Renting Our Facilities

The Whidbey Institute at Chinook is an educational not-for-profit organization which is environmentally-grounded, spiritually-sourced and committed to the common good. In between our own local, bio-regional and international programs, our facilities are available for organizational retreats & workshops of all kinds, corporate meetings & trainings and special events.

Our facility rates depend on the type and size of the group, time of year, weekday or weekend dates and sleeping arrangements. Discounts are available for mid-week rentals, long-programs (over four nights), and also for events and organizations that are closely linked with our mission and purpose.

Conference & Event Facilities

We invite you to consider renting our facilities for either daytime or overnight use.

Our beautiful Thomas Berry Hall houses three meeting rooms offering wireless internet access throughout. The Great Hall will seat up to 150 people comfortably in a lecture environment, 120 at circular tables of 8-10 per table, or up to 70 in a circle arrangement. The hall itself is 1800 square feet of exquisite wood craftsmanship, featuring a large stone fireplace, vaulted ceiling, warm wood flooring, sound system, audio-visual equipment and theater lighting.

The Dining Hall, approx. 600 sq. ft., seats 48 people at eight 5' X 3' wooden tables. Additional seating for meals is located in the hall, on the veranda and outside at covered picnic tables. Features include stone hearth and gas stove, and panoramic view windows on three sides. Not only for dining, this hall is also an ideal break-out space or meeting place for smaller groups.

Our new Sanctuary has been described by one poetic guest as a place "where the echoes of the forest meet the stillness of the heart and the spaciousness of Spirit." Master crafted from sustainably harvested regional timber, and designed for sacred space, this 1450 sq. ft. building encourages inner stillness and mindfulness. Appropriate uses for the Sanctuary include sacred gathering, services or ritual, music, prayer, or meditation.

Our fully restored, late 19th century Farmhouse is used for both overnight accommodations and daytime meetings. The relaxed and casual living room, featuring hearth and large woodstove, comfortable chairs and couches, A/V equipment, and picturesque windows, is a favorite among small groups of up to 20 participants. Other features include a large country kitchen, covered porch, expansive outside deck and two meditation lofts. This is country charm at its best.

Granny's, a short walking distance from the center of Chinook, provides accommodations and meeting space for 12. With a wood-burning stove, full kitchen, and dining space, it is perfect for more informal meetings or breakout groups.

• The Fire Circle is available for large and small groups.


• Our Finnish Sauna will allow stress and tension to melt away.


• The popular Labyrinth is designed for personal or group use. Take the opportunity to meditate in a meadow surrounded by pristine natural forest-an unforgettable experience!


• The Artbarn, organic flower and vegetable gardens and outdoor Picnic Shelters offer groups additional places to relax and socialize.

Weddings

A perfect setting for intimate, simple ceremonies, Whidbey Institute can help you make your day a reflection of your commitment to a greener lifestyle. For you, and for those attending, it will be a memorable experience graced with the natural beauty of the Chinook lands.

The Whidbey Institute provides one place for the ceremony, reception and family lodging. This one choice can save travel time, build community and conserve resources. At the same time, you will be supporting a green, regional non-profit organization and choosing to take an active role in sustainable practices that help to protect one of the most beautiful places on earth.

We host a maximum of seven weddings per year.  There is a minimum 2-night rental of the entire facility based on availability.  Facility rental cost: is $5500.  All services, including set up, tear down, shuttles, catering, flowers, and other planning, are independently contracted and managed by the wedding party.  The maximum number of wedding guests is100 (including children).  Mandatory quiet time is 10:00 pm (by agreement with our neighbors).  Children attending must be well supervised at all times.  Alcohol is limited to beer and wine and must be served by a licensed bartender.  As a nature reserve, no domestic animals are allowed on the land.  Smoking is restricted to the Art Barn.  Please leave the facility and land as it was found.

Special Event General Liability Insurance may be required.