Skip to main content
Weddings
This venue is popular with couples. Start a conversation

Pricing information

Reception
$10,600 starting price
Ceremony
$10,600 starting price
Bar service
$25 per person
Reception
$10,600 starting price
Ceremony
$10,600 starting price
Bar service
$25 per person

Attributes highlighted by couples

Quality catering
Guests comfort
Amenities

About

On WeddingWire since 2019

Merrell Estate & Gardens, located in Salter Path, North Carolina, is a mansion wedding venue nestled in the heart of the Crystal Coast. This gorgeous property with grand spaces, expansive greens, and a stately southern charm makes a stunning location for a destination wedding full of drama and grandeur.

Facilities and Capacity

The house at Merrell Estate & Gardens features intricate classic southern estate details with a modern twist. Large wooden doors open into their elegant Grand Foyer, a spacious and welcoming space, that is suitable for welcoming guests or intimate gatherings with seating for up to 100 guests. The Merrell Ballroom & Bar is their primary event space which can accommodate 200 guests for a ceremony or 175 for dinner. The area is also suitable for a dance floor with space for a DJ or band. If you are looking for an outdoor venue, the Portico with its high-ceilings and garden view offers extensive rain cover and heating options. This large covered outdoor seating area can accommodate up to 175 people for dinner and has space for a dance floor and live band. You can also combine any of these options, as we do numerous indoor-outdoor events since the spaces are all easily connected.

The property also features a Luxury Bridal Suite with plush furniture and individual makeup stations and a Groom’s Room featuring a pool table, stocked bar, large televisions, and outdoor games. The meticulously landscaped gardens span over two acres and feature a variety of native and tropical flora. The Lawn, their largest outdoor ceremony space, features seating for over 300 people in the open air or under a tent. The Aisle of Palms provides a dramatic cathedral-like setting for a wedding march set against a lush green backdrop and under the open sky. The Wild Garden offers private alcoves and hideaways perfect for intimate moments and photos created by the flowering trees and wild coastal brush. We also have beach and sound-side access for ceremonies of 100 or fewer guests or for just bride-groom photos, sunset pictures of the couple are a great option on the water!

Services Offered

Merrell Estate & Gardens offers a selection of wedding packages from which to choose. Their most popular package includes:

  • 12-hour venue access on the wedding day
  • Event assistance with day-of coordination, event timeline, setup, breakdown of house items, and vendor coordination
  • Unlimited access to event team through email or phone before the event
  • Venue access for ceremony rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
  • Luxury Bridal Suite with snacks and beverages
  • Groom’s Room with snacks and drinks
  • Use of banquet tables and cocktail tables
  • White folding chairs for outdoor ceremonies and receptions
  • Chiavari chairs for indoor ceremonies and receptions
  • A standard linen package
  • White china plates, glassware, flatware, and service items
  • Cake cutting sets and service
  • A standard lighting package
  • Outdoor heaters
  • Guest parking with attendants

Cuisine

Merrell Estate & Gardens offers first-class hospitality and food and beverage packages featuring fresh, seasonal, chef-driven food from award-winning on-site catering company 81 Hospitality Group.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$10,600

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

$10,600

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$10,600

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$10,600

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Chairs
China
Clean Up
Flatware
Glassware
Linens
Parking
Set Up
Tables

Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?

Cake Cutting
Dessert
Server(s)
Wedding Cake

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

$25

Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?

Bartender(s)
House Beer
House Wine

What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?

30

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

12

Describe your venue:

Ballroom
Banquet Hall
Beach
Garden
Mansion

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Covered Outdoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Accommodations
Bar Services
Catering Services
Clean Up
Event Planner
Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors
Pet Friendly
Wifi

What catering services do you offer?

Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Dessert
Family Style
French Service
Hors d'oeuvres
Outside Cake
Plated
Server(s)
Stations
Tastings

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
Cash Bar
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Limited Bar
Liquor License
Open Bar
Outside Alcohol
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

What event items are available?

Altar/Arch
Audio Equipment
Chairs
Dance Floor
Decor
Furniture
Lighting
Photo booth
Tables

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
illustration question

Any other questions?

Message vendor

Reviews of Merrell Estate & Gardens

5.0 out of 5 rating
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2024 Winner
5.0 out of 5 rating
56 Reviews
100% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.9 out of 5 rating
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

Powered by AI

Merrell Estate & Gardens is described as a breathtaking and versatile wedding venue with a picturesque setting. The staff is highly praised for their professionalism, attentiveness, and helpfulness throughout the planning process and on the day of the event. The culinary team is commended for providing a delicious wedding feast, and the overall experience of the venue is described as magical and exceeding expectations. The venue's inclusive packages and all-inclusive services, including catering and cake, are highly appreciated by reviewers. Guests also enjoyed the beautiful landscape, indoor and outdoor spaces

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Merrell Estate & Gardens is described as a breathtaking and versatile wedding venue with a picturesque setting. The staff is highly praised for their professionalism, attentiveness, and helpfulness throughout the planning process and on the day of the event. The culinary team is commended for providing a delicious wedding feast, and the overall experience of the venue is described as magical and exceeding expectations. The venue's inclusive packages and all-inclusive services, including catering and cake, are highly appreciated by reviewers. Guests also enjoyed the beautiful landscape, indoor and outdoor spaces

K
Kendall H. Sent on 09/08/2023
5 out of 5 rating

I can't recommend Merrell Estate & Gardens enough!

My husband and I recently had the privilege of celebrating our wedding at this stunning venue, and it truly exceeded our expectations from day 1! From the moment we saw this venue online we knew we loved it, but it wasn't until we spoke with Liza Merrell that we knew we had found THE place to say "I do."

A picturesque setting:
Merrell Estate & Gardens truly took our breath away. From the huge white columns and the great wooden doors that greet you at the front of the estate, to the beautiful manicured garden and lawn that hosts the aisle of palms, provided the most enchanting backdrop for our ceremony and reception. Every nook and cranny of this venue exudes elegance and charm, making it a photographer's dream.

Elegant and Versatile Spaces:
The venue offers a variety of elegant and versatile spaces to cater to your every need. We were fortunate enough to have good weather which allowed for a beautiful outdoor ceremony in their garden, followed by a stunning indoor reception in their grand ballroom, and dancing out under the portico! The attention to detail in each space was impeccable, from the 2 huge fireplaces to the tasteful decor, creating an atmosphere of sheer sophistication.

Professional Staff:
One of the standout features of this venue is its dedicated and professional staff. From the initial planning stages to the day of the event, Liza and her team were attentive, accommodating, and genuinely invested in making our day as perfect as possible. They took care of every detail, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience for us and our guests and we cannot thank them enough!

Culinary Delights:
The culinary team deserves a special mention. Our wedding feast was an absolute culinary delight! The menu offered a range of delectable options, and the presentation was nothing short of artistry. Our guests are still raving about the delicious food, with some going so far as to say it was the best wedding food they have ever had! We have to shout out the crab cakes, bacon wrapped scallops, shrimp & grits, the beef tenderloin, and the wedding cake - we still dream about the food!

Memories to Last a Lifetime:
Our wedding day was truly a magical experience, and we owe much of it to this breathtaking venue. The beauty and romance of the location created an ambiance that will forever be etched in our hearts. Our guests were equally enamored, and we've received countless compliments on the choice of venue.

In conclusion, if you're in search of a wedding venue that encapsulates elegance, charm, and the promise of everlasting love, this place is a true gem. Our special day was everything we had envisioned and more, thanks to the beauty and grace of this remarkable venue. We wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking to create unforgettable memories on their wedding day!
L
Lynn S. Sent on 12/03/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Five Star Venue

This venue is gorgeous and the staff is very professional and organized. Our event was flawless. Many thanks!!
Ashlyn
Ashlyn R. Sent on 11/01/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Such a Magical Day

The staff at Merrell Estate and Gardens made our wedding day so seamless and made us feel like the most special couple in the world. This venue is so versatile and BEAUTIFUL no matter which space you choose to do your ceremony and reception. They truly are professionals and know exactly how to run the show. We were so blessed with the best people to make our day the BEST day. They will help make your wedding dreams come true! We would recommend this venue to anyone and everyone who is looking for an amazing team to help them every step of the way during their wedding planning journey.
illustration message bubble

Are you interested?

Message vendor

Awards

56
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2024 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2023 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2022 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2021 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner

Team

Clarke Merrell
Clarke Merrell
Owner

Most of what you see at Merrell Estate & Gardens is the result of Clarke's creative vision, along with the talent of his family and team at 81 Hospitality. Clarke has over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry spanning everything from fine-dining, to fast-casual restaurants, to high-end catering and events. He currently owns and operates multiple restaurants and gourmet retail locations around the Crystal Coast, including his award-winning team at Circa 81 Tapas & Cocktaileria who provide all of the catering for Merrell Estate & Gardens.

Liza Merrell
Liza Merrell
Owner

Liza Merrell oversees the service and hospitality for our guests. From intimate parties to major industry conferences, Liza has decades of experience coordinating and directing events of all sizes and styles. She brings a warmth, finesse and precision that completes our team in creating the experience of your dreams.

Map

illustration visit

Would you like to visit?

Request a visit

Merrell Estate & Gardens frequently asked questions

Merrell Estate & Gardens includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Chairs
  • China
  • Clean Up
  • Flatware
  • Glassware
  • Linens
  • Parking
  • Set Up
  • Tables
Merrell Estate & Gardens includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
  • Cake Cutting
  • Dessert
  • Server(s)
  • Wedding Cake
The bar service starting price at Merrell Estate & Gardens includes:
  • Bartender(s)
  • House Beer
  • House Wine
The space offered by Merrell Estate & Gardens for wedding events is known for:
  • Ballroom
  • Banquet Hall
  • Beach
  • Garden
  • Mansion
Merrell Estate & Gardens offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Covered Outdoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
Merrell Estate & Gardens offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
Merrell Estate & Gardens offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Accommodations
  • Bar Services
  • Catering Services
  • Clean Up
  • Event Planner
  • Event Rentals
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Outside Vendors
  • Pet Friendly
  • Wifi
Merrell Estate & Gardens offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Altar/Arch
  • Audio Equipment
  • Chairs
  • Dance Floor
  • Decor
  • Furniture
  • Lighting
  • Photo booth
  • Tables
Merrell Estate & Gardens is recommended by 100% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 5.0, with the same score awarded for quality of service, flexibility, value, professionalism and average response time.

Other vendors in Wilmington for your wedding

Wedding Venues

Responds within 24 hours