Incorporate nature into your event with breathtaking views of our eco-pond, gardens and natural wetlands
CBEC is the perfect tranquil destination for your special occasion! Located on 510 acres of pristine habitat in Queen Anne’s County along the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center offers a contemporary, functional setting immersed in nature.
Our Certified Green facility is perfect for events with a maximum capacity of 120, including:
- Wedding receptions
- Business meetings, seminars and conferences
- Birthday, anniversary and retirement Parties
- Training programs
- Retreats
- Community and fundraising events
Your rental includes:
- Views of and access to varied habitats of the Chesapeake Bay
- 1,920 square feet of space (including both a 24×80-foot primary space and a small conference room accommodating 8 to 10)
- Lovely wrap-around porch
- Basic kitchen facilities
- Restrooms
Important: Facility Availability
The Beach and Lake picnic pavilions are not rented for any type of function. They are reserved for CBEC educational programs. Visitors to CBEC may use them for impromptu picnicking, etc. as long a program is not scheduled or in progress.
Once construction of the new Lake pavilion is completed, we will begin taking reservations for rentals.
Facility Style
CBEC is a simple venue, perfect for a cozy rustic wedding or a quiet business retreat. The peace and beauty of our ponds, gardens, and natural wetlands enhance our calm environment. As such, CBEC is a “Do It Yourself” facility and does not offer event set-up/breakdown or in-house catering. We are happy to work with the vendors you choose. Read more in “About Holding Your Event.”
How to Complete Your Rental
The first step for all facility rentals is to contact Alissa Moran at amoran@bayrestoration.org using the Booking Calendar reservation form below. Please allow 48 hours for a response.
All rentals are on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Booking Calendar does not show bookings initiated but not yet confirmed, events with changed dates or in-house events. Alissa will confirm current availability and fees.
You must be a CBEC member to rent the facility. Purchase your membership now
No rental date is final and confirmed until an executed contract and the accompanying deposit have been received by CBEC.
Request Your Date/Dates:
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Facility Rental FAQs
When is the venue available?
- The booking calendar will not show bookings initiated but not yet confirmed, events with changed dates or in-house events. Please contact Alissa Moran at amoran@bayrestoration.org for current availability.
What is the rental fee?
- Contact amoran@bayrestoration.org for rental fee information. ALL RENTAL FEES AND TERMS ARE NON-NEGOTIABLE.
What is the deposit, cancellation and refund policy?
- Regular day rental: $50 non-refundable deposit
- Wedding rental: $500 non-refundable deposit
Do I need to be a CBEC member to rent the facility?
- Yes, a CBEC membership is required to rent. Purchase your membership here.
Will other members be allowed on CBEC property the day of my event?
- Yes, CBEC members will be allowed to walk the trails. They will not be allowed in the facility, on the patio or behind the facility.
When is my rental date secured?
- No rental date is final and confirmed until an executed contract and the accompanying deposit have been received by CBEC.
About Holding Your Event
How many people does the space accommodate?
- The space accommodates 120 comfortably.
How many hours does the rental cover?
- A day rental is from 9:00 am until 10:00 pm.
- A wedding rental is a weekend-long rental including Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The rental begins at 9:00 am Friday and concludes Sunday afternoon.
When can vendors start setting up?
- For day rentals, vendors can start at 9:00 am. Wedding vendors can start setting up the day prior to the event.
Can I set up early?
- Yes, for an additional $150 setup can begin the day prior.
Will you set up and break down my event?
- No, CBEC is a “Do It Yourself” facility and does not offer those services.
Can I hire outside vendors?
- Yes! There is no in-house catering and you are not required to work with any specific vendors. We will be happy to work with the vendors you choose, and we can provide local recommendations.
Is there a kitchen on site?
- Yes, the kitchen has a stove, oven, microwave and refrigerator. There is no ice machine.
Can I bring in alcohol?
- Yes.
Is the facility fully accessible every day of the year?
- The access road to CBEC floods during high tides and full moons. The facility may not be accessible under those conditions or following a significant storm.
Is there guest parking on site?
- Yes, we can accommodate guest parking.
How many restrooms are there?
- There are two restrooms inside the facility.
What are the restrictions?
- No candles
- No tents
- No balloons inflated with helium
- Nothing that will stick to ceilings
- No flower petals on the carpet
- Sparklers are permitted outside only
- Please see the contract for violations that trigger the cancellation policy.
Can the venue accommodate a DJ or live band?
- Yes.
Does the site have a sound system or audiovisual (AV) equipment? A podium or a microphone?
- No, please supply any of these you would like to use.
Are there noise restrictions?
- All music must end at 10:00 pm.
Is there trash disposal?
- There is a dumpster on site. As this is a Do-It-Yourself facility, you must place the trash from your event into the dumpster.
Can the rugs be moved?
- The rugs may be removed for events and must be returned at the conclusion of the event. They are heavy, and if they are not replaced properly a $200 charge will be applied to the credit card on file.
Does the facility have WiFi/Zoom capabilities?
- Yes, the facility has WiFi and Zoom capabilities.