Answers to Common Questions
  • How does the food service work?

    Select one of our full-service catering partners to provide the food service for your event. You will contract services separately from your venue rental.

    • Chef’s Garden
    • Blue Sage Cuisine
    • Well Oiled Events
    • Anthony’s Gourmet Catering
    • Designed Events
    • Catering by Liz
    • Bella Events

     

    Aside from cake and desserts, you are NOT permitted to bring in outside food for your event.

    China, flatware and glassware will need to be rented or provided through the catering company of your choice from our approved list of caterers.

    Please note that catering, bar service, alcohol, china, glassware, and flatware is not included in your rental package.

  • How does the bar work?

    Step 1

    Either

    • Select a bar package + add bartenders from your catering company

    Or

    • Hire one of these mobile bar services, Catered Cocktails or Perfect Pour.

    Step 2

    • Purchase your alcohol

    -We partner with ABC Fine Wine & Spirits’ concierge program to provide you with free delivery. Contact Christie McCarthy [email protected] to set up your order and delivery.

    -Purchase directly from Chef’s Garden or Anthony’s Gourmet Catering

    -Get it from somewhere else!

    Alcohol Drop offs must take place during your venue rental period.

    Liquor shots and kegs are not permitted.

  • Do you have an approved vendor list?

    YES! We have a list of required vendors for catering and bar service. Our recommended list has some of our favorite vendors to work with, but you are not required to use them. Once you book with us, we will send you the list.

  • How early can we get to the venue?

    Our basic wedding package allows you to arrive to the venue 5 hours prior to your ceremony start time.

    Upgraded wedding packages allow for a 9AM arrival.

    Non-wedding events typically arrive 2-3 hours prior to your start time. Check your individual package.

    *Extra setup hours may be purchased for $200/hr

  • Do we need to have event insurance?

    You do not have to have day-of-event insurance but this is a great way to make sure you are protected during your event. All vendors working in the theatre must provide us with a certificate of insurance to provide services at Clay Theatre.

    CLICK HERE to purchase a day of event insurance policy.

  • What does my rental include?

    Check your wedding package to find out what’s included. Most packages include your ceremony + reception, tables, chairs, and linens. Catering and bar services are provided through one of our pre-approved catering partners.

  • How do I book a tour?

    We would love to show you around and talk about options for making your wedding day amazing! Fill out our contact form, email [email protected], or call/text 904-419-7094 to set up a tour!

  • Where do guests stay?

    We have many destination weddings that require lodging for out of town guests. The closest resort is the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village in St. Augustine. It is a 25 minute drive from Clay Theatre. It is recommended that you provide a shuttle service for your guests, but not required.

     

    HOTELS

    World Golf Village Renaissance Resort
    (24 minute drive from Clay Theatre)
    904-940-8000
    500 S Legacy Trail, St. Augustine, FL 32092
    Holiday Inn St Augustine – World Golf
    (24 minute drive from Clay Theatre)
    904-940-9500
    475 Commerce Lake Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32095
    Holiday Inn Express, Fleming Island
    (11 minute drive from Clay Theatre)
    904-215-8900
    1815 E West Pkwy, Fleming Island, FL 32003
    RENTAL HOMES
    AirBnb: Charming Guest House on Riverfront Estate
    2 minute drive from Clay Theatre
    8 guests3 bedrooms5 beds2 baths
    AirBnb: Luxurious Carriage House on Riverfront Estate
    2 minute drive from Clay Theatre
    7 guests2 bedrooms4 beds2.5 baths
    River Park House
    (walking distance from Clay Theatre)
    904-284-2994
    103 S, Magnolia Ave, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
  • Can we have a photo shoot at the venue?

    Indoor and courtyard photo shoots are permitted weekdays during business hours. Send in an inquiry for a quote.

     

    Photos outside are always free but PLEASE be mindful of any scheduled events going on and do not block entrances. Weekday evenings are your best option.

  • Can I use the marquee sign?

    Marquee signs are included in most rental packages. The standard marquee includes the middle two lines of the sign. The upgraded marquee includes all 3 sides.

     

    **Marquee sign for businesses, graduations, baby announcements, photo shoots, politicians, corporate head shots, birthdays, etc. are available weekdays only for $250-500

  • Is there a security deposit?

    We require a $1,500 booking fee to reserve a date at Clay Theatre. This payment is non-refundable.

     

    We also ask for a refundable damages deposit of $500 to cover any damages that occur during your event. The damages deposit is due along with your final payment.

  • Will you save my date?

    All dates are first come, first served. Your date will not be officially reserved until we receive your booking fee payment and signed contract. We are unable to hold dates otherwise.

  • What do weddings cost at Clay Theatre?

    The average 120 person wedding at Clay Theatre costs approximately $30,000.

  • Can I do a reahearsal?

    YES, we absolutely encourage you to do a rehearsal before your big day! You will get a 1-hour rehearsal the day before your wedding, either at 11AM or 4PM depending on our scheduled events.

     

    You may rehearse any day leading up to your wedding day.

  • Will other events be going on during my event?

    No. Only one event is scheduled per day on weekends. It is possible that a wedding rehearsal may take place during the setup or breakdown of your event. We will do our best to schedule rehearsals around events.

  • Is the Clay Theatre handicap accessible?

    Yes. All common areas of the theatre are handicap accessible including the lobby, reception hall, outdoor courtyard + all restrooms. The private balcony suite is not handicap accessible, although our backstage dressing room is.

  • Does the Clay Theatre provide decor?

    Tables and chairs are included in your rental fee. Table décor and flowers are not provided by the venue. Venue staff is not responsible for decorating or setting up personal décor for your event.

  • How many guests can the Clay Theatre accommodate?

    The theatre comfortably accommodates 150 guests seated at tables in the main space. Maximum capacity at tables in the main theatre is 200, although larger parties may be accommodated on a case-by-case basis if utilizing lobby and outdoor space.

  • Are tables & chairs included?

    Yes. Check your package to find out how many tables and chairs will be provided for your wedding day! Most packages include seating for up to 150 guests, with champagne chiavari chairs, white folding chairs, 60” round tables (seats 8-10), 30″ round cocktail tables, and 8’ rectangular tables.

  • What linen colors do you offer?
  • What audiovisual equipment do you provide?

    The theatre has high speed Wi-Fi in every room, a drop-down projector screen, surround sound, and smart TV’s in each suite. We are also able to provide microphones (wired, wireless, or lapel) in any of our event rooms or in the outdoor courtyard. If requiring audiovisual services, we will provide you with a custom quote!

  • May we use candles in the theatre?

    You may use candles if they are contained in a glass enclosure that is tall enough not to expose the open flame. Tapered candles are not allowed. The theatre is a historic building that does not have a fire suppression system. Please keep that in mind when deciding to use candles. You will be charged for any damage caused by candles.

  • Do you allow sparklers or grand exits?

    Yes! We encourage you to have the sparkler exit of your dreams! Check your specific package to find out if your sparkler exit is included. They require a bit of assistance from our team to ensure the safety of your guests! Sparklers are not included. 

    20″ Sparklers are preferred!

  • Is smoking permitted in the theatre?

    No. Smoking is not allowed on the grounds of the theatre. Smoking cigars or cigarettes in the groom’s room is not permitted. You will be charged a $500 cleaning fee for smoking inside the theatre.

  • Do you allow animals?

    Yes, animals are allowed to participate in wedding ceremonies with pre-approval from venue manager.

  • May we drop off our decor early?

    Please refrain from dropping your décor off early as it may get in the way of another event (especially large décor pieces, props or furniture). This is to ensure the safety of your personal items. We have a historic facility with limited storage areas. Please plan accordingly. You may drop off décor or furniture once your rental period begins.

  • Is there parking?

    Yes! You may park in the grass lot connected to Clay Theatre, in public parking along Spring Park, after hours at City Hall, or utilize on-street parking.

  • Do we need to clean up after ourselves?

    You will need to take home everything brought in with you at the end of your rental period. Your vendors must arrange for pickup during your breakdown time of any rental items, decor, etc.

  • Can we bring in outside furniture?

    Yes! Clay Theatre is designed so you can model your event how you best see fit. You are welcome to bring in rental furniture through an insured rental company. Please get approval from venue manager before bringing in outside furniture. We need to ensure furniture will be picked up at the end of your event.

Testimonials

What They're Saying...

"I wanted something that truly felt like “us” and this Art Deco, vintage but modern, extra but classic, perfection of a space was more than I could have ever dreamed of."

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