Frequently asked questions

How large is your venue and what is your capacity?

With two joinable spaces, AXIS can be configured to accommodate events small, medium or large. At our max, we can accommodate up to 550 people for a cocktail style reception and 250+ for a seated reception.

Our Main Space consists of 6,000sqft of versatile space allowing for seated events of 180-200 and up to 400 cocktail style (depending on configuration).

Our adjacent Corner Gallery contains 4,000sqft of space and accommodates up to 100 seated or 115 cocktail style.

What is included in the venue rental?

• 4,000-10,000sqft of event space surrounded by brick walls and 15ft archways
• 8 to 12 hour rental period with the option to purchase additional hours
• Custom built steel bar with 24ft of glass/stone counter space**
• Kitchen with residential stove/oven, microwave, and industrial refrigerator**
• Mezzanine Lounge area perfect for bridal suite, DJ, 2nd bar, lounge, or small band
• A variety of lounge furniture including couches/loveseats, armchairs, coffee/side tables, and large rugs to be arranged as you like
• 2-6 moveable wood slatted walls (7’L x 1’10” W x 6.5’ H)
• Two HD 55″ screens mounted on one of the moveable wood walls**
• 2 QSC speakers with stands, cords, and wireless microphone for you, your DJ, or your band to use**. In the Corner Gallery, high-quality overhead speakers, mixer, and wireless microphone are provided. Auxiliary cables provided for device hookup (please test with your equipment in advance)
• Sony iPod dock**
• Mounted screen and a built-in projector. HDMI hookup provided**
• Mobile Projector which may be placed anywhere around the space
• Gobo Projector & adjustable stand**
• Lighting: Dimmable & adjustable track lighting throughout the space; 20 LED up-lights that may be used throughout the space
• 2 “H2O” Lights to cast decorative light & color(s)**
• Wireless Internet (250/mps – higher bandwidth available)
• Easy Loading and Unloading Area out front as well as in the back alley when booking the Main Space
• Optional one hour Wedding Rehearsal within business hours, dependant upon Venue availability
• An on-site Venue Representative to provide assistance with the venue and make sure your event goes smoothly from beginning to end
• Coat racks on wheels with black hangers
• Overhead ceiling fans & fresh air ventilation system
• 1 Sandwich Board for event signage
• 1 Door Guard
• Post-event cleaning

*Items that are only included in the Main Space rental

How late can we stay?

Should the event run over the allotted rental time we will do our best to accommodate with overtime. Overtime charges vary, so please inquire for specifics. Please be aware that tear down usually takes a minimum of one hour. Everything must be removed from the space the same day unless other arrangements have been made prior. Alcohol and food service for all events must conclude at 1:30am regardless of paid overtime. Music and events must end at 2:00am.

All guests and vendors should be finished with teardown and have vacated the space by 3:00am.

How much time should I allow for vendors to set-up?

Caterer and vendor prep times vary widely depending on your event complexity, décor, and room layout. To be safe, we suggest at least two hours of set-up time.

How long does tear down take?

Generally, one hour is sufficient for teardown time but is dependent on the complexity of your event. Please refer to your vendors when budgeting time for tear down at the end of your event.

Can I decorate the space?

Yes! We encourage you to bring your own artwork, photos, or decorations for your event. We have a basic toolbox on-site, but we encourage you to supply your own nails, hooks, wires, etc. You can hang artwork and decor yourself using your method of choice with materials you provide, but if you would like to hang lights, lanterns, or like items from the ceiling, we just ask that a professional help you to do so. AXIS has a ladder on site that reaches most areas of the space. Please make sure to set aside more time to set up if your decorations are elaborate.

Does the art in Gallery AXIS stay up during my event?

Yes, the art in Gallery AXIS remains on the walls during events. It is always a family-friendly show and we encourage you to integrate the gallery into your event. If your event requires removal of artwork, that can be arranged in advance, subject to a rehanging fee. The art shows change monthly, so if you would like to know which artist(s) will be exhibiting during your event please contact our gallery curator at **sienna@axispioneersquare.com**.

How do we transition the set-up from Ceremony into Reception?

This can be done quite seamlessly and there are several different ceremony options! While your guests are enjoying cocktail hour the caterers will change over the Ceremony setting into the Reception seating and tables. Wood walls can be placed into the archways to hide this transition from your guests. Upon completion, the wood walls are removed to allow for the unveiling of the reception area.

Do you have outdoor space?

AXIS is fortunate to have Nord Alley as its “backyard.” Nord Alley is a unique feature of Seattle and Pioneer Square. It allows for a great outdoor option for guests at AXIS. This public alley allows an area for guests to take in the night air under strung market lights, have a smoke, take photos, exit & enter the space, etc. No alcoholic beverages may be consumed in the alley unless an alley permit is obtained.

Can we utilize Nord Alley for private usage?

Yes! Nord Alley is a public alley and is the property of the City of Seattle, but with proper permits, you may utilize a portion of it as private space for your event (subject to availability). With a permit, Nord Alley could be used for a variety of purposes: ceremony space, cocktail hour, late night snacks & sweets, area for a band, and it also provides the perfect backdrop for photos. AXIS secures the necessary permit and supplies the signage/stanchions for a fee of $350 ($230 to City of Seattle & $120 in venue costs). An additional security guard ($30/hr, minimum 4 hours) is required during your permit hours and will be added to your final balance. Permits end at 10pm in accordance with City Noise Ordinance. Doors to alley must remain closed during live or amplified music after 10pm and guests remaining in the alley after 10pm must be respectful of noise levels.

How many restrooms do you have?

Our Main Space and Corner Gallery each have a set of large ADA accessible facilities for Men & Women with two stalls each.

Are you able to accommodate my guests that use wheelchairs?

We are fully ADA compliant and apart from the mezzanine lounge, all areas of the event space are on the ground level. One stall in each restroom will accommodate a wheelchair.

When can I have my vendors drop off cakes, rentals, etc?

In accordance with our contract, all vendors must deliver and pick-up during your site rental hours. If delivery or pick-up of items is required outside of rental hours we will attempt to accommodate this subject to other events and staffing availability.

Who can I talk to about venue needs on the day of my event?

A Site Rep is included with your event and will be available the duration of your rental to address any needs regarding our space. While our Site Rep is here to help you, we ask you to remember that their role is not that of an Event Planner or Coordinator, but a Venue Representative. If you require the services of a Day-of Coordinator or Planner (which we strongly suggest having), we have great recommendations to offer you.

Where can our bridal party, guests, and family members store their coats & purses?

We have coat racks available for use during your event. These are movable and can be placed anywhere around the space, but work best when stationed under the stairs. Bridal party and family may store items up on the mezzanine behind the curtains if you are using the space as a bridal suite. Due to limited space, client privacy, and security of AXIS’s computers and equipment, we ask that no items from your event be stored in the AXIS office.

Do you have a required food and beverage minimum?

No! We don’t believe in the huge minimums as the events we host at AXIS vary. You must only meet any requirements your selected cater may have. We have specifically chosen our caterers for their ability to work on a variety of budgets.

Can we bring our own alcohol?

Yes! You may purchase and supply your own alcohol for your event as long as the caterer’s bartender serves the alcohol. For legal and liability reasons, we require that all alcohol be served by one of our preferred caterers’ staff. By law, all alcohol service requires service of ample food of some sort. We are happy to assist with any questions about our alcohol service policy.

Are we required to use your other preferred vendors?

Our only vendor requirement is to use one of the five caterers on our list. Catering is in charge of not only food service but also staffing for our events. Including, setting up your tables/chairs, a room flip (if necessary), breakdown, furniture rearranging, as well as trash removal.

As far as other vendors, we have worked with some of the best vendors in Seattle and we would be more than happy to refer you to some of our favorites that we feel are consistent with the style and mission of AXIS. However, you are always welcome to use outside vendors of your choosing.

Do we have to clean-up following our event?

We ask that you leave the space the way you found it at the beginning of your event, which is usually orchestrated by the caterers. Our rule of thumb is anything additional you bring into the space for your event, must go back out with you at the end of your event.

All outside items/furniture/glassware must be removed at the end of your event. Our cleaning crew will take care of cleaning the floors, countertops, bathrooms etc. Immediate attention to any spills/messes is always appreciated, however.

Can you provide photography for events?

Yes, we can! Photography for AXIS events may be provided by our amazing in-house photography team, Urban Light Studios. Please inquire directly for details on photography pricing and offerings. You are, of course, more than welcome to use alternate photographers should you choose.

Can you hold a date for me?

If you are still finalizing event details and are not quite ready to secure a date, we are happy to tentatively hold a date for you for two weeks. This “Soft Hold” offers you first right of refusal should someone else wish to book the date. We will notify you if this occurs and request an immediate deposit if you wish to secure the date. When you are ready to officially secure the date, we would request a 50% venue rental deposit plus tax, which will be deducted from your total events fees.

Are deposits refundable?

Deposits are non-refundable. If it becomes necessary for you to cancel your event, we will only be able to waive your liability for the balance of your contract amount if we rebook your date. As a reminder, if we are not able to rebook your scheduled event date, you are liable for the full remainder of your contracted balance.

If we are holding a Wedding Ceremony in your space can we do a Rehearsal?

We do allow for one complimentary hour of access to the space for a Ceremony Rehearsal, during business hours. Rehearsals can take place on any day, the week prior to your event, subject to availability. We are happy to pencil in a preferred Rehearsal time 30 days out from your wedding day, but we are not able to confirm your final Rehearsal time until we are two weeks out from the wedding day. If your preferred time is not available, we will do our best to accommodate you in the other space, dependant on availability, or work with you to find an alternate time that works.

When is balance of payment due?

We collect the remaining balance roughly two weeks before your event, at our Final Meeting. This is also when we will finalize the plans for your day.

At this meeting, we will go over the layout for the day, the flow of the event, your vendor list, and any other details to help things go smoothly. We ask that you bring the details of vendors, coordinators, and helpers you have hired – those in charge of flowers, music, set-up, tear-down, etc. This is also a great opportunity to do AV testing of slideshows and music that might be a part of your event. We suggest you bring the laptop, iPod or other AV device you plan to use.

You can settle your final payment by check, cash, or credit card (though we appreciate checks whenever possible).

What are the easiest parking options?

Street parking is available and free after 6PM and free all day on Sunday! There are several lots and garages in the Pioneer Square neighborhood as well. The closest parking lot is directly across 1st Ave from AXIS, as well as one right around the corner on 2nd and Main St. Other lots and garages may be found at downtownseattleparking.com. This website details where all of the garages and lots are and the different rates for each. Another option is to hire a valet service for your event, which we would be more than happy to give some recommendations on.

Can we have a live band?

Live bands are welcome at AXIS subject to prior approval by AXIS. Please alert us to the size and type of band you are considering to ensure they will be a good fit at the Venue. Please note that we cannot have amplified sound at AXIS before 5PM, Monday – Friday as there are several businesses in our building during those hours.

Do you require a damage deposit?

No damage deposit is required per se. Just as a hotel does, we require a valid credit card and signature on file to serve as a deposit. Any outstanding charges or damage may be charged to this card.

Is furniture included with our rental?

All of the great lounge furniture you see on your tour is included in the rental. You are welcome to move and arrange the furniture however is fitting for your event, or even bring in additional rental pieces. We are also able to remove furniture items should you require. We ask that all furniture be returned to their original position(s) at the end of your event rental.

Do you have tables and chairs available?

Yes! AXIS offers a selection of in-house tables and chairs available for rental with NO delivery fees. Tables and chairs are additional to the rental but are completely optional. If they don’t fit with the style you’re planning, feel free to bring in something different!

We do encourage clients to use our rental furniture whenever possible as it tends to make event set-up/tear down much more efficient as everything is on-site already.

Who sets up our Ceremony chairs & Reception tables?

Your caterer will take care of all set-up & tear-down of tables and chairs for your ceremony and reception. They will also take care of laying out the linens, napkins, and dishware. You would be responsible for any Ceremony & table décor.

Can we bring in outside furniture?

Of course! While we encourage you to use our in-house furniture rentals to save on pick-up & delivery fees, we do allow you to bring in outside furniture rentals.

Do you have air conditioning?

We do not have AC as our building is 128+ years old, but we do have a fresh air ventilation system throughout the space as well as large industrial ceiling fans designed to efficiently circulate airflow during your event. We can also open the alley doors and windows to increase a cross-breeze if need be. The antique brick throughout the space does a really great job of keeping the space cool.

Where can guests smoke?

Smoking is allowed on the sidewalk in the front of the building, away from entry doors, and in the back alleyway in accordance with WA state laws.

Do you allow candles?

We do allow candles in the space, as long as they are in a votive or something similar (enclosed in glass).

Do you allow confetti or rice?

Please refrain from using confetti, rice, birdseed, glitter, or similar items. Our floors are original from the 1890s and full of nooks which make it difficult to remove from the floor.

Do you have a PA system for iPods or speeches?

We have speakers that come with stands for our Main Space, as well as overhead speakers in our Corner Gallery. Both come with a wireless microphone.

Do you have a projector/TV for slide shows or presentations?

Yes, we have various options for you to display slideshows between the two spaces. In our Main Space, we have one mounted projector & screen, one mobile projector, and one moveable TV wall with a 55” screen on either side. In our Corner Gallery, we have one mobile projector with a tripod pull up screen.

Do we need event insurance?

You are welcome to secure additional insurance for your event and your guests, but it is not a requirement of AXIS as long as you have contracted with one of our caterer/bar services.

Do we need to hire a Planner or Day-of Coordinator?

We do not require you to have a Planner or Day-of Coordinator but strongly suggest having one to help with your event. In our experience, hiring a Planner or Coordinator makes your day go much more smoothly so you are able to relax. We realize that creates extra expense, so should you hire a Planner or Day-of Coordinator please note that we extend a 25% discount onto our AXIS table & chair rentals.