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FAQ + Policies
With any luck, these answers to common questions will save us both from writing a few emails.
That being said, if we’ve missed something, please reach out.
Anker 101
What’s your name and how is it pronounced?
Our name honors architect Anker I. Molver. Formerly Kingston House, we changed to Anker in 2025 to reflect our evolving identity as a destination for midcentury architecture buffs and design mavens.
Our name isn't Anker Place- just Anker. We do, however, refer to the residence as Anker House and the grounds as Anker Park.
“Anker” rhymes with “conquer” and “honky-tonker,” notbanker or rancor.
What is Anker's max event capacity?
100 guests. This includes the couple, children who require their own seat and vendors who sit for dinner with your guests. Each primary site can accommodate up to 100 seated guests.
What is Anker's max House capacity?
The max overnight guest capacity for the House is 12 for lodging-only bookings, and 14 for wedding bookings. Although pre-approved camping and RVs are allowed, they do not increase overall overnight capacity.
Where is Anker located?
Anker is located in Kingston, on the Kitsap Peninsula in Washington State. We are located between Puget Sound + Seattle to the east, and the Olympic Peninsula + national park to the west.
Availability + Booking
What is your availability?
We allow events for groups of up to 14 people year-round. Events for groups of 15-100 are held *only* from May - September. View our availability calendar below.
When will you open your 20__ booking calendar?
We book dates one calendar year in advance. For example, 2027 weddings can be booked starting in January 2026.
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Can you hold my date?
No. Dates are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, upon receipt of a signed contract and non-refundable Booking Fee. Over the years, we’ve found this is the fairest and cleanest way to proceed.
What is required to secure a wedding date?
Dates are secured upon written receipt of your signed contract, as well as a nonrefundable 50% Booking Fee. Your balance, and a $1,000 refundable Security Deposit are due six months prior to checkin.
Does Anker provide discounts?
On package Options 1-3, we offer a 15% event fee discount for couples who currently reside on the Kitsap or Olympic peninsulas. We are not offering other discounts at this time.
What types of payment does Anker accept?
We accept check, ACH (wire transfer), Venmo and Zelle. We do not accept credit or debit cards.
What if I need to cancel my stay or wedding/event?
Booking fees are non-refundable. If cancellations are made in writing more than 180 days before checkin, subsequent deposits made in addition to the Booking Fee may be returned.
Events + Facilities
What facilities, amenities and services does Anker provide?
For weddings, we are primarily a venue. Our rates generally include exclusive use of our 27-acre campus, two large event tents, standard tables + chairs and event staff. We do not provide catering, bartending, wedding planning, housekeeping, or other services, but can connect you with dozens of outstanding vendors. For guest convenience, we provide some optional amenities (e.g. golf cart, rental furniture, etc.) with an additional fee.
Is on-site parking available?
Yes. We can accommodate up to 48 cars on-site with overflow available. On your wedding day, a parking attendant will guide your guests' arrival.
What are the start and end times for weddings?
Wedding events may occur for up to 10 hours (e.g. 1:00pm-11:00pm). Vendors and members of the wedding party may arrive earlier for set-up, prep, etc. All music and amplified announcements must end no later than 9:55pm. Non-lodging guests must depart by 11pm.
Does Anker allow rehearsal dinners or other events with wedding packages?
Yes. Although we prefer that secondary events are held elsewhere (due to impact on the facilities, septic, etc.), they are allowed with payment of an additional fee based on groups of up to 50 and 100 guests.
Are there covered areas in case of rain?
Our 30’x40’ event tent in the Sward area can be used for ceremonies. It easily seats 100 guests. The Courtyard tent and adjacent hall provide covered and indoor spaces for receptions and other gatherings.
Will other events take place during my stay/wedding?
Generally, no. No wedding or other “event” will take place during your stay. However, the Park includes gardens, a working lavender farm + nursery. Activities such as (but not limited to) lavender harvest, plant sales + garden maintenance may occur during your stay.
Is lodging required to hold a wedding at Anker?
Yes. All wedding packages require at least two-nights lodging. Additional nights can be secured, if available.
Is Anker LGBTQ+ affirming?
Yes. We feel strongly about maintaining a safe, inclusive + *affirming* environment for LGBTQ+ couples, guests, our staff and vendor partners. If you don’t share this commitment, we are not a good fit. Anker is queer-owned + cared for.
Does Anker charge “corkage”, service or cake-cutting fees?
No. We try to avoid random fees, but please confirm with your caterer, bartender or other vendors to confirm their policies and fees.
Is event insurance required?
Yes. An event insurance policy is required for any day when non-lodgers are on the property. We can recommend a vendor, or you can obtain it through your own provider. Anker has its own primary liability coverage. Your policy primarily protects you, and us secondarily, if one of your guests is injured. In our experience, policies usually run about $250. We can provide required coverage amounts.
Does Anker allow dogs?
Yes. If your event insurance policy covers dogs, we allow our lodging guests up to two (2) well-behaved dogs with pre-approval and payment of a dog fee. For weddings and other events, dog(s) may be on the grounds if under the care of a paid handler. Aside from dogs, other animals are not permitted.
What is Anker’s smoking, vaping, marijuana + drugs policy?
Smoking + vaping are prohibited indoors. Outdoors, guests must use provided cigarette butt cans. Our insurance policy does not allow marijuana use. Bartenders will not serve alcohol to persons who they deem under the influence of marijuana. No illegal drugs are allowed on premises.
Is Anker ADA accessible?
Unfortunately, Anker’s facilities are not fully-accessible. The House, built in 1962, has stairs (usually 1 or 2) in several locations and passageways are narrow. For event guests, the event hall, one restroom, and the adjacent courtyard are all accessible. Vehicles can drop off at the courtyard and nearby parking can be reserved. The Park covers hilly terrain and includes steep pathways. However, a packed gravel route from the Courtyard to major activity sites (e.g. Sward, troughs waterfall, lower tent and pond) follows U.S. Access Board guidelines for outdoor developed areas with a slope not exceeding 5%. We are also happy to provide golf cart assistance to event guests upon request.
Do you allow real candles?
Yes. Real candles are allowed, but only atop tables in the Courtyard or driveway when housed in a votive that exceeds the flame’s height. Due to fire risk, real candles are not allowed anywhere else on the grounds, or inside the House.
Does Anker have an event kitchen?
Yes. Event Options 1-3 may use our prep kitchen, which is located inside the Event Hall. The space includes sinks, counters and two fridge/freezer units. It does not include ovens or other heating/cooking appliances. Please note that the House kitchen may not be used for events.
Does Anker have event restrooms?
Yes. Event Options 1-3 include use our Event Hall, which has two restrooms. Both are equipped with support bars and one was designed to accommodate wheelchair access.
Can I rent optional amenities later?
Yes. While it’s helpful for us to have a few months’ notice, you can add optional amenities (e.g. golf cart, reclaimed wood tables, etc.) anytime, pending availability.
Can organic fresh or dried flower petals be tossed at celebrations?
Yes. Organic matter must be properly collected and composted after the ceremony. Please note that paper confetti, plastics or rice are not allowed.
Staff + Vendors
What role do Anker staff play at my event?
Event Options 1-3 typically include a Venue Coordinator (VC) and 1-2 staff. The VC’s role is to oversee proper operation of the venue itself, and to manage our event staff (Please note that this is different from your event Planner/Coordinator). Additionally, Anker event staff (typically high school or college students), assist with guest parking, drive the golf cart (if rented), setup and take down of venue furniture, landscaping, wipe chairs, restroom stocking and tidying, trash, recycling and compost maintenance, and assisting fellow vendors, whenever possible. Please note that Event Option 4 generally does not include staff.
Does Anker have “preferred vendors”?
Yes, but we mean “preferred,” not “required." Our extensive list of vetted vendors have provided outstanding prior performance to guests. We require all vendors to be licensed and insured professionals. In very special circumstances, we allow friends or family members to participate (e.g. floral) with prior approval.
Does Anker require a Wedding Planner/Coordinator?
Yes, mostly. A licensed planner/coordinator must be hired for all events (including secondary events) with more than 14 guests (Options 1-3). Avoid “day-of” packages as they typically provide insufficient support. Your planner/coordinator must conduct a site visit at least three months prior to guest checkin. They must be present for your rehearsal, on premises at least four (4) hours prior to guest arrival (2.5 hours for secondary events) and until all non-lodging guests depart (e.g. 11:00am- 11:00pm). For events with more than 50 guests, your Event Planner or Coordinator must have an assistant. Remember- this professional is in charge of your smoothly-run wedding! We are happy to recommend outstanding vendors.
What are Anker’s catering requirements?
Anker does not provide catering. Events serving food must secure a full-service, licensed caterer. “Drop-off” + “food-only” service are not permitted. Only catering staff may prepare + serve food. The Caterer must bus your event (clear tables), rinse and leave with all tableware (or prep for removal by guests). Hall prep kitchen (and any other prep/bussing stations) must be cleaned prior to departure. To ensure your Caterer is familiar with our facilities + policies, Caterers not on our “preferred” list must schedule a visit at least two months prior to checkin. Please confirm arrangements before signing your catering contract.
What are Anker’s bartending requirements?
A MAST-certified bartender with a valid Washington State business license and business insurance is required at all events when alcohol is served (incl. rehearsal dinners, etc.). An on-site Banquet Permit is also required. Professional bartenders cannot be friends, relatives or event guests. We allow beer, wine + spirits and do not charge a corkage fee. No cash bars, self-pouring or hard liquor “shots” are allowed. “Last call” for alcohol is 30 minutes before the event ends (no later than 9:30pm).
The House
What is the House’s overnight capacity?
For non-event bookings, the house accommodates up to 12 overnight guests; for wedding packages, up to 14 overnight guests are allowed. This includes guests pre-approved to stay in tents or an RV.
When is checkin / checkout?
Standard checkin is 4pm, and standard checkout is 11am. When available, a 2-hour early checkin or late checkout may be reserved for $275.
Do non-lodging guests have House access?
Generally, no. The House (including restrooms) is exclusive to lodging guests. In limited circumstances, non-lodgers (e.g. relevant Vendors and members of the Wedding Party when they are getting ready) are allowed inside. During your event, non-lodging guests are not allowed inside without prior permission by the Owner.
Do I need to bring toilet paper or mustard?
No. The House is well-stocked with what you (probably) expect to find in a vacation rental- basic toiletries, linens, dishes, pots/pans, coffee grinder and maker (not capsule), irons and hair dryers. We also provide items like organic whole bean coffee, teas, bathrobes and a few bundles of firewood.
How many bedrooms + bathrooms?
The House has six beds and two fold-down sofas in five sleeping areas: -Main Suite: 1 king bed -Bedroom 1: 1 queen bed -Bedroom 2: 1 queen bed -Bedroom 3: 1 queen bed -Loft: 2 queen beds + 2 fold-down sofas The house has 4 bathrooms: -The Main Suite has an ensuite full bathroom. -There is a full bathroom between bedrooms 2 + 3. -There is a full bathroom in the main hall. -There is a powder room (toilet and sink only) near the main entrance.
Not “frequently” asked, but asked all the same
Can we put a slip n slide down the front hill?
No.
Can the bride arrive on a horse?
No.
Can guests go swimming in the pond?
No (even if you like leeches).
Can groomsmen drive the golf cart?
Never.
Can we belt a drunken rendition of “My Heart Will Go On” in the outdoor hot tub at 2am?
No.
Can we belt a drunken rendition of “My Heart Will Go On” in the indoor jetted tub at 2am?
Go for it.
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