First Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond offers a unique facility with large, open spaces. For example, the Great Hall includes a sound system and recording capabilities. We can host a variety of activities — including concerts, civic and political activities, lectures, and religious meetings — as long as the events do not interfere with regularly scheduled church activities or groups.

In keeping with the principles of our faith, First UU facilities are not available to groups that restrict their membership, program or activities (by race, sex, etc.) unless that group can show that the restrictions are directly related to the purposes of the organization; and that these purposes do not include the exploitation of any persons or groups. Facilities are not available to any outside group for commercial purposes such as fund raising, partisan political activity, or any activity that violates the 501(c)(3) status of the church.

SPACE AVAILABLE FOR RENTAL

Maximum size of groups for various facilities:

BUILDING USAGE PROCEDURES

Requests for the use of First UU’s facilities should be submitted in writing to the Church Business Manager on one of the two application forms below, preferably two weeks or more prior to the proposed use. The form can be submitted in person, or sent by email or fax. Space is generally available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Wedding Application & Contract
• Application and Contract for Use of Facilities
• Room Request Form and Room Assignment

Once an application is submitted, the Business Manager will review the application. If any questions arise, the Business Manager will contact the applicant. Rental of the building for religious purposes must always have the prior approval of the Church Minister.

The space you request is reserved after confirmation that there are no previous reservations for that space. If there is a conflict, another space may be reserved for you. Your receipt of a copy of the form is your confirmation of space reservation.

Contact the Church Business Manager at sherman.logan@richmonduu.org or 355-0777.

RENTAL FEES

Fees are determined annually and are subject to change as needed. Each application for use provides rental fee information based on two hours of use (see appropriate application for fee schedule).

MINISTER’S FEE

For weddings, non-members should arrange for the fee directly with the Minister. Membership status for the purpose of the Minister’s fee may be obtained from the Minister or the Business Manager.

PAYMENT

Half of the total rental fee is required in order to reserve the date and space. Full payment must be made in advance of the event. Refunds will be made with two weeks notice of cancellation. Payment for use of the building is to be made in person to the Business Manager or by mail.

BUILDING USE RULES

Signature of the applicant on the application indicates acceptance of the church procedures and building use rules.

The following rules regarding use of space, food, beverage, and clean-up apply to groups renting the church in addition to all church committees and church functions.

A. Use of Space

• A group may use only the space assigned and specified in the rental agreement.
• Use of the building is only for the specific hours in the rental agreement.
• The building will be open 30 minutes in advance of the scheduled event. It is expected that the activity will end promptly at the hour stated in the rental agreement. Failure to vacate the premises promptly will result in an additional charge or possible loss of meeting privileges in the future.
• When using an area of the church, do not move any equipment from its normal location unless permission to do so has been given at the time space was rented (for example, tables, bookcases, wall hangings, charts, art show flats, piano, pulpit). If you move chairs, please return them to their original position before you leave.
• No signs may be hung in the building except for use during your activity. All signs must be hung so that they do not damage walls or furnishings.
• Smoking is NOT permitted anywhere in the church building.
• No sound or projection equipment may be used without approval at the time of application.
• In advertising the use of church facilities, no group may use the name of First UU unless permission has been obtained in advance from the Business Manager.
• Illegal drugs, firearms, weapons, or flammables are prohibited on church property. First UU reserves the right to call the proper authorities if these policies are violated.
• Users of the church facilities are requested to respect our neighbors’ rights to privacy, and particularly noise levels in the evening. All evening events should conclude by 10:00 PM on weeknights (Sunday through Thursday) and 11:00 PM on weekends (Friday and Saturday)

B. Food ~ Beverage ~ Clean-up

• No refreshments may be served unless prior arrangements have been made and the additional fee is included on the rental agreement.
• If permitted, refreshments may be served only in the Library, Lobby, and other Studio rooms, NOT in the Great Hall. Do not use any of the food in the Kitchen – it belongs to another group. Kitchen utensils and silverware are limited and can serve only a small group. If used they should be cleaned and returned to the proper place.
• With the approval of the Business Manager, alcoholic beverages are allowed for church groups only and are subject to the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Renters are required to purchase the appropriate ABC license , in addition , there will be charge of $310.00 for insurance coverage.
• Normal clean-up activity will be taken care of by church personnel. Any extra trash or litter and any signs or items on the walls must be removed and/or discarded in the bins outside the nursery by the group using the area.
• Only authorized persons (those designated by the Business Manager ) may have a key to the church building.
• Any applications for overnight use will be referred to the Business Manager.

Please Note: Where required by law, groups must carry insurance and obtain any necessary permits.  Users of the church facilities shall report any damage to the buildings or property, and agree to pay for necessary repairs or replacement.