Frequently asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Williams Shop?
The Williams Shop is a working property in Powell River where growing, producing, staying and gathering come together. Across the adjoining properties are our apple and pear orchards, ornamental gardens, open-air post-and-beam venue, licensed commissary kitchen, three guest accommodations and a craft distillery taking shape.
Each part has its own purpose, but together they form one connected place shaped by the land, the seasons and what is grown and created here.
How many guests can the venue accommodate?
The venue comfortably accommodates up to 100 guests for a seated dinner or up to 120 for a cocktail-style gathering.
For events with more than 100 guests, additional portable washrooms must be arranged.
What’s included in a weekend venue rental?
Our standard weekend wedding rental includes exclusive use of The Williams Shop, ornamental gardens and Commissary from Friday morning through Sunday afternoon, giving you time to set up, celebrate and take everything down without trying to fit it all into one day.
Included amenities:
Licensed commercial kitchen
Two heated washrooms
Garden and pond ceremony locations
Outdoor lighting and electrical access
On-site parking
Flexible vendor policy
Weekday, private and other event rentals may be structured differently depending on the gathering.
Can we have both our ceremony and reception at The Williams Shop?
Yes. Couples can hold both their ceremony and reception on the property.
The gardens, pond area and covered venue offer several options for how the day can flow, and the layout can be adapted to suit your plans and guest count.
Is The Williams Shop an outdoor venue?
The Williams Shop is a covered, open-air venue. The post-and-beam structure provides a roof overhead while remaining open to the gardens and surrounding landscape.
During cooler months, heaters and seasonal weather protection can be used to make the space more comfortable, but guests should still plan for the temperature and conditions of the season.
What happens if it rains?
The main gathering space at The Williams Shop is fully covered, while remaining open to the surrounding gardens and landscape. Events can continue comfortably in wet weather, with the gardens and outdoor areas available whenever conditions allow.
For cooler-weather gatherings, propane heaters are available to rent, and additional weather protection can be arranged depending on the season and event.
Can we bring our own food, alcohol or vendors?
Yes. We have a flexible vendor policy, so you are welcome to choose your own caterers, planners, florists, photographers and other event professionals.
Alcohol service must comply with current BC liquor requirements. Depending on how your event is structured, this may include a Special Event Permit or another applicable liquor authorization.
Do you provide catering or bar service?
We do not provide in-house catering or staffed bar service.
You are welcome to choose your own caterer and bar team, and the licensed Commissary kitchen is available to support food preparation and service during venue rentals.
Do we have to use preferred vendors?
No. We do not require you to choose from a preferred vendor list.
You are welcome to work with the caterers, planners, photographers, florists, rental companies and other professionals that best suit your event. We are always happy to share local recommendations if you need them.
Do you provide tables, chairs or décor?
A selection of pieces is available to rent for events at The Williams Shop, including:
3' × 10' live-edge dining tables
Live-edge accent and occasional tables
Burl cookie charcuterie boards
Two Bose S1 Pro portable speakers and microphone
Live-edge maple portable bar
8-burner propane event grill with two full tanks
Propane firepit with one full tank
Propane heaters with one full tank each
Velvet settees
Large oriental rugs
Other items such as linens, additional seating, décor and specialty rentals can be brought in through your preferred rental company.
The space is intentionally flexible, allowing each gathering to take its own shape.
Are there accommodations on-site?
Yes. We have three distinct guest accommodations across the adjoining properties:
Guest House: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms — sleeps 8 comfortably, up to 11
Guest Lodge: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms — sleeps 6 comfortably, up to 10
Guest Cabin: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom — sleeps 2 comfortably, up to 3
Together, the accommodations can host up to 24 guests and can be reserved alongside an event booking, subject to availability.
Can we stay at The Williams Shop without attending an event?
Absolutely. The Guest House, Guest Lodge and Guest Cabin can all be booked independently, subject to availability.
They are available for families, groups, visitors to Powell River and guests simply looking for a place to stay on the coast.
What are the event hours and noise restrictions?
Events may run from 10:00 AM until midnight.
To respect the surrounding neighbourhood:
Amplified music must end by 11:00 PM
Guests who are not staying on-site must depart by midnight
Your celebration is welcome to continue after amplified music ends, provided noise remains at an appropriate level.
Are pets allowed?
Yes. Well-behaved pets are welcome.
Pets must be supervised and all waste cleaned up promptly.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The main venue space and heated washrooms are wheelchair accessible.
Can we tour The Williams Shop before booking?
Absolutely. We are happy to arrange private tours of the venue and gardens, and when availability allows, we can also show you through the on-site accommodations.
Contact us to arrange a time.
Can the Commissary be rented separately?
Yes. The Williams Shop Commissary is a licensed commercial kitchen available independently for caterers, bakers, food producers, instructors and small-scale food production, as well as for certain classes, workshops and small gatherings.
Visit The Commissary page for details.
Is the distillery open yet?
Not yet. Our apple and pear orchards are established across the properties, and the distillery is the next stage of connecting what is grown here with what is produced here.
We’ll share more about the distillery, spirits and future visitor experiences as that part of The Williams Shop develops.
How do we book an event date?
For our standard weekend wedding rental, a non-refundable $2,500 deposit secures your date, with the remaining balance due 15 days before your event.
For other gatherings, rental terms may vary depending on the type and length of booking.
When are you accepting event bookings?
The Williams Shop is available for gatherings throughout the year, with the experience changing naturally with the seasons.
Wedding weekends, private celebrations, dinners, workshops, meetings and other gatherings are available subject to the calendar and the needs of each event. Contact us for current availability.