Venue Overview
The Henry Clay is located in the heart of Downtown Louisville, Kentucky and is listed on the National Registry for Historic Places. The property offers 1920’s style ballroom and event space that are dripping with timeless elegance and beautifully restored original architectural features throughout.
The Henry Clay can serve as the perfect backdrop for your wedding, corporate event, fundraising gala, board meeting or conference!
Conveniently, the Hilton Garden Inn hotel and 8UP Rooftop Restaurant are connected to The Henry Clay. Special accommodations and rates will be offered to all Henry Clay clients. Once you and your guests arrive, let us take care of the rest!
Rental Options
2nd Floor- Grand Ballroom Package
(Grand Ballroom, South Room, Confessional Salon, Atrium)
The Grand Ballroom is the largest ballroom in Louisville with a stationary stage. The room features time period box seating and 27-foot-tall ceilings lined with the original 1924 chandeliers. The Grand Ballroom is located on the second floor of the Henry Clay and includes the South Room which features mirrored columns, gorgeous hand carved crown molding, decorative wood features and luscious red carpeted floors. Another elegant feature of the 2nd floor is the Atrium overlooking the baby grand piano in the Grand Lobby.
The Atrium showcases original 1924 stained-glass ceiling tiles, wrought iron handrails, original granite floors and is outlined in beautifully ornamented columns. The 2nd floor offers two sets of restrooms and can host intimate weddings and receptions while hosting large parties of 500 plus guests. The Grand Ballroom has featured artists such as Aretha Franklin, Hall & Oats, Allison Kraus, Heuy Lewis and the News, and even notable people like Muhammad Ali and President Obama!
2nd Floor- Photo Links
4th Floor- Beaux Arts Ballroom Package
(Beaux Arts Ballroom, Tavern Room, Billiards Room, Courtyard, Hospitality Suite, Fleur de Lis Salon, Henry Clay Salon)
The Beaux Arts Ballroom is our second Ballroom located on the 4th Floor. Slightly smaller than the Grand Ballroom, The Beaux Arts (“Bow Arts”) evokes timeless elegance in its grand size and architectural character. Brocade style panels, decorative trim, original stained-glass windows and ceiling tiles, two colossal white columns and sweeping corners all embody romance and intimate stately elegance. 4th floor rentals include the Billiards Room, the Tavern Room and the outdoor Courtyard exclusive to your party. These rooms can serve as areas for a cocktail hour, a small ceremony, or space for bars, food stations and even photo booths.
Exclusive to the Beaux Arts and 4th Floor Rentals is access to our Bridal Suite. Available 10am morning of the wedding, our Bridal Suite includes: a full kitchen, laundry machines, a bathroom with Hollywood beauty lighting, lounging and preparation areas! These amenities are housed in a private area across the hall from the Ballroom for all bride and bridal party preparations. The room is lined in large windows overlooking downtown Louisville, filling the space with ample natural light.
4th Floor- Photo Links
Beaux Arts Ballroom Photo Link
Rental Amenities
Venue Rentals Include:
60” Round Tables
Gold Chiavari with vinyl Ivory Cushions
Banquet Tables
Cocktail Tables
Private Restrooms
WiFi
Setup and Breakdown
Facilities Representative On Site During the Event
Directional Signage
2nd Floor Layout
4th Floor Layout
FAQs
Does the Henry Clay have an approved caterer list?
We do have a preferred catering list (8UP Catering, Crushed Ice Catering, Wiltshire Pantry, Ladyfingers, Heitzman’s Traditional, Kingsley Meats & Catering, Tandoori Fusion, and Silver Spoon) for clients to choose from.
Can I bring my own alcohol to the Henry Clay?
All alcohol should be arranged though, provided by and served through your licensed and insured caterer.
What does my rental fee include?
The rental fee includes 60’ round tables, gold Chiavari chairs with ivory cushions, banquet tables, cocktail tables, setup, breakdown, and housekeeping.
Where is parking located?
The Clay Commons Public Garage is located directly behind The Henry Clay with access from Chestnut St. Event parking in the garage can be coordinated with PARC, (502) 574.4541.
There are also surface parking lots located directly across from The Henry Clay on Third and Chestnut Streets managed by Riverside Parking.
Is there a specific vendor list that clients must use for events?
No, we have an open vendor policy (with the exception of the caterer that must be selected from the preferred catering list). Clients can choose to work with the vendors of their choice, as long as the vendor is in good standing with Henry Clay.
Is smoking allowed at the facility?
Smoking is not allowed inside. Guests are welcome to smoke outside the building, if at least 30 feet away from the entry doors.
Is a event planner offered or required?
The Henry Clay does offer an event coordination service, or clients are welcome to use an event planner if desired. There will be a representative of the Henry Clay on site during the event but will be focused on the operations of the property(lights, locks, doors, restroom checks, spot cleaning, etc.) throughout the event.
Are coat check services and valet services provided for events?
Coat check services can be provided at an additional cost. Arrangements can be made with a valet service provider if valet services are requested.
Parking Options
PARKING
There is a Surface Lot (highlighted in green) located directly across from The Henry Clay on Third and Chestnut Streets.
The Clay Commons Parking Garage (highlighted in pink) is located directly behind The Henry Clay with access from 350 West Chestnut Street.
Event parking in the garage can be coordinated with PARC, (502) 574-4541.
Metered Street Parking is an options and many offered in close proximity of The Henry Clay. If you would like to bag the meters in front of the building for an event, please call (502) 574-4217.
Preferred Catering List
8UP Catering
8UP Catering Website
Crushed Ice Catering
Crushed Ice Website
The Silver Spoon
Ladyfingers
Ladyfingers Website
Heitzman’s Traditional
Heitzman's Website
Kingsley Meat & Catering
Kingsley Website
Tandoori Fusion
Tandoori Website
Accomodations
Your overnight guests will enjoy the convenience of our indoor direct connection to the award-winning Hilton Garden Inn. Each of the comfortable guest rooms boasts stylish decor and is equipped with modern conveniences. Inviting suites are also available, offering wonderful city views, more space, and upgraded amenities. Take the elevator to the eighth floor to find the only rooftop bar in Louisville, 8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen. 8UP is a dazzling outdoor/indoor all-glass drinking and dining experience that offers unparalleled views of downtown Louisville. Whether lounging alfresco or enjoying the dining room, 8UP offers a myriad of experiences designed to please the sophisticated palates and celebrate the spirit of fun that is Louisville.