FAQs

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

Step 1

Either

• Select a bar package + add bartenders from Chef’s Garden or Anthony’s Gourmet Catering

Or

• Hire one of these mobile bar services, Catered Cocktails or Perfect Pour. (With Blue Sage Cuisine, you will use this option)

Step 2

• Purchase your alcohol

-We partner with ABC Fine Wine & Spirits’ concierge program to provide you with free delivery. Contact Carole Everitt [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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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 90 days prior to your event.

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.

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

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.

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.

Yes. All areas of the theatre are handicap accessible including the lobby, banquet hall, outdoor courtyard, balcony dressing room, backstage dressing room + all restrooms).

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.

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.

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.

The theatre has high speed Wi-Fi in every room, a drop-down projector screen, surround sound, radio, cable TV, DVD player, laptop, and MP3 player AUX hookups. 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!

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.