Love is in the Air at the Agora Grand
"I thrive on love," says Billie-Jayne Cooke, who, along with her husband Wess, owns and operates the Agora Grand Event Center in Lewiston, Maine. Commissioned by Monsignor Thomas Wallace in 1887 and opened three years later on Christmas Day as St. Patrick's Church, the gorgeous Neogothic building remained active until 2009. Its reimagining as The Agora Grand, a secular event space, has become one of Lewiston, Maine's hidden gems — and one that's ready to welcome LGBTQ couples to celebrate their special day.
"We wanted to come to Maine to retire," says Cooke, who grew up in Greenville, Maine. The newly renovated space and adjacent inn (the former rectory) beckoned the couple to reimagine the next chapter of their lives. "I love doing weddings. It's just a fantastic place to get married."
A Wedding Space as Unique as You Are
After fighting for decades for the right to marry, the LGBTQ community has good reason to desire "wow factor" when it comes to wedding venues. Billie-Jayne is quick to befriend couples who decide to marry at the Agora Grand, acting as host, wedding planner, caterer and confidant.
Whether you're looking for an intimate soirée or a raise-the-roof party, the Agora Grand's wedding venues deliver delightful touches to make the day as special and unique as your relationship.
The Grand Reception Hall, originally designed by architect Patrick Keely, boasts 55-foot ceilings, restored stained glass and fascinating details that pay homage to the venue's original use as a church. The pipe organ has been upcycled to create a fully-stocked bar, while the lectern has been creatively repurposed into a DJ booth with top-of-the-line sound and lighting equipment.
The venue can comfortably accommodate between 300 (seated) and 450 (reception) guests. Other historic details include original pews, hand-carved ornamental wood and a two-story balcony lounge overlooking the hall.
The Chapel at the Agora Grand is ideal for smaller gatherings or wedding ceremonies and features exquisite details, including more than a dozen stained-glass windows glimmering chandeliers, and flexible open floor plan.
The newly married couple need not travel far for their wedding night. The on-site Honeymoon Suite, located underneath the steeple inside Maine's tallest tower, featured soaring stained-glass windows, a luxurious bathroom with a whirlpool tub and exclusive access to the Balcony Lounge to make an appropriately grand entrance.
Cooke is gaining attention from both Mainers and out-of-towners looking for a small-town feel and unmatched attention to detail. From wedding planning that includes 3-D seating layouts to a day-of timeline, bar services and catering, no detail is too small. She'll even swap restroom signage for guests that prefer gender-neutral facilities.
Why Get Married in Maine?
Less than an hour north of Portland, Lewiston is considered a "twin city" of nearby Auburn and snuggly nestled along the Androscoggin River. Once a factory town known for its textile and shoe mills, Lewiston now attracts students to Bates College, a private liberal arts university. Wallet Hub's recent survey revealed Lewiston as one of the country's top cities to get married.
Culture buffs can enjoy a performance at The Public Theatre or Midcoast Symphony Orchestra. For those who prefer to experience the great outdoors with their new spouse, the nearby Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary offers plenty of spots for photos. Local restaurants and breweries deliver the bounty of Maine's culinary scene, from whoopie pies and lobster rolls to seasonally picked fiddleheads and blueberries.
The refurbished gazebo in Kennedy Park, just steps away from the Agora Grand, dates back to 1925 and offers another photo opp for recent nuptials. A Maine wedding will likely inspire annual visits to the Pine Tree State, where endless discoveries await botanical gardens and beer trails. Just be sure to say hello to Billie-Jayne and Wess — a wedding at The Agora Grand lasts a lifetime.
Ready to ring those wedding bells? Visit www.agoragrand.com for more information.