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Weddings

The Merrill Hotel, Muscatine, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

From 1 to 500 guests
Ceremony/Reception
Outdoor/Indoor
Get Ready Rooms

Why couples loved this venue

  • Unique aesthetic style
  • Quality catering
  • Guests comfort
  • Amenities
Angela
Gina
C
S
A

Recommended by 100% of couples

About this venue

Distinguished by its setting on the banks of the Mississippi River, you won't find a more romantic venue. 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. Located in Muscatine, Iowa and within an hour drive from Davenport, Bettendorf, Rock Island, Moline, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City, The Merrill Hotel is 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.

Features

Small team (2-10 members)

Experience

  • 8 years in business

  • We speak English

Links

Visit website

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?

$5,000

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

$3,000

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?

$1,000

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

$600

Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Chairs
China
Clean Up
Event Planning
Glassware
Linens
Parking
Set Up
Tables

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

Cake Cutting
Server(s)

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

$40

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

1

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 event items are available?

Centerpieces
Chairs
Dance Floor
Decor
Lighting
Tables

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?

June
July
September
October

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
April
May
August
November
December

Still have questions?

Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!

Wedding couple

Reviews of The Merrill Hotel, Muscatine, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Weddingwire
5.0/5 8 reviews
Google
4.7/5 581 reviews
Angela
Angela Sent on 09/18/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Anderson Wedding

We couldn't have asked for a more perfect venue for our daughter's wedding than The Merrill Hotel, Muscatine. From the breathtaking river view to the impeccable service, our experience was nothing short of magical. Kathy, our main point of contact, truly went above and beyond in bringing our vision to life. She made sure every event, from the rehearsal dinner to the brunch the next day, ran seamlessly.

The staff at The Merrill Hotel were not only friendly but also incredibly accommodating. They took care of every detail with precision, ensuring that each moment was special. While there were a few neutral aspects, such as some details requiring clarification, they were promptly addressed by the attentive team.

The food provided by the hotel was not only delicious but also beautifully presented. Our guests couldn't stop raving about the meal, adding an extra touch of delight to the festivities. Additionally, the cleanliness of the venue highlighted the care and effort put into maintaining a welcoming environment.

Our daughter's wedding at The Merrill Hotel was a dream come true, thanks to the outstanding team and picturesque setting. We are forever grateful for the memories created at this stunning location. If you're looking for a venue that combines elegance, charm, and excellent service, look no further than The Merrill Hotel, Muscatine Iowa.
C
Chelsea Sent on 09/16/2024
5 out of 5 rating

The Merrill will not disappoint!

Words can’t describe how happy I am with my wedding at The Merrill. I was looking for a one stop shop - I wanted to get ready, have our ceremony, take photos, and have our reception all in one place, as well as have accommodations for our out of town guests - the Merrill was all of that and more! The venue itself is GORGEOUS. The views from the Mississippi Ballroom are amazing. They provide catering and Chef Tess’ cooking is unbelievably delicious. So many of my guests told me they’ve never had better food at a wedding! The part of the Merrill that I enjoyed the most though was the staff. If you get the chance to work with Braidlyn, Justin, or Kathy then you have won the wedding lottery. They were incredibly kind, easy to work with, and they helped make my day absolutely perfect. They paid attention to every detail, were excellent communicators, and helped solve any problem that arose. I can’t say enough nice things about them. I’m so, so thankful for everything they did for me for my wedding day and I’m so happy we decided to have our big day there. Looking back I wouldn’t have changed one single thing and it’s all thanks to The Merrill!!
S
Shontel 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!!
A
Angela 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
Sharon 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!
J
Jenna Sent on 04/22/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Everything was Great!

Everything was great! The venue, the staff and everything!!!!
Gina
Gina Sent on 04/20/2019
5 out of 5 rating

An amazing experience

Working with the Merrill was such a great experience! From the first time we met I felt like I was working with a friend. They were attentive to my needs & had a great eye for detail. On the day of our reception the banquet staff blew it out if the water! The banquet hall was stunning & service was wonderful. Our guests raved about the food served & loved the amenities offered with staying at the hotel as well. I highly recommend the Merrill Hotel!
H
Hilary Sent on 04/12/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Beautiful Venue

We had our wedding reception at this beautiful hotel with all wedding guest being from out of town. It was the perfect venue that was able to provide us with a beautiful ballroom, amazing hotel rooms, and a great location in downtown Muscatine along the river. The view is breathtaking and our guests are still talking about our wedding at the Merrill. We had the perfect day celebrating with all our family and friends at this amazing venue. Special thanks to Leanna who helped plan our wedding reception and put in lots of time to make sure our day was incredible!
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

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The Merrill Hotel, Muscatine, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel frequently asked questions

The Merrill Hotel, Muscatine, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Chairs
  • China
  • Clean Up
  • Event Planning
  • Glassware
  • Linens
  • Parking
  • Set Up
  • Tables
The Merrill Hotel, Muscatine, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
  • Cake Cutting
  • Server(s)
The space offered by The Merrill Hotel, Muscatine, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel for wedding events is known for:
  • Ballroom
  • Hotel
  • Waterfront
The Merrill Hotel, Muscatine, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
The Merrill Hotel, Muscatine, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
The Merrill Hotel, Muscatine, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Accommodations
  • Bar Services
  • Catering Services
  • Clean Up
  • Event Planner
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Outside Vendors
  • Wifi
The Merrill Hotel, Muscatine, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Centerpieces
  • Chairs
  • Dance Floor
  • Decor
  • Lighting
  • Tables
The Merrill Hotel, Muscatine, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel 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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