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Quality catering
Guests comfort
Amenities

About this vendor

Clarke Merrell
Clarke Merrell
Owner

No business details yet

7 years in business

20 team members

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.

Pricing information

Starting at $11,600
Couples usually spend $25,000
Reception
$11,600 starting price
Ceremony
$11,600 starting price
Bar service
$33 per person

Availability

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September

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= Full availability
= Limited availability
illustration calendar

Confirm availability

We recommend messaging the vendor to confirm their availability.

FAQ

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?

$11,600

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

$11,600

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?

$11,600

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

$11,600

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?

$33

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 notebook

Any other questions?

Reviews of Merrell Estate & Gardens

We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
5.0 out of 5 rating
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2025 Winner
5.0 out of 5 rating
67 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
    5 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 is highly praised by reviewers for hosting exceptional and stress-free weddings. The staff, led by Liza, is commended for their professionalism, attentiveness, and seamless coordination with vendors, ensuring a perfect day for couples. The naturally beautiful venue, with options for indoor and outdoor ceremonies, is highly versatile and requires minimal decoration. Guests appreciate the delicious food, all-inclusive packages, and convenient amenities provided by the estate, solidifying its reputation as a top choice for dream weddings.

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 is highly praised by reviewers for hosting exceptional and stress-free weddings. The staff, led by Liza, is commended for their professionalism, attentiveness, and seamless coordination with vendors, ensuring a perfect day for couples. The naturally beautiful venue, with options for indoor and outdoor ceremonies, is highly versatile and requires minimal decoration. Guests appreciate the delicious food, all-inclusive packages, and convenient amenities provided by the estate, solidifying its reputation as a top choice for dream weddings.

Weddingwire
5.0/5 67 reviews
Google
4.9/5 69 reviews
Casey
Casey Sent on 07/12/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Casey and Nancy 2024

First things first, we live in Florida and had never been to or seen Merrell Estates prior to finding it on Wedding Wire and booking it on a whim. To say that we were nervous about booking a wedding venue without going there first and meeting the staff was an understatement. However, wouldn't be happier with our decision.

Our experience with Liza and the Merrell Estates staff was better than we could have imagined! From the beginning, they helped us through the entire wedding planning process and gave us advice, connected us with other (amazing) vendors, and worked with us from the beginning to end. Their team is incredible, I would recommend 1000/10.

The venue is beautiful and picturesque. Every detail is beautiful and thought through thoroughly. We opted for the luxury bride and groom suites for the pre-wedding events and we were so happy we did so. The groom's suite was fun and relaxing, providing the men a perfect place to relax, bond and have fun. The bride's suite was the perfect place to get ready, having ample room and amenities to service the bride, bridesmaids and hair/makeup staff. They even had food and drinks ready for us by the time we arrived!

One of the most notable aspects of booking with Merrell Estates is that it is pretty much an all-in-one service. Not only is it an incredible venue, but it also includes: the tables/chairs, bartending services, an in house baker, and they have the most incredible catering service (owned by Liza and Clarke Merrell). This made the process so easy for us. The food choices they provided we all amazing, and it was a hard designing the menu because we loved all the options! We had multiple family members and friends go back to their restaurant Circa 81, because the food was that good.

Every aspect of the wedding was well thought through and coordinated by Liza, her staff, and our wedding coordinator Cherish. Come the wedding day, we didn't have to think of a single thing other than walking up, saying "I Do", and having fun (which we most certainly did). Liza and Merrell Estates created such a fun and stress-free environment for us. It is hard to put in words, but we couldn't speak more highly of this venue and staff.

If you want a beautiful wedding that is stress free, fun and has amazing food, put Merrell Estates on the top of your list!
Summer
Summer Sent on 01/23/2025
5 out of 5 rating

A stress free, simply beautiful wedding day…

Our day was so special. Liza and her team were professional, helpful, and attentive. A day of wedding planner is required, but for good reason. As the bride I had nothing to worry about on our wedding day. Everything had been handled as it was happening and I was able to be completely present. Liza is extremely responsive and takes time to explain and answer any questions you have in the planning process.

The venue was naturally beautiful so required minimal decoration! We got married at the end of November and it was chilly. We managed to have our ceremony outdoor still but moved dinner and dancing inside. It was still a perfect evening despite the change in plans. The team was very flexible with us! The outdoor space was GORGEOUS and our pictures represent it well. If you are looking for a coastal wedding vibe this is your place.

I’m not a planner so we loved the convenient venue package- it comes with all rentals (tables, chairs, dinnerware, napkins, tablecloth). They require you to utilize their catering and we opted for the buffet. Don’t worry bc it was delicious.. we ate it for 2 days after! ( Rec: chicken piccata, mashed potatoes, pimento cheese cup, crab dip)

There was ample parking, plenty of places near and even walking distance for guests to stay, and the evening had a wonderful flow throughout the venue.

We used the basic package so only had the salon/billiards room to get ready in.. lighting seemed off after viewing the getting ready photos but it wasn’t important to me to spend the budget on a larger space. Our guys got ready at an Airbnb.

Overall this was a beautiful day and I felt no worry at all thanks to my vendors and staff. Highly recommend sharing the best day of your life at Merrell Estate!
B
B&T H. Sent on 12/18/2024
5 out of 5 rating

A Wedding Dream Come True

Merrell Estate truly made our day the best day of our lives. The planning experience and plethora of options for our specific needs exceeded our expectations. Liza and team were very responsive with every detailed question we had and the entire crew was extremely professional! The venue is amazing, food was delicious and the atmosphere was second to none. Thank you Merrell Estate and team for making this experience one to remember forever.
67
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2025 Winner
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
illustration message review

Are you interested?

Team

Clarke Merrell
Clarke Merrell
Owner
Liza Merrell
Liza Merrell
Owner

Map

Location
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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.

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