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About

On WeddingWire since 2018

Distinguished by its romantic setting on the banks of the Mississippi River, The Merrill Hotel is an award-winning AAA Four-Diamond hotel that stands apart as a wedding destination. The elegance, grandeur, and history are not only felt the moment you enter the hotel lobby, but as you walk the banks of the majestic river that flows steps away from the hotel's front door.

No matter the season, a wedding at The Merrill Hotel offers a beautifully unique atmosphere that will make your celebration both distinctive and memorable. Imagine exchanging wedding vows with sweeping views of the Mississippi River, not to mention some of the most spectacular sunsets anywhere.

Located in Muscatine, Iowa and within an hour drive from the Quad Cities, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, The Merrill Hotel is arguably the Mid-West's most scenic and romantic wedding destination. Named The Best Iowa Hotel by U.S. News and World Reports for two consecutive years and TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice #20 Hotel in the USA in 2020.

Your Choice of Venues

Grand Ballroom – 4,719 sq. ft. with Outdoor Terrace of 1,250 sq. ft. with River View

Book your wedding in the spectacular Grand Ballroom featuring unparalleled views of the Mississippi River. With floor-to-ceiling windows, alongside an outdoor terrace, your guests will be taken by the serenity of the rolling river. This highly desired room, with its elegant lighting and rich beautiful colors, offers spaciousness and grandeur with a fifteen foot ceiling. The Grand Ballroom can accommodate a private ceremony for 100 – 500 guests or an exclusive dinner reception for 450 guests.

Clark Room or Clemens Ballrooms – 2,000 sq. ft. with River and City Views

The Clark and Clemens Ballrooms mirror the Grand Ballroom with ambiance and design. With their large windows facing East and West, guests can enjoy both a river view and Muscatine’s quaint downtown. These intimate ballrooms accommodate a private ceremony for 50 – 200 guests or a private dinner reception for 150 guests.

Suite On 6th Bridal Suite – 550 sq. ft. with City Views

Our elegant bridal suite allows you and your bridesmaids ample space to get ready in style for the big day. Featuring large windows with plenty of natural light, eight make up stations with LED lighting, comfortable seating, and wet bar with refrigerators and water station. Choose from a variety of wedding packages and enhancements to include Suite On 6th, plus mimosa bar, assorted Danishes, fruit and cheese trays or lunch.

Wedding Packages

When planning your big day, every detail is important and The Merrill Hotel wedding specialists will not only help guide you through the process, but assist in coordinating your plans at the hotel. Whether your wedding is formal, informal, themed, indoors or out, we offer wedding packages designed for every budget and need. Our goal is to help you take the guesswork out of the process, making your big day as seamless and memorable as possible. To help plan your wedding, its enhancements and the inspired touches that will make the day unforgettable, choose from one of The Merrill Hotel's wedding packages thoughtfully curated by our wedding specialists.

Hidden Gems of the River:

  • Sapphire
  • Ruby
  • Emerald
  • Diamond
  • Pearl

Exquisite Catering

One of the most important elements that contribute to the success of a wedding is the food! No matter how beautiful the venue or how great the DJ, people will always remember the food. For your perfect day, know that The Merrill Hotel’s Executive Chef Tessa Crookshanks understands the importance of customizing the perfect menu — one that is equal parts unique, delectable, and universally appealing. With fresh sustainable options sourced from local growers, every course will live up to your highest standards. Choose from a wide array of wine, beer, and craft cocktails to complement your cuisine of choice. Whatever your culinary wedding wish is, The Merrill Hotel is the wedding venue that can deliver it.

Guest Accommodations

A wedding on the banks of the Mississippi River can be truly magical. The beautiful outdoor setting and fresh river air create an atmosphere that’s perfect for weddings indoors or out. The Merrill Hotel abounds with lovely settings where you, your family and your guests can share the enchantment of the event in surroundings of unsurpassed beauty.

Where your wedding guests relax and lay their heads is of course critically important to the overall wedding experience. At The Merrill Hotel, rest assured you and your guests will find our 122 guestrooms — including Chairman and Presidential Suites and 14 Junior Suites — spacious, comfortable, and relaxing. We trust each guest will find all the comforts they desire from complimentary Wi-Fi and Gilchrist & Soames bath amenities to a large work desk, refrigerator, and coffeemaker right in their room.

Host your wedding at The Merrill Hotel and enjoy special group rates for wedding party members and guests with a block of 10 or more rooms.

You and your guests will find all the amenities you’ll need as you enjoy your stay at our AAA Four-Diamond hotel. The Merrill Hotel offers:

  • Free Parking
  • In Room Dining
  • Lobby Lounge
  • Large Fitness Center
  • Indoor Heated Saltwater Swimming Pool
  • Dry Cleaning & Laundry Services

A wedding on the banks of the Mississippi River can be truly magical. The beautiful outdoor setting and fresh river air create an atmosphere that’s perfect for weddings indoors or out. The Merrill Hotel abounds with lovely settings where you, your family and your guests can share the enchantment of the event in surroundings of unsurpassed beauty.

Make memories at The Merrill.

Frequently asked questions

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

Yes

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

Yes

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

9

Describe your venue:

Ballroom
Hotel
Waterfront

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
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
Get Ready Rooms
Outside Vendors
Wifi

What catering services do you offer?

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

What bar services do you provide?

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

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Chocolate Fountain
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Valet
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

April
May
June
July
August
September

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
October
November
December
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6 Reviews
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100% Recommended by couples
A
Angela D. Sent on 07/29/2020
5 out of 5 rating

The wedding venue was PERFECT!

The food was amazing, the staff was terrific, the setting was priceless, and the evening was magical! It was a fairytale weekend and The Merrill is top notch. Lisa, our main contact and planner, was so awesome to work with. She was so nice, friendly, helpful and responsive. Class act! I truly can't say enough about The Merrill. The rooms were beautiful and so clean. I LOVED this venue and would highly recommend it to everyone.
S
Shontel C. Sent on 10/21/2020
5 out of 5 rating

Perfect Venue for a Perfect Day

This hotel was perfect for our perfect day! Everything from the employees to the views! Lisa, our wedding coordinator, truly was the best! Thank you again!!
S
Sharon R. Sent on 06/13/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Professional and Beautiful

My husband and I and our daughter Anna (actually everyone from wedding planners to Florist to both sides of our families) were so impressed by everyone (Lisa and her staff) . Muscatine is so lucky to have such a beautiful place to hold receptions and to be able to work with such professional people like Lisa and her staff. Hats off tyo Chef Tess also!
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