we have music outside?

As long as music remains at a reasonable level we can entertain until 1 a.m.

23. What time does my party have to end?

Events should end at least 45 minutes before the end of a given rental period so that there is adequate time for clean up.

24. When can I come take a tour of Clise Mansion or Robinswood House?

We do all tours Monday - Friday during our business hours of 9am-4pm by appointment. We also have a monthly evening open house, you can see when our next one is scheduled here.