Merrell Estate & Gardens

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. We are located 2 hours north of Wilmington, 45 minutes from Jacksonville and New Bern and about 2.5 hours from RDU.

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. The Merrell Ballroom & Bar is the indoor reception space which can accommodate 200 guests for a ceremony, cocktail hour, or 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 area can accommodate large groups for dinner and has space for a dance floor and DJ/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 space for a tent. The Aisle of Palms provides a dramatic cathedral-like setting for a wedding procession, set against a lush green backdrop and under the open sky. The 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 or for just bride-groom golden hour photos 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 (more time available, upon request)
• Event assistance with venue coordination, setup, breakdown of venue items
• Unlimited access to venue event team through email or phone before the event
• Venue access for ceremony rehearsal
• Luxury Bridal Suite with snacks and beverages
• Groom’s Room with snacks and drinks
• Use of banquet tables and cocktail tables
• White resin padded chairs for ceremony and reception
• A standard white linen package
• White china plates, glassware, flatware, and service items
• Cake cutting set, cake stand, and cake service
• Outdoor heaters
• Ample guest parking with parking 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.

Merrell Estate also offers offsite catering services across Eastern NC through our catering teams from 81 Hospitality Group (81hospitality.com)