ESTABLISHED 2001
ABERNETHY CENTER
![Estefany + Maxwell 5.5.22 [Taylor Roach] (126).jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1054e8_a8377fa0f2d24a88978ff0f75fbbeecc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_654,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/1054e8_a8377fa0f2d24a88978ff0f75fbbeecc~mv2.jpg)
FAQ's -
At Abernethy Center, we're more than just a venue—we're your partner in crafting the perfect, uniquely you Oregon wedding or event. We understand you may have questions about our venues, packages, pricing, staff, catering, and everything in between. That's why we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions to provide you with all the answers and guidance you need.
PRICING AND PACKAGES
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HOW DOES DATE CHOICE AFFECT PRICING?
Date choice affects pricing greatly! For example, Saturdays will have both the highest site fee and the highest catering minimum. The time of year also impacts pricing. The summer season (June – September) will have the highest pricing of the year. May and October and Summer non-Saturdays are a beautiful time to get married and can save you considerably on your site fee and catering minimum.
VENUE
HOW MANY GUESTS CAN ABERNETHY CENTER ACCOMMODATE?
Abigail’s Garden can accommodate up to 250 guests. Our Veiled Garden, Chapel, and Ballroom venue can accommodate up to 300 guests.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ABIGAIL'S GARDEN AND THE VEILED GARDEN?
While the site fee is the same, these two gardens couldn’t be more different!
Abigail’s Garden is a gorgeous, all-inclusive, fully outdoor ceremony and reception venue that includes a stunning gazebo ceremony site accented by a majestic willow tree. Just up the path from the ceremony site is a large white tent where your reception will be held. Abigail’s Garden also includes two beautiful suites for getting ready, a patio, restrooms, and a bar.
Our Veiled Garden is a natural wooded backdrop covered in ferns and Northwest foliage. This intimate ceremony venue is paired with our temperature-controlled Abernethy Ballroom just across the street for your reception. There is no need to worry about rain, as this venue option also includes the use of our classic white Chapel. You can use this space for your ceremony or simply as a backup plan should there be inclement weather.
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
Abernethy Center is located in historic downtown Oregon City. This office address is 606 15th Street, Oregon City, OR 97045. We’re about 20 minutes from downtown Portland and 30 minutes from Portland International Airport via the nearby 205 Freeway.
MAY I BOOK JUST A CEREMONY?
Abernethy Center does not offer ceremony-only packages at this time. You can host a ceremony and reception or just a reception with us.
MAY I BOOK JUST A RECEPTION?
Yes, you can host a reception only or a ceremony and reception at Abernethy Center. Please contact us for rates and availability.
HOW LONG IS THE VENUE RENTAL?
Our standard rental includes eight hours (3 pre-event hours plus 5 hours for your ceremony and reception). You can add additional time for an hourly rate if available. Email your Event Specialist for details.
Please note: brunch wedding time frames include six event hours. (4 event hours and 2 pre-event hours for a total of 6 hours)
HOW MANY HOURS IN ADVANCE WILL I HAVE ACCESS TO THE FACILITY?
You have access to the venue three hours prior to the start of your ceremony. Anything earlier than that is based on availability and is subject to an additional per-hour charge. Contact your Event Specialist for details.
DO YOU OFFER AV EQUIPMENT?
Abernethy Center does not provide any AV equipment for the Ceremony or Reception. We highly recommend hiring a professional DJ or Live Band to help assist you with AV and MC needs for your wedding.
HOW LONG CAN MY EVENT BE?
You get five hours from start to finish—a perfect time for a ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and packing-out. It may be possible to add on additional time—just ask your Event Specialist for pricing and availability.
CAN I BRING MY OWN DECORATIONS?
Absolutely! We love it when couples bring in personal touches and DIY projects—just make sure you run everything you plan to use by your Event Specialist to ensure all elements are Abernethy-Approved.
CAN I BRING MY OWN VENDORS?
Abernethy Center requires that you use our in-house catering and bar services. However, you are more than welcome to hire additional vendors, such as DJ, photographer, cake, etc. We have recommended wedding professionals on our Preferred Vendor list HERE.
HOW DO I INQUIRE ABOUT AVAILABILITY AT ABERNETHY CENTER?
Contact our office or complete a brief inquiry form HERE to find out about available dates.
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FOOD AND BEVERAGE
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MAY I BRING MY OWN CATERING OR FOOD?
We do not allow outside catering. Our extraordinary in-house chefs have designed a wide range of catering packages with diverse menu selections to meet the needs of our guests.
WHAT IS A "FOOD AND BEVERAGE MINIMUM?
A food and beverage minimum is the minimum amount that you must spend in addition to your site fee. Food, drinks (including alcohol), and accessories all count towards your food and beverage minimum.
HOW MUCH IS THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE MINIMUM?
The food and beverage minimum will depend on the time of year and the day of the week you choose. It usually matches the site fee. The highest food and beverage minimum will be Saturday from June through September, and the lowest will be on weekdays during the winter.
Contact us to inquire about the food and beverage minimum for a specific date.
WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH CATERING?
Every catering package comes with china, flatware, glassware, water at each place setting, all necessary tables and chairs, wedding party room service, cake cutting service, basic event staff, set up and break down of everything except the personal décor/items you bring in.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO CUSTOMIZE MY CATERING PACKAGE?
Absolutely! We are happy to customize any of our packages to suit your needs and spending plan!
CAN I BRING MY OWN ALCOHOL?
Abernethy Center’s liquor license is very similar to a bar’s liquor license, meaning we are responsible for all liquor served on the premises. For this reason, we do not allow any outside alcohol. We do include a fully stocked bar and bartender with your bar set-up fee. We offer a variety of affordable hosted bar options. Let us know if you have a special request, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
DO YOU OFFER VEGETARIAN, VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE, AND OTHER SPECIALTY MEALS?
Of course! We recommend serving vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free guests a special dish rather than designing the event menu to accommodate them. Contact your Event Specialist for details.
IS THERE A PRICE DIFFERENCE FOR CHILDREN'S MEALS?
We do not charge for children under the age of 2. For ages 2 – 10, we have an exclusive discounted rate. Please note that we do not offer children’s pricing for reduced menu packages.
DO WE NEED TO PURCHASE EVENT INSURANCE?
Abernethy Center carries event liability insurance. However, if you plan to have a bar at your wedding, we require you to purchase Host Liquor Liability Insurance. You can get a policy from your current insurance provider or by clicking HERE. An average policy costs about $100 - $200.