Athena

Planning a dream wedding in Midlands? This extraordinary Art-Deco venue is the perfect location for a celebration that meets all your desires, no matter how personalised your preference

Built in 1936, Athena is an award-winning, Art Deco venue, centrally located in the thriving cultural quarter of Leicester. The beautiful and iconic building oozes timeless charm with modern touches that can be effortlessly themed to create an elegant and glamourous fairytale wedding.

It doesn’t just tick the boxes for appearance and location, Athena goes beyond what a wedding venue can be, providing services you may not have considered. Most couples look at capacity first and facilities second and while these are important considerations; it’s crucial to know how flexible a venue is and Athena prides itself on that flexibility.

A bespoke backdrop to a day you’ll never forget

Whether you dream of a romantic intimate wedding or a glitzy extravagant reception that’s fit for an A-list celebrity, Athena will deliver a day that’s as enchanting and memorable as your vision. With 18 years of experience in delivering weddings, bringing an in-house team and network of trusted suppliers together, they’re experts in delivering Asian weddings.

From experiential entertainment to ice sculptures, personalised cocktails to contemporary mandaps, extravagant centrepieces, and world-class performers, through to the bride and groom arriving on to the stage on a tuk-tuk, they’ve made many extraordinary ideas come to life.

Experience the dream – what to expect from a wedding at Athena

A classic wedding celebration at Athena commences with a red carpet outside guiding guests to the iconic Art Deco entrance. The festivities kick off with a champagne reception with canapés served in the stylish Lounge.

An electronic table plan ensures guests can then easily find their designated tables. Throughout the event food stations can be strategically placed around the venue so that guests can enjoy snacks. Alongside the regular elements like heartfelt speeches, cake cutting and first dance underneath a dazzling giant disco ball, the venue is renowned for putting on some of the most impressive immersive entertainment in the Midlands, featuring acts like aerial acrobatics and of course, the biggest DJs in the business.

Throughout the day you’ll also have access to four dressing rooms where you can get changed for different elements of the day, such as having an outdoor photoshoot in the picturesque grounds while your guests sip cocktails.

Planning made perfect

Athena’s comprehensive in-house packages are designed to suit the needs of couples according to their capacity. Their in-house caterers can prepare a contemporary or traditional feast, along with bespoke menus and drinks. Or, you can opt for a more flexible dry hire package which includes exclusive use of the venue, kitchen hire, furniture like tables, chairs and linen. But you won’t be left alone. One of their experienced event coordinators will be onsite during your event to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Five-star facilities

From the moment you enter, you’ll be captivated by the impressive glittering chandelier which sets the sophisticated, luxurious tone of the venue. Unlike regular wedding halls which can lack character, the Art Deco touches in Athena’s interiors make it extra special and different to other spaces your guests may have visited. One aspect couples appreciate at Athena is the state-of-the-art technology and AV production. The lighting and soundscape are of such a high standard that it transforms your festivities into a five-star event.

Spaces to suit your needs

The Cinema Suite has a capacity for 150 to 700 guests and includes a spacious stage suitable for mandaps, DJs and walima stages, as well as a dance floor and stunning cocktail bar. For larger weddings, The Gallery and additional lounges can be opened up, taking the venue’s capacity to around 1,000 guests, making Athena one of the most flexible in the Midlands. And as it’s centrally located within reach of all major road, rail, and air networks, it’s the ideal location for guests to come together from all over the country.