The church building has facilities for meetings, classes, and performances. The Sanctuary, in particular, was designed as an excellent performance venue for smaller musical groups and audiences (up to 300), as well as for worship services and similar meetings.
Church members may schedule these facilities for church-sponsored programs at no charge. Outside groups may rent our facilities for appropriate uses. Rental rate information can be found at the bottom of this page, along with more information on the requirements for reserving church facilities. You will also find on this web site:
- a building layout drawing, showing the spaces available in our building, and
- an online Room Reservation Request Form, with a printed version that can be filled out offline by hand.
If this is a request for a paid rental, please see the Facilities Rental Rates below, following the reservation form to confirm that your request meets the minimum rental requirements.
Please contact Natalie Freeburg (ext. 300) in the Church Office with questions and for further information about reserving church facilities.
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Facilities Rental Rates
Please note that although hourly rates are listed, there is a minimum $300 rental in order to rent our facilities. Thank you for understanding our dedication to the most efficient use of our staff and resources.
The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin makes space available for rent to church members, non-profit organizations and members of the greater Austin community. The core functions of the Church will have first priority on the use of facilities. Further prioritization of facility use will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.
A. 2010 Rental Rates for All Rooms, Except the Sanctuary
| Room | People Capacity (Sit/Stand) | Regular Rates – per hour (2 hr min.) |
| Youth Room 11 | 12/20 | $25 |
| Classrooms 13, 15, 17 | 30/50 | $25 |
| Nursery Rooms 19, 21, 23 | 10/15 | $25 |
| Gallery | 40/60 | $60 |
| Howson Hall | 100/250 | $90 |
| Kitchen | $20 |
B. 2010 Rental Rates for the Sanctuary (seats 330)
| $125 per hour (3 hour min, although it can be rented out for rehearsal on an hourly basis if combined with a full rental), $90 per hour thereafter |
C. Down Payment / Rent / Additional Charges:
- Down Payment: In order to hold a reservation, the contract must be signed by both parties, and a non-refundable down payment paid. For one-time rentals, $200 is required, or the total amount due if it is less than $200. The down payment for recurring rentals is 20% of the total contract amount. All down payments are applied toward the total amount due.
- Rent: Payment in due in full 30 days prior to the scheduled event, or for recurring rentals, payment is due on the first reservation of every month. Exceptions to this payment plan must be in writing by church office. For returned checks, there will be a fee of $30 and the reservation is subject to cancellation. Late payments are subject to a $30 for every week that payment is past due. Unscheduled cleaning and clearing of room will be charged at 200% of hourly room rate.
- Additional Charges: Room rental includes set-up of tables and chairs for less than 25 people at no additional charge. Renter may choose to set up themselves, or hire the Event Team at least seven days in advance. If Renter is handling set up, room reservation must include that time in their rental timeframe.
| Event Team (set-up and clear) | $40 per hour |
| Unscheduled room occupancy | 200% of regular room rate |
| Audio/Visual Services and Equipment | $25 for basic sound set up; $150 for other |
4. Reduced Rate Opportunities:
a) Church Member or Non-Profit Group (renter may use Member OR non-profit discount)
i. Members must be a Voting Member of First Unitarian Universalist Church for at least six months prior to making the reservation; they may receive a 20% discount on rent only.
ii. Non-Profits: Renters providing a 501(c)3 letter may receive a 20% discount on rent only. Letter must be on file before event can take place.
b) Recurring rentals: Renters who schedule use of the facilities at least six times in one calendar year may receive a 15% discount from the regular rental fees. In order to receive this discount, the reservation for recurring rentals must be made on the original contract. Separate rentals that require separate contracts do not qualify for the discount. No discount for all-day rentals.
c) Full payment in advance: Renters who schedule recurring rentals on the original contract and pay total amount due in advance, qualify for an additional 5% discount.
d) Multiple discounts are allowed up to a total discount of 40% off regular rates.