VISIT
STAY
GROUND TO FLOURISH.
VISIT
STAY
GROUND TO FLOURISH.
FAQ
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Anker 101
What’s your name and how is it pronounced?
Formerly Kingston House, we changed our name to Anker in 2025 in honor of the House’s architect, Anker I. Molver, and to reflect our evolving identity as a destination for design connoisseurs.
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?
Events may include up to 100 participants. This includes the couple, children who require their own seat and vendors who sit for dinner with the other 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 clearest 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, as are subsequent deposits within six months of checkin.
Events + Facilities
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What does Anker provide?
We are primarily a venue. Our rates generally include exclusive use of our 27-acre property, 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.) for an additional fee.
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?
Yes but there’s an additional fee. <50 and
What amenities are included in most Anker wedding packages?
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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 help guide your guests' arrival.
Are there covered areas in case of rain?
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Will other events take place during my stay/wedding?
Generally, no. There will not be another wedding or other “event” taking 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 odd fees, but please confirm with your caterer, bartender or other vendors.
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. 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 animal mishaps, we allow our lodging guests up to two dogs. up to two (2) well-behaved dogs are allowed as lodging and/or wedding guests with pre-approval and payment of a dog fee. That being said, weddings are stressful for dogs, too. 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 the red 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?
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Do you allow real candles?
Yes. Real candles are only allowed 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, but... Event Options 1-3 may use our caterer prep kitchen, which is located inside the Event Hall. This kitchen has 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. You can add optional amenities (e.g. golf cart, reclaimed wood tables, etc.) anytime, if available.
Can organic fresh or dried flower petals be tossed at celebrations?
Yes. However, confetti, plastics or rice are not allowed. Petals must be properly collected and composted after the ceremony.
Staff + Vendors
What staff does Anker provide?
Event Options 1-3 typically include a Venue Coordinator and one or two staff. The VC’s role is to oversee proper operation of the venue itself, and to manage our event staff. Event staff (typically high school students or recent grads), assist with guest parking, drive the golf cart (if rented), setup and take down of venue furniture, blow paths, wipe chairs, restroom stocking and tidying, and assisting fellow vendors, whenever possible. Event Option 4 generally does not include staff.
Does Anker require a Wedding Planner/Coordinator?
Yes. A licensed Event Planner or Coordinator must be hired for all events (including secondary events), and be 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. Also, to help ensure a smoothly-run event, they must conduct a site visit at least three months prior to check-in- this excludes the hiring of most “Day-of” Coordinators. We’ve found that this type of limited support is insufficient. We are happy to recommend qualified vendors
Does Anker have required vendors?
No. Our extensive list of “preferred” vendors are exactly that- preferred, based on outstanding prior performance. We do, however, require that vendors are licensed and insured professionals. In limited circumstances, we allow friends or family members to participate (e.g. floral) with prior approval.
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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. Caterers not on our “preferred” list must schedule a visit to ensure they are familiar with our facilities + policies. Please confirm arrangements before signing your catering contract. Caterer must clean the Hall prep kitchen (and any other prep/bussing stations) before departure.
What are Anker’s bartending requirements?
A Washington State, MAST-certified, licensed and insured bartender & Banquet Permit must be present at all events when alcohol is served (incl. rehearsal dinners, etc.). Professional bartenders cannot be friends, relatives or event guests. We allow beer, wine + spirits and do not charge a corkage fee. However, no cash bars, self-pouring or hard liquor “shots” are allowed. charge a corkage fee. No cash bars, self-pouring or “shots”. “Last call” for alcohol is 30 minutes before the event ends (no later than 9:30pm).
The House
What is the House’s 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 any 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.
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Do non-lodging guests have House access?
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.
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: 3 full and 1 partial: -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 I bring a horse?
No.
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FAQ
Do you love writing emails? I don't! Hopefully this extensive list of answers to common questions will save us both our valuable minutes. However, if I’ve missed something, reach out.
Canoodling
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Canoodling
This is the important question to answer.
Collapsible text is great for longer section titles and descriptions. It gives people access to all the info they need, while keeping your layout clean. Link your text to anything, or set your text box to expand on click. Write your text here...
This is the important question to answer.
Collapsible text is great for longer section titles and descriptions. It gives people access to all the info they need, while keeping your layout clean. Link your text to anything, or set your text box to expand on click. Write your text here...
Built in 1962, the house reflects an inspired time for Seattle, when the World’s Fair and built iconic like the Space Needle and Monorail.
Across the Puget Sound, Louise & Merlin Knapp sought their own inspired architecture, in the form of a special, but hardly ostentatious residence.
Like most Molver buildings, the house’s design takes cues from its natural surroundings, seeking harmony over dominance.
