Weddings/Civil Ceremonies

Hire: https://dev.theastor.co.uk/book-a-venue
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The Astor Theatre now has a wedding and civil partnership ceremony licence, providing a fabulous space in which to celebrate your special day.

This unique venue, a beautiful Edwardian Theatre brimming with atmosphere, can become whatever you desire for you celebration. Set in the quaint, historic seaside town of Deal just a few steps from beach, the Astor provides the perfect venue to stage your wedding, birthday, anniversary or party.

In addition we have an outside area perfect for hosting your reception and celebratory drinks.

Imagine your day, or night, in any style from Baroque, Bohemian, Vintage, Retro or even a Panto theme! Our fabulous theatre, bar and balcony spaces play host to performers, artists, cocktail lovers, foodies, corporate events and music aficionados alike. The Astor has staged classical, pop, comedy, opera, melodrama, jazz and the Blues so is well equipped to handle almost anything you would like. From our eclectric vintage decor to clever canapes, event styling from initial ideas to the full performance, we will ensure that there is a bit of drama in everything we provide. The Astor Theatre is perfect for those wanting somewhere unique and inspiring to hold that special event. Extra space can be provided as a dedicated area for children with a TV and DVD player or we can suggest some very fine children's entertainers to keep the little ones occupied.

Room Capacities

Ceremony in the Balcony Studio - 70 people Ceremony room in the Auditorium - 150 people Wedding Breakfast in the Auditorium - 120 people Reception in the Auditorium - 200 people

Civil Partnerships...

The delightful seaside town of Deal has long been known for its vibrant gay community and now the newly renovated Astor Theatre is available to host your civil partnership ceremony. At the Astor we haven't just added civil ceremonies to the list of events that we do, we are deeply committed to celebrating the commitment of gay and lesbian couples to their life together and are all looking forward to helping you plan and enjoy the perfect ceremony and reception in this beautiful Edwardian Theatre which has seen many different incarnations already in its history.

A little history...

The Astor Theatre was built in 1906 for "entertainments, meetings and receptions" and was known as Stanhope Hall. In 1915 it was renamed The Winter Gardens as the adjacent walled garden (now the car park) was flooded to create a skating rink during the winter months. In 1944, having served as a WVS canteen during the war, Deal's MP, John Jacob Astor, gave the theatre to the people of Deal for "their courage and fortitude" during the Second World War. In recognition of this generous gift, the theatre was renamed The Astor Hall and continued to serve the people of this town for the next 60 years. In 2009 the theatre was rescued from neglect and disuse by a new management group to provide a fittingly varied and entertaining bill of fare for the varied population of this vibrant and artistic town. The Astor hosts live music, dance, theatre, comedy clubs, film nights, panto, beer festivals, antique fairs, auctions... ...and now, your wedding day!!

Our facilities....

The Astor Theatre offers couples a straightforward, no hidden extras deal for an "all-in" price for the hire of the whole venue. This includes the use of the Balcony Suite, the Greig Studio, the Cafe Bar and Auditorium for the day. There is an outdoor area perfect for reception drinks during the summer or a garden party. Also included are the Lighting, PA system and operators, security staff on the door, bar staff and the help of our Private Events Manager/Wedding Co-ordinator and her team to make your day run smoothly. We also have Disabled Access and Toilets, along with pay & display parking adjacent to the Theatre.

Terms & Conditions / Wedding packages at the Astor Theatre

Booking

Payment of a deposit of 50% of the total fee, along with the signed application form, should be sent to James Tillitt, Astor Community Theatre, Stanhope Road, Deal, Kent, CT14 6AB at the time of booking.

We will send a VAT receipted invoice and confirmation of your booking. You may also telephone us to reserve your date prior to submitting your application form but the date will only be reserved for 14 days unless your booking form and deposit payment are received. Cheques should be made payable to "Deal Arts Management CIC".

Cancellation...

Cancellation by the Hirer must be made in writing (emails should be sent to james@theastor.co.uk with a read receipt included to guarantee delivery) and will result in a cancellation fee as set out below:

  • Cancelled with 6-12 months notice, Full refund
  • Cancelled with 3-6 months notice, 75%
  • Cancelled with less than 3 months notice, No refund