We had our wedding reception at the Agora Grand in August of 2016 surrounded by friends and family. We could not have asked for a more perfect venue. (Note: We may be a hair biased, as the groom and his family were parishioners at the former St. Patrick's Church which the Agora Grand has acted to preserve.) The space is naturally beautiful, classic Gothic architecture that draws the eyes up; with the accent lighting in the windows, bar, and ceiling, decorating beyond some nice centerpieces was unnecessary. The layout worked well for our rather large reception, but could still be comfortable and close for a smaller group. The dance floor is centrally located, so getting your guests out on it is that much easier. Our DJ was able to hook in to the built-in sound system quickly without any trouble, and the dance music easily filled the space. We did experience some issues with the acoustics for speeches given through the system, as the natural acoustics of the space are beautiful, but were not compatible for the speaker setup. The Agora Grand staff were apologetic and have since resolved the issue with a completely redesigned speaker setup, so this should not be an issue for future events in the space. As far as the climate control of the space, there is a central air system that kept the space, with many enthusiastic dancing guests, quite comfortable in the middle of the August heat. The choir-loft-turned-balcony-lounge is well appointed and provided an excellent space for our bridal party and parents to relax before getting announced into the reception. The bathroom up there was an added, and much-needed, convenience. The bridal suite itself made for a perfect dressing room for the groom as well. Overall, if we had to do it all over again, we would hands-down use the Agora Grand as our reception venue. We have even contemplated hosting other family events there in the future (milestone anniversaries and birthdays). It is a great space and the staff is second to none and really creates a first class experience for their clients. read more

Agora Grand for our Wedding venue was perfect for our special day. From beginning to end we knew this was exactly what we were looking for. When we first visited the Agora it was still a work in progress. You could see with keeping much of the beautiful architecture it was full of history, elegance, and charm. The updates of the lighted bar, concessional, and the unbelievable balcony lounge added that special touch of class. Having the ceremony, the reception, and the Inn all at one location is most convenient. The chapel is simply tasteful with the stained glass windows giving beautiful natural light and the open ceremony area is like a blank canvas you can do as little or as much as you would like for decor. We opted to only have a few lighted trees and lanterns along the couple steps as it's beautiful on it own. The reception was just a short walk around from the chapel, staying right inside the building. When you walk into what used to be St. Patrick's church, now the Agora Grand Event Center you are just blow away. The high ceilings, columns, balcony lounge above with an amazing stained glass window takes your breath away. The lighted bar, windows, and ceilings add that special modern touch. Not to mention you can pick the lighting color to work with your wedding colors. We chose a theme with rustic and elegance that worked perfectly. Really, you can do simple or extravagant at the Agora and win either way. The balcony lounge will not disappoint. Pure elegance and charm with original wood, leather sofas, crystal lamps, and exceptional view over the reception area. There's a suite with a jetted tub, mini bar area, and bedroom to get ready in. We took full advantage of this which was so worth it. The Agora Inn is right there so we chose to rent the rooms for the wedding party. After such an eventful busy day it was nice for us to all go to the Inn and just relax and unwind together. Very relaxing atmosphere to just reminisce on the amazing day we just had. The Inn has historical charm, quaint rooms, with lounging areas on the first floor. Not to mention the wrap around porch on a beautiful night. All in All if you are looking for the perfect fairy tale wedding this is the place for you. Words cannot describe all the details of the Agora. Andrew the owner is fantastic to work with. He had a vision to make the old St. Patrick's church something amazing. This venue exceeded our expectations. Andrew worked with us beginning to end. When I say worked, he worked! He was very hands on and not just an owner that oversees the event. He was much involved. And very appreciated!! read more

I can't say enough good things about this venue. We had my daughter's wedding there this past weekend. The owner Andrew is phenomenal. It is a former Catholic Church turned in to a reception hall with a sweet chapel for nuptials. The former rectory is an inn for guests. W small courtyard had a fire pit for after event get togethers. So beautiful and magical. Don't let the neighborhood turn you off. Give this place a chance. We had absolutely not one complaint. read more

I was in a wedding at the Agora Grand and it was probably the most beautiful wedding I've ever been to. The chapel is classy and traditional and the light coming through the stained glass made a special impact. But the best part is the main reception area. It's wide open and really breathtaking. When the sun went down, the lighting was incredible... the windows are back-lit and the lighting also lit up the tall ceilings. The balcony loft has been made into a swanky lounge area with great views of the whole place which was a great place to rest my tired feet toward the end of the night. The wedding party and I stayed at the hotel next door, which was the renovated rectory building -- super cute and cozy and the Inn Keeper treated us like guests in her home! I planned my own wedding and am usually pretty nit-picky about wedding details, but this place just had it all and it was run like a well oiled machine. Maybe I'll have to renew my vows here one day... ;) read more

In July, my husband and I had our wedding at St. Patrick's Chapel at the Agora Grand Event Center. It's quite an understatement when I say that the chapel is classy, elegant and, most importantly, very spiritual. It was the ultimate perfect intimate setting for our wedding on a beautiful, sunny day. When I arrived, our 12 grandchildren were on the outside front lawn of the church, running and laughing, making this day an extra very happy and festive occasion as they waited for their grandparents' wedding to begin. With the sunlight streaming from the beautiful old fashioned stained glass church windows, the church was alive with a rainbow of colors as all our children and grandchildren, all dressed in pink, with flowers in hand, walked down the aisle as one big, happy family (just before the bride), making the chapel setting extraordinary and unique. It was really something to see! It was such a wonderful day and we are very grateful to Andrew for making it possible for our wedding day to be so memorable and joyful ... and 25 years from now, we hope to renew our wedding vows at the same St. Patrick's Chapel at The Agora Grand Event Center. We were also most honored to attend The Agora Grand Event Center grand opening and I can't say enough as to how beautiful this venue is. Andrew made sure to respectfully keep the integrity of the old St. Patrick's church alive and well while, at the same time, enhancing it like no other could! Andrew: you're a planning genius with great and fine vision for rich, good taste and classy glamour! You are gifted with ultra-unique creativity and you make it possible for people to celebrate any occasion by making their special day alive and splendid ... a really wonderful "dream come true." Thank you, Andrew! The Twin Cities of Lewiston and Auburn are very proud and honored to be home to the Agora Grand Event Center. read more

A breathtakingly beautiful setting, the Agora's gothic architecture, tall stained glass windows, cathedral ceilings, and arches are simply ideal for a sophisticated, formal, and elegant event. The venue was perfect for our wedding. Aside from some minor difficulties in negotiating amidst planning and preparations, and a few setbacks during the event (insufficient AC on a hot, humid summer day), we were incredibly pleased with the overall result and grateful to Andrew for his hard work in creating such a stunning venue that is emerging on the wedding scene in Maine. read more

This is a spectacular venue...beautiful old church that has been converted to an event center. It also has a beautiful chapel attached and a kitchen. The venue itself has soaring high ceilings and resembles a cathedral in the UK or Europe. It also has a small built in bar, an old confessional which is available as a 2nd bar and a balcony which overlooks the reception area. There is a dance floor and state of the art technology with a screen to show videos or pictures. There is also a large kitchen ( caterer will need to know there are not stoves or ovens) and even up lighting in the large side windows with a selection of colors. The owner and staff are very nice and were wonderful to deal with. read more