Getting to Know The Queen in Downtown Wilmington

Located in downtown Wilmington since 1789, The Queen is one of our new favorite venues with a long and rich history. Starting as a hotel, transforming to a movie theatre, to World Cafe Live, and to Live Nation – The Queen’s checkered profile over its 200 years adds to the allure as one of Wilmington’s premier venues. These days at The Queen, you can both catch a Bob Marley tribute band (get your tickets for Spokey Speaky on Saturday February 9th) or host an unforgettable private event.  And with wedding season just around the corner, we’re getting very excited about The Queen as the most magnificent wedding venue!!

The Queen has a variety of spaces that can be rented out for private events that are each more and more enthralling than the next (the balcony overlooking the music hall will make your jaw drop). The overall building may be 60,000 square feet, but each unique space creates an intimate and exclusive experience for each of your guests. We had the opportunity to learn more about this incredible venue with Maureen Yaconis, Logistics Manager at The Queen Wilmington.

1. What is the history of The Queen, and how long has it been in its current iteration?

The Queen was originally built as a hotel in the early 1800s and functioned as such until converting into a movie theatre in 1916. In 1959, the theatre closed its doors and sat dormant for the next 50 years. After undergoing a $25 million renovation in large part due to the aid of the Light Up the Queen Foundation, The Queen finally reopened in 2011, with Live Nation taking over management in 2017. This piece of living history is a staple in downtown Wilmington, with many stories to tell the thousands of people that pass through its time-honored doors.

2. What types of events (weddings, galas, conferences, etc.) do you typically see The Queen used for?

Our business ranges from a variety of social events like weddings, mitzvahs, sorority parties and birthdays to corporate events including holiday parties, meetings, TEDtalks, and so much more!

3. What services are available in house?

With the luxury of being a concert venue, we have state of the art production equipment. We also have a robust list of Preferred Caterers to select from; ensuring our clients have exactly the experience they envision for their event. Our exclusive in-house beverage vendor excels in mixology, and our staff is second to none.

4. What makes The Queen different from other venues?

With your rental several amenities are included: use of our in house production equipment and team, choice to use our in house tables, chairs, china and silverware, and a dedicated event coordinator here with you the day of the event.

5. What are couples most drawn to at The Queen as a wedding venue?

As a wedding venue, we typically find that our couples are looking for a unique venue with an unmatched fun and wow factor that you just can’t find anywhere else but The Queen.

6. What is your favorite part of hosting events at The Queen?

My favorite part of hosting events here is helping our clients bring their vision to life. There’s nothing better then revealing the room to the client and seeing their faces just light up with excitement.