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Rentals at Cedar Lane

LGBTQ Welcoming Congregation
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Welcoming. Inclusive. Beautifully Located in Bethesda, Maryland

Part of the Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Rentals at Cedar Lane offers a stunning setting for all of life’s events. Our flexible, light-filled spaces feature floor-to-ceiling windows, updated and modernized amenities and accessibility, and a retreat-like atmosphere. We are nestled on six wooded acres in Montgomery County, just minutes from I-495.

Contact us to host your next

  • Social or Non-Profit Meeting 
  • Concert or Performance 
  • Wedding
  • Memorial or Celebration of Life
  • Baby Dedication
  • Community Event
How can we help?

Available Spaces

Sanctuary

Step into the Sanctuary at Cedar Lane, a stunning venue built in 1955 and masterfully designed by renowned modernist architect Pietro Belluschi. This elegant, air-conditioned space offers a unique blend of architectural beauty and modern functionality.

Capacity

  • Seats 200 (theater style) / 140 (banquet style)
  • Fully accessible stage with AV system
  • Presentation screens, live streaming and recording
  • Grand piano, natural light, woodland views

Chapel

Tucked within the Cedar Lane campus, The Chapel offers a warm and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for more intimate gatherings. Designed with refined stone, wood, and glass elements, the space mirrors the architectural beauty of our Sanctuary, with windows that bring in soft, natural light and a sense of serenity.

Capacity

  • Seats up to 75
  • Warm, intimate space with piano
  • Natural stone walls and abundant windows

Fellowship Hall

With its abundant natural light, spacious layout, and adjoining outdoor deck, Fellowship Hall is the ideal setting for a wide range of events. Whether you’re planning a heartfelt reception or an engaging workshop, this welcoming space offers both flexibility and charm.

Capacity

  • Seats 100 (theater style) / 90 (banquet style)
  • Connected to kitchen, deck, and main gathering spaces

Meeting Rooms

Located on the lower level of the main building, our classrooms offer a variety of sizes and layouts to suit your needs. Whether you’re hosting a meeting, workshop, or study group, these spaces provide a comfortable and affordable setting.

About These Spaces

  • Flexible sizes and layouts for small to mid-size groups
  • Natural light, tables and chairs, laptop-ready monitors
  • Kitchenette with coffee station and fridge

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes! Cedar Lane has a recently installed state-of-the-art AV system in our Sanctuary. This includes on-site AV staff trained in using our audio booth and mixers, cameras and microphones, and screens to provide guests with a complete AV experience. We also offer live streaming (via Youtube and Facebook) and video recording.

Yes! Cedar Lane’s Facilities Use Policy (FUP) requires the use of a licensed bartender to serve liquor, as well as beer and wine beyond 90 minutes. Many caterers provide bartenders, or one can be hired independently. Cedar Lane does not hold a liquor license and requires the caterer or bartender to provide proof of license.

Cedar Lane has 125 parking spots in our private lot, spread across four distinct areas and with multiple access points. This includes 10 handicap accessible spots. Our side streets accommodate overflow parking, and our main entrance is set up for valet services as needed.

Cedar Lane follows Montgomery County’s noise ordinance restrictions for all events. Most events at Cedar Lane will end by 10PM. If you’d like to host a late night event, let our staff know!

Yes! While we do have a list of our favorite vendors – ranging from drop-off to full service caterers, event planners, and florists, we are willing to work with you. Cedar Lane is eco-friendly, and our vendors are familiar with and understand our space and policies. If you’d like to work with an outside vendor, let us know.

While Cedar Lane ministers will often be asked to lead or support memorial or wedding ceremonies, Cedar Lane staff are not available to support event planning. For large events, including weddings, we do require a day-of coordinator at minimum. We’re happy to provide recommendations for planners to help you in the planning process!

Cedar Lane discourages use of single-use plastic items, actively reduces waste produced from events through composting and recycling, and prohibits use of balloons, glitter, styrofoam, and other elements that can be harmful to the environment.

Yes! The closest hotel to Cedar Lane (Bethesda Marriot) is a 1.7 mile drive. There are additional hotel options in downtown Bethesda (1.8 mile drive) and Pike and Rose (3.5 mile drive).

Yes! Cedar Lane offers superior inclusivity and accessibility. We offer gender inclusive bathrooms, a full-size elevator, wide hallways, automatic entry doors, supportive listening devices, handicap accessible parking spots, and no stairs to access any room within the main floor of our space.

What People Are Saying

Kenneth Maton
Celebration of Life
I had an absolutely terrific experience holding my wife’s Celebration of Life at Cedar Lane. [The staff] answered all my questions graciously and helpfully, and over several months of close contact helped me design and implement a multi-faceted, elegant, and flawless four-hour event. My heart is full of gratitude.
Sam and Elizabeth BrinkerWedding
When we were planning our wedding, one of our biggest priorities was having a ceremony that felt thoughtful and momentous, and Cedar Lane absolutely delivered. The space was gorgeous, and all of the pictures both in the sanctuary and in the outdoor spaces turned out so much better than I could have imagined. I can’t recommend Cedar Lane enough, both for the space and for all of the amazing folks we got to work with.
AlexisWellness Retreat
We used the Fellowship Hall at Cedar Lane for our recent women’s wellness event, and the venue was beautiful—spacious, bright, and welcoming. The rental process was smooth and easy to coordinate. Communication was clear, and the team provided excellent customer service throughout. I would recommend Cedar Lane to anyone seeking a professional and inviting event space.
Rick Bishop, Mankind Project Workshops
We rented the whole facility for the day to put on a number of workshops upstairs in Fellowship Hall, the Chapel, a number of rooms downstairs including some outside space and use of the kitchen. These different spaces suited our needs perfectly. It was easy working with the staff at Cedar Lane who provided the support necessary for us to achieve our goals and put on a successful series of workshops.
Terri HockCelebration of Life
I would very much like to acknowledge Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church for providing me and our sons a beautiful venue for the Celebration of Life for my husband. [The staff] were organized and precise . . . and also helped with suggestions on post service details such as catering, seating, and set up. The venue is breathtaking, warm, and very welcoming.

Book Your Event

Ready to learn more or check availability? Complete our Rental Interest Form or email us at rentals@cedarlane.org. We’ll respond within two business days.

Rentals at Cedar Lane embodies the progressive values of the broader Cedar Lane congregation. We recognize, affirm, and value all individuals across our community including those with diverse faiths, backgrounds, and orientations. We would be honored to support your next event.

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Sliding Scale Options

suggested love offering of $20 / seat

Sliding Scale Guide

We know it can be complicated to decide how much to pay, and there’s no one right answer for anyone. Many thanks to UU@UN for providing an equitable model for payments.

Consider paying at a lower tier if many of these are true for you:

  • I am directly affected by environmental racism.
  • I have immigration-related expenses.
  • I’m supporting children or have other dependents.
  • I have significant debt.
  • I have medical expenses not covered by insurance.
  • I receive public assistance.
  • I am an elder with limited financial support.
  • I am an unpaid community organizer.
  • I have been denied work due to incarceration history.
  • I would need to budget in order to afford a $25 expense.

Consider paying at a higher tier if multiple of these are true for you:

  • I or my family owns the home I live in.
  • I have investments, retirement accounts, or inherited money.
  • I can travel recreationally.
  • I have access to family money and resources in times of need.
  • I work part time by choice.
  • I have a relatively high degree of earning power due to level of education, gender and racial privilege, class background, etc.
  • In terms of its impact on my lifestyle (e.g. my ability to pay this month’s bills), $50 means functionally about the same as $15. My bank account would look pretty much the same either way.


A reflection from Pronoia Coaching:

When I pay more, I know that I am helping others to access the event.

When I pay in the middle, I know I am helping the organizers cover costs.

And when I pay less, I know I am letting my community hold me and support me.

All of these are wonderful and acceptable ways of participating.