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Belfast council approves private wedding at Steamboat Landing after debate over $50 fee and precedent
Summary
Council voted 4–1 to allow a 08/31 private wedding at Steamboat Landing Park with an originally proposed $50 fee, prompting debate about precedent, parking and whether the city should set a higher cap — staff to return with a revised fee schedule this fall.
The Belfast City Council approved a nontraditional request on Aug. 20 to allow a private wedding at Steamboat Landing Park's gazebo on Aug. 31, despite divided council views about precedent and the rental fee.
Pam, the staff member presenting the request, said the couple had been displaced from an Airbnb and asked to use the gazebo with benches and a brief ceremony for an estimated 125–140 attendees. She said they were willing to shorten their rental window and that a vendor would deliver and remove benches during a short window on the event day.
Councilors expressed a range of concerns. Councilor Mary said the $50 fee proposed in staff's memo felt "a bit low" and warned of opening a precedent for large private events in public park space. "And this is opening Pandora's box and setting a precedent," she said. Others, including Councilor Neil Harkness and Councilor Paul, supported approving the request as an exception given the short notice and the couple's circumstances.
Neil moved to approve the request; the motion was seconded and passed 4–1. Councilor Brenda Bonneville voted no. Several members said they would like staff to bring a new, comprehensive fee schedule for park and gazebo rentals this fall to address similar requests going forward.
Council noted practical logistics: the park would remain open to the public, parking could be constrained, and the couple had purchased insurance. Staff will return with a proposed fee schedule and caps on attendees for future events.
The council’s vote authorizes the event under the conditions presented to the council; the action was recorded as passing 4 to 1.
