Venue History
A note from the owner

Hello!

Welcome to Clay Theatre! We are Andrea and Daniel, the husband and wife team behind this unique and historic wedding venue.

When we stumbled upon this nearly century-old movie theatre, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to transform it into a one-of-a-kind wedding venue. It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re so grateful for the couples who have chosen to celebrate their special moments with us and our amazing team!

As owners, we’ve poured our hearts into every detail of Clay Theatre. We’ve thoughtfully designed the space to offer a clean and modern backdrop for your event, while preserving its rich history and unique character. Located in the charming town of Green Cove Springs, we fell in love with the area’s warmth and charm, and we know you will too.

Our dedicated team of event professionals are here to serve you in every way possible. Your event’s success is our top priority, and we’ll go above and beyond to ensure your day is nothing short of magical.

But enough about us – we want to hear about you! Let’s connect and chat about how we can help bring your dream wedding to life at Clay Theatre.

Warmest Wishes, Andrea + Daniel Vallencourt Owners of Clay Theatre

01.

Green Cove Springs

Step back in time with Clay Theatre, a historic landmark that has been hosting delightful nights for visitors since 1937. Originally a thriving movie cinema and a popular destination for tourists visiting the charming town of Green Cove Springs, known as the "original fountain of youth" due to its natural springs with renowned healing properties. With its rich history and unique charm, Clay Theatre is more than just a venue - it's a piece of local heritage that adds a touch of nostalgia to your special day. Come and create your own unforgettable memories at Clay Theatre!

02.

Theatre History

In the 1940s, Clay Theatre drew in sailors from the nearby Naval Air Station, creating a vibrant scene on Friday nights with taxi cabs and white-uniformed sailors lining the streets. Many locals have fond memories of the theatre, including one man who reminisced about taking his wife on their first date to a movie at Clay Theatre. It has been a cherished part of the community's history, providing entertainment and joy to generations of visitors.

03.

The Cove & Clay

Clay Theatre was incredibly popular and its success led to the construction of a second theatre right next to it, called the Cove Theatre. Vintage movie advertisements for "The Cove and Clay" were discovered in the theatre's safe, showcasing its rich history. Over the years, Clay Theatre underwent numerous renovations and continued to thrive as a movie theatre until 2014, when it sadly closed its doors. The final movie shown at Clay Theatre was Monuments Men, marking the end of an era for this beloved historic landmark. We are honored to carry on its legacy as a premier wedding venue in Green Cove Springs.

04.

The New Owners

In 2017, newlyweds Andrea and Daniel Vallencourt stumbled upon the vacant and abandoned movie theatre in Green Cove Springs. They were captivated by the potential of the space and envisioned it as a unique wedding and event venue for future couples and the community to celebrate life's special moments. With ambitious plans in mind, they embarked on a journey to renovate the theatre and bring it back to life. Today, their passion and hard work have turned Clay Theatre into a thriving venue, cherished by couples and visitors alike for its character, charm, and unforgettable celebrations.

05.

Construction Begins

With the support of Carlton Construction, Basham & Lucas, and Micamy Design Studio, the extensive renovation of the main theatre started in 2018. In addition to restoring the historic theater, the ambitious project included plans for a new addition that would feature an outdoor courtyard, private dressing rooms, modern restrooms, and a fully equipped catering kitchen. The vision was to create a unique and versatile event venue that could accommodate a wide range of celebrations, making Clay Theatre an all-inclusive destination for unforgettable weddings and events.

06.

Grand Opening

After months of hard work and dedication, renovations were completed just in time for Clay Theatre's grand opening event on April 18, 2019. The venue's first wedding took place on April 28, 2019, marking the beginning of a successful journey. In its first year of business, Clay Theatre hosted 50 scheduled weddings, becoming a beloved destination for couples to celebrate their special day in a unique and historic setting. It has been a joy for us to see our vision come to life and to be part of so many cherished moments.

Meet The Team

The guys and gals you'll meet in person and behind the scenes keeping everything running smoothly.

Meet The Team >

"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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904-419-7094
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