A church with trees and bushes in the background

Book Our Historic Venue

Just minutes from downtown Portsmouth, this charming New England chapel feels miles away in the peaceful and secluded Little Harbor forest. The historic chapel offers a quaint and intimate setting to gather with friends and loved ones to celebrate life’s most cherished rituals – whether it’s a wedding, a baptism, or a Celebration of Life service. The chapel’s simple decor and expansive arched windows offer a stunning backdrop as is or as the starting place for a bespoke look based on your vision.

The Chapel is also a unique venue for concerts, readings, lectures, and meetings. Please contact us for date availability.

Little Harbor Chapel is undenominational and welcomes persons of all faiths and beliefs.

Download Reservation Contract Here

Download Chapel Terms & Conditions Agreement Here

Reserving Little Harbor Chapel

Facilities and Services Provided by Little Harbor Chapel

LHC, located at 335 Little Harbor Road, Portsmouth, NH, will provide the facilities and services described here on the event date(s) noted above. Established in 1902 as an undenominational Chapel and currently operating as a nonprofit 501(c)(3), the seasonal Chapel offers Sunday services led by visiting ministers in July and August. LHC is managed by a part-time caretaker and trustees. Event rentals are available year-round. Please contact LHC to discuss specific details of access between December 15 and April 15.

This contract defines the terms and conditions under which LITTLE HARBOR CHAPEL, hereafter referred to as LHC or the Chapel, and [client name], hereafter referred to as the CLIENT, agree to the CLIENT and their guest’s use of LHC facilities as described below, on [event date].

Reservation Confirmation

Reservations will be secured once full payment, a refundable damage/cleaning deposit, and a snow removal fee (for events Nov. 15–April 15) together with this reservation form have been received by LHC. Payment may be made by cash, check, or credit card*. This contract constitutes the entire agreement between LHC and the CLIENT and becomes binding once submitted in full.

Call to submit payment by credit card: (603) 436-4902

Make checks payable to Little Harbor Chapel

Mail checks and contracts to Little Harbor Chapel, c/o Managing Trustee, 124 Pinehurst Rd., Portsmouth, NH 03801

Please Submit Your Contract Here

Reservation/Cancellation

Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Please submit payments promptly in order to secure your reservation.

Rental & Snow Removal (Nov 15-April 15) fees are non-refundable. It is agreed that this sum shall be forfeited if the event is canceled. Damage/Cleaning deposit is fully refundable according to the provisions of this agreement.

In the event of a date change, please notify LHC promptly. We will do our best to accommodate minor event changes up to one month before the original event date. Postponements must be fulfilled within 12 months of the original event date.
LHC has the right to terminate this contract if the CLIENT or guests fail to meet or violate any terms of the contract. The CLIENT shall not assign or sub-lease any terms, conditions, or services contained in this contract or any interest therein without the written consent of LHC.

Damage/Cleaning Deposit

Damage/Cleaning deposit will be returned in full provided that LHC receives no damage beyond normal use, does not require special cleaning measures and that all regulations herein are followed by CLIENT and their guests. The schedule, as described above, must be adhered to within a 15-minute grace period (see Grace Period below).

Adhering to Scheduled Time

The CLIENT will have access to the parking lot and Chapel for 1⁄2 hour at the start of scheduled Rehearsal time, for 1 hour before, and for 1 hour after the start of scheduled Wedding, Baptism, and Memorial times.
Setup and cleanup must take place within the CLIENT’s contracted time.
Special access to LHC beyond contracted time (musician rehearsal, officiant preview, extra setup, etc.) may be scheduled for an additional $50 per 1⁄2 hour.

Grace Period

A 15-minute grace period after the scheduled start time will be permitted in the event of unforeseen delays. Should delays of any kind run beyond the 15-minute grace period, the CLIENT will forfeit the entirety of the Contract Deposit. 30-minute delays will result in the cancellation of the event.

Chapel Regulations

The LHC is a nonprofit historic monument staffed by a part-time caretaker. Please be considerate of the regulations that are in place to preserve and protect the building and grounds, as well as to ensure that your time at the Chapel runs smoothly.

LHC does not have a resident officiant. All guest officiants who are licensed in the state of NH are welcome.
LHC welcomes persons of all faiths and orientations.
The Chapel seats up to 80 guests.
Strict fire laws demand that all guests be seated and remain clear of means of egress during the event.
No flames or wax candles may be used at any time on Chapel property. LED candles are a welcome alternative.
Absolutely NO SMOKING on Chapel property. Please notify guests & vendors.
No food, drink, or gum is permitted inside the Chapel. Please help us preserve the historic building & prevent uninvited pests!
Only ribbon or pipe cleaners may secure decorations to the pews.
Flower arrangements must be in watertight containers and delivered and removed within the specified time for which the Chapel has been reserved.
The LHC is a “leave no trace” historic site. All decorations & packaging must be removed from the property immediately following the event.

Tossed materials (i.e., silk or live flower petals) are not permitted inside or out.

Runners may not be used on the aisle or altar.
Interior furnishings may not be rearranged. The lectern & chair on the altar may be relocated for a ceremony with prior approval.
We welcome you to include a ringing of the historic bell as part of your event.
A Chapel representative will be present for the duration of all events and rentals.

Parking

The LHC parking lot can accommodate roughly 40 standard passenger cars.
Cars must enter the gate at the front of the Chapel and exit the gate toward the rear of the Chapel. We encourage backing into parking spots.
Buses or trolleys may drop passengers in front of the chapel and may return to collect guests at the end of the event, but they may not remain parked on Little Harbor Rd.
All vehicles must exit the parking lot at the end of the event. The gates will be locked 5 minutes after the scheduled conclusion of the event. Any vehicles remaining after this time will be charged an additional gate-unlocking fee of $200.

Accessibility

Please inquire about our accessibility accommodations.

Restroom

There is a single restroom in the LHC. Due to the historic nature of the building & plumbing, water is not available from December 15-April 15.

Heating & Cooling

AC and heat will help to maintain comfortable temperatures inside. Please keep in mind the historic nature of the building’s high ceilings and large uninsulated windows.

Sound & Lighting System

The LHC does not have a sound system or additional lighting.

Wi-Fi

The LHC does not currently have Wi-Fi; however, there is excellent cell coverage from all major providers.

Liability

LHC does not accept responsibility for damage to or loss of property left at LHC prior to, during, or after the event. Further, LHC shall not be liable for loss, damage, or injury to any person or property. The CLIENT agrees to be responsible for damage caused to LHC by the CLIENT, guests, employees, or other agents under the CLIENT’s control. The CLIENT, as a material part of the consideration of this agreement, hereby waives on its behalf all claims and demands against LHC for any such loss, damage, or injury and hereby agrees to indemnify and hold LHC free and harmless from all liabilities for any such loss, damage, or injury to other persons, and from all costs and expenses arising therefrom, including but not limited to attorney fees.