Merrell Estate & Gardens Reviews
Reviews
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Featured
![Hunter]()
Hunter Sent on 10/15/2025Villeneuve Wedding
Truly the BEST venue in North Carolina! My husband and I got married at Merrell Estate & Gardens in October 2025. We started the planning process with this venue a little over 2 years prior in early 2023. Even from the start, with wedding day seeming so far away, Liza was welcoming and helpful with any and every question we had. And even gave us multiple opportunities to meet on the property, chat via phone, and answered emails quickly throughout the entire planning process. As for the wedding weekend - all I can say is that we truly felt like a king & queen! The support from Liza and her staff made our wedding weekend go off with a bang. The staff is so friendly and willing to help in any way they can. The food is absolutely amazing and we have had many, many compliments from our guests! Kira, the in house baker, turned our wedding cake inspiration pictures into a beautiful and delicious cake of our own. Even your guests will say, "that was the best and most beautiful wedding I have ever been to". I could go on and on about how truly special this venue and their team mean to us! If you are looking for a wedding venue, or even a place to host an event, Merrell Estate & Gardens should be at the top of your list!
With Love,
The VilleneuvesMerrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Hunter, this is so kind, thank you so much for taking time to share! We loved helping you and Brennan celebrate. It was such a special day and we so enjoyed working with you and your family! We wish you all the best and sincerely thank you for your kind feedback! -
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![Savannah]()
Savannah Sent on 05/12/2026Merrell Estate Review
There are not enough words to express how much my husband and I LOVED everything about Martell Estate. Liza and Clarke welcomed us with open arms from the second we inquired and were such a pleasure to work with throughout the process. They made our wedding week special and honored its value by making it not feel like a business transaction. Being in a more remote location, we trusted their vendors and every single one of them were incredible, reliable, and communicative. Liza and Clark own many restaurants in the area and cater the wedding, making the whole event even more personalized and heartfelt. They put everything they have in to each couples wedding. Our wedding day came along with bad weather, to which they adapted on the fly while still providing everything and more we could have asked for. I would recommend this venue to anyone and everyone I know! It is my wish for everyone going through the wedding planning process to stumble upon a venue like Merrell like we did and have a similar experience!Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you so much, Savannah - we loved helping you and Ryan celebrate! It was a pleasure to be a part of your celebration and we appreciate your flexibility with the rainy weather. Thank you for your kind feedback! Wishing you all the best! -
![Paige]()
Paige Sent on 04/15/2026Fantastic Wedding Venue
This venue was a stunning location to get married. The team that we worked with made planning extremely easy and painless! We have gotten tons of compliments about the food that was served and how beautiful of a wedding we had. We cannot say enough nice things about this venue!Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you, Paige! We were so honored to be a part of you and Justin's wedding day - it was such a beautiful and fun celebration. We truly appreciate your kind feedback and are so happy you and your guests enjoyed the celebration. Wishing you all only the very best! -
![Mariah]()
Mariah Sent on 10/17/2025The Best Venue!
I had my wedding here in October and booked the venue sight unseen. Liza graciously FaceTimed me for a virtual tour, and I could tell right away it was exactly what we were looking for. The team was responsive, kind, and professional every step of the way.
When my husband and I finally saw the venue in person, we honestly teared up—it was perfect and looked exactly as it did online. The food was incredible, and our guests are still talking about how it was the best wedding meal they’ve ever had.
Everything on our wedding day was absolutely seamless from start to finish. I would choose this venue over and over again—it truly made our day unforgettable.Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you so much, Mariah! This is so special to hear and we are so grateful for you and Spencer choosing to work with us and allowing us to be a part of your special day. Your wedding day was beautiful and you guys were so much fun to work with! We appreciate your feedback so much and wish you both the best! -
![Alyssa]()
Alyssa Sent on 10/14/2025The Most Amazing Day
We cannot thank Liza and team enough! The crew was absolutely amazing. Very flexible with any and all requests. Would absolutely recommend.
We did the full luxury package and 100% think it was worth it. It was awesome to get ready there in the morning and was the perfect amount of space for our wedding parties.
Overall a gorgeous venue! We had the most perfect wedding day and can not say enough great things. All our guests had such a wonderful time and was the perfect space to accommodate. Thank you!!Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Alyssa, thank you so much for sharing! You and Sean were so much fun and had an amazing wedding celebration! We are so thankful for your kind feedback and support! Your wedding day was beautiful and we wish you all the happiness! Thank you again for taking time to share! -
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![Barbie]()
Barbie Sent on 09/23/2025Baker/Renchen September Wedding
Merrell Estate and Gardens, Mrs. Liza, and Ainsley made my dreams come true. From the very first contact I felt that I was a priority and my vision for my dream wedding would be an easy reality. We had a few in person meetings and constant conversations over the months leading up to my wedding. I was informed about everything and involved in every detail. The service from the team and the estate is priceless including catering, the bar tenders, the cake designer, Ainsley, and Peter. The kindness and personal detail for me was beyond measure. Mrs. Liza would always be available for any questions and typically responded within 15 minutes! They provided guidance and on the day of my wedding were present and involved the entire day. My guests cannot say enough about our wedding and it was every girls dream come true!! I’d highly recommend Merrell Estate and Gardens for anyone planning a wedding and looking for a beautiful venue, highly qualified staff, and a stress free wedding day! We are forever grateful that our wedding was at Merrell Estate and Gardens!Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you so much, Barbie! It was such a pleasure to help you and Bryce and your family celebrate. It was a beautiful day and we loved getting to be a part of it. Your kind feedback means so much to us, thank you again for taking time to share and best wishes from our entire team! -
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![Kearstyn]()
Kearstyn Sent on 07/03/2025The most beautiful wedding!
I got married at Merrell Estate & Gardens on June 21 and I loved every second of it! They have at least three different ceremony sites located on the property and my Husband and I chose to get married by the sound- it was beautiful :). I had guests every second telling me how gorgeous the venue is and how much they enjoyed the food! Liza and her team made it possible for me to even get full on my own wedding night! (we ate our dinner privately which I didn't even know we could do until Liza suggested it!!) If you're thinking about getting married here- DO IT! It was so hard for me to make decisions sometimes and Liza along with my wedding coordinator from Divine Inspirations, Erin Burns, helped make it easy for me. Thank you guys so much!Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you so much for sharing Kearstyn! We were honored to have helped you and Joseph celebrate and it was such a beautiful day. Thank you so much for your kind feedback, we appreciate it! -
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![Sheah]()
Sheah Sent on 06/03/2025Wedding Review
Liza and her staff were incredible!!! They made our day so stress free and put the priority to the bride and groom! We lived out of state and they were extremely accommodating! Our guests continued to talk about how great the food was for weeks after! I really can’t say enough good things about Merrell Estate and Gardens! Would definitely recommend anyone looking to have their wedding here to book it! -
![Debbie]()
Debbie Sent on 05/10/2025Perfect Wedding Day!
From the first phone call to Liza to inquire about the venue, she was helpful, professional and flexible.
Our next step was to visit the venue. Liza showed us around and showed us all the things that were available to us without being pushy. Once we decided on the venue ( which was a no brainer) we sent several emails back and forth with Liza. She also answered in a timely manner and answered all our questions. She worked closely with our wedding coordinator which made for a perfect day. The food was from their Circa 81 restaurant in MHC. The bride and groom got to do a tasting and it was absolutely delicious! My daughter had her heart set on a cookie cake and they made her a beautiful one that was also yummy! The Bride and Groom rooms were huge, plenty of room to relax in a beautiful atmosphere and not run into each other. My daughter wanted everything outside which we did but it was also a comfort to know it could be just as beautiful inside if the weather was bad. That took a lot of pressure off. Liza not only was our contact, she was there all day and was cleaning up with the rest of her team when we left. The Merrell has customer service down to an art form. By the time the weekend is over, they feel like family! It truly was a beautiful venue with the best team and recommended top notch vendors from Liza. I’ve been married 38 years but want to do it again at the beautiful Merrell Estate and Gardens! A+
all the way around. It’s been a week and we are still getting text and emails about the wedding! Thank you Liza and team for everything!Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you so much, Ms. Debbie! We are so grateful for your kind and thoughtful feedback, we had a blast helping your family celebrate and it was such a beautiful wedding! We appreciate you taking time to share and wish AJ and Kalee all the best! It was a pleasure working with you all! -
![Miri]()
Miri Sent on 04/16/2025Stunning Venue in Indian Beach, NC
We absolutely loved our experience with Merrell Estates and Gardens. The venue is absolutely breathtaking. It is perfect for all size weddings. We had 250 guests and were able to have our ceremony outside. We had the dancing under the portico. It was perfect. Everyone had plenty of room. We decided to get the larger bridal suite and it was exactly what we needed. . Bridesmaids and groomsmen could play pool and enjoy food and beverages before the ceremony. The bridal suite has so much to offer as well.
The best thing was our experience with Liza. She was always available to answer questions. A few weeks before the ceremony we wanted to add something to the reception. She found pricing and got it done for us.
The sound and ocean are both options for photos and there are plenty of places to stay for family and friends.
We highly recommend this venue. 🎉Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thanks so much, Miri! We loved helping Abby and Bryce celebrate and it was so beautiful! What a fun day! We so appreciate your kind feedback, it means so much to us and we are honored to be a part of such a special day for your family. Thank you again! -
![Lydia]()
Lydia Sent on 04/08/2025A Seamless and Stunning Experience at Merrell Estate and Gardens
As a wedding planner, I’ve had the pleasure of working at many venues, and Merrell Estate and Gardens stands out as one of the most well-run and breathtaking locations I’ve encountered. From the very beginning, their team was warm, welcoming, and highly professional. Every detail of the venue—from the beautifully maintained grounds to the elegant indoor spaces—reflects a level of care and pride that is truly unmatched.
What impressed me most was their commitment to service. Their staff was not only attentive but also incredibly accommodating, making both the planning process and wedding day feel seamless. Communication was timely and clear, which made coordinating details in the months leading up to the event much easier on both myself and the couple.
Merrell Estate and Gardens is more than just a stunning backdrop—it’s a place where hospitality and excellence come together to create unforgettable celebrations. I would recommend this venue to any couple or planner looking for an experience rooted in quality and professionalism.Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you so much, Lydia! We so appreciate your kind and thoughtful feedback. It was a pleasure working with you on Wray and Zach's amazing wedding day! We always love partnering with fantastic vendors to make our couple's wedding days special. We hope to have the chance to have you at the Estate again soon! Thank you again! -
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![Summer]()
Summer Sent on 01/23/2025A 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!Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you, Summer! We appreciate your kind feedback and were so happy to be a part of your joyful celebration. Wishing you all the very best! Thanks again for letting us be a part of your celebration! -
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B&T H. Sent on 12/18/2024
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.Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you so much, we loved helping you two celebrate! Your vision and care for your guest experience was amazing, your special details were stunning! We truly appreciate the kind feedback and wish you both only the very best! -
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Katie Sent on 11/19/2024
Our dream wedding came true!
I need to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible job the Merrells did hosting our wedding. From the very first email we exchanged to the final moments of our special day, the professionalism and attention to detail made all the difference.
The venue was absolutely spectacular, and I can't thank them enough for the seamless coordination between their team and all the different vendors. Thanks to their efforts, we were able to relax and truly enjoy every moment of our celebration without any worries.
The food was nothing short of amazing, and our cake was a showstopper! It was exactly what I envisioned and tasted as delicious as it looked. So many of our guests commented on how wonderful everything was, and I know that’s a testament to their hard work and dedication. We truly felt special and we are so glad we were able to have our dream wedding.Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thanks so much, Katie! You and Josh were such a pleasure to work with and we are so happy you had an amazing day celebrating. It was a beautiful event and we were honored to be a part of it! Thank you for your kind feedback and we wish you all the very best! -
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![Veronica]()
Veronica Sent on 10/03/2024The Navarrette Wedding
Liza and Clarke made my wedding dreams come true!! From the most beautiful venue ever that was half way between where my family lives and where my husbands family lives, to the fast responses, to providing all the little details I needed, to allowing my dog to be apart of my wedding. It was amazing working with them and Liza helping me with everything since I planned our wedding myself! I loved the list of vendors she provided me with and for taking the time to answers all the questions I had and for letting us rent out their restaurant Circa 81 to use for our rehearsal dinner. The food was amazing, the venue was amazing, their in house baker, Kira, made us such a delicious and beautiful cake, everything was perfect! Our day was so magical and we wish it lasted forever! It was everything I wanted and more!! I cannot thank them enough for being apart of our special day!Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you so much for your kind feedback, Veronica! We loved helping you celebrate and getting to work with you - wishing you all the best for many years to come! -
![Caroline]()
Caroline Sent on 07/14/2024Glaza wedding
The perfect wedding venue. So beautiful and they truly take care of you and make your dreams come true!!! Liza is so helpful and allows you to take control and creates the perfect space.Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you so much, Caroline! We loved helping you and Austin celebrate - what a beautiful wedding day you had! It was a pleasure working with you and we wish you all the best, thank you for taking time to share! -
![Casey]()
Casey Sent on 07/12/2024Casey 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!Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Nancy and Casey, this is so very kind of you - we are so grateful for you trusting us with your wedding celebration and for sharing such amazing feedback. It was our pleasure to be a part of your wedding day and get to know you both, we wish you guys only the very best! Thank you for taking time to share! -
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Shannon Sent on 05/28/2024
Amazing wedding experience
Got hitched here May 17, 2024 and everything was wonderful. The Merrell family was involved in every step of planning and executing our exact vision. They checked in several times months leading up to the wedding, and all throughout the day of the wedding. Liza was there all day until very late hours of the night. And we saw her car there first thing the following morning back to work for another beautiful wedding. I have had multiple people comment and say it was the best food they’ve had at a buffet style wedding and we got comments on how fabulous the bartenders were all night. This is a family operated business who obviously care deeply about their customers and I highly recommend going to check this place out for weddings or any other event! If I could go back in time I truly would not change a thing.Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Shannon, thank you for taking time to share! We loved helping you and John celebrate. You were such a fun couple and we appreciate your kind feedback. We wish you only the very best! Thank you! -
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Kenzie Sent on 05/23/2024
Would 100% Recommend
We had our wedding at Merrell Estate and Gardens and 2 weeks later our guests are still complimenting how beautiful it was. The food was incredible. The cocktails were delicious and the Merrell Team was a dream to work with. We have nothing negative to say about our wedding planning experience and wedding day working with Merrell Estate and Gardens. We would recommend this venue over and over.Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you so much, Kenzie! We loved helping you celebrate and loved all of the sweet personal touches you incorporated. It was such a fun and beautiful celebration. We wish you all only the best, thank you again for sharing! -
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![Vanessa]()
Vanessa Sent on 05/22/2024The best, from top to bottom
Get married at Merrell Estate & Gardens, trust me. We booked our May 2024 wedding here because of how dreamy the Isle of Palms is. The venue and grounds are absolutely stunning and well-kept. Both sides of the bridal party has plenty of room the day of to get ready, relax, and mill around. (if budget allows, upgrade to the luxury suites, it's worth it)
Liza is a dream to work with. If it needs to be handled, she gets it done, and probably before you are even aware of it. She's incredibly organized, hard-working and an always positive energy to be around.
Food/drinks: 10s across the board! They offer a seemingly endless menu you can select from and every item was delicious. Their staff is top notch as well, our guests even commented how amazing everyone was.
Indian Beach/Emerald Isle is a hidden gem in Coastal Carolina - a location all of your guests will enjoy!Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you, Vanessa! We appreciate you taking time to share these gorgeous photos and kind feedback. Helping you and Kegan celebrate was a blast - we loved getting to know you all and wish you only the very best. Thank you again for sharing! -
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![Mary]()
Mary Sent on 12/04/2023Perfect in EVERY way! The best venue that truly does it all!
Wow! I could write a whole book on how spectacular Merrell Estate is. From the moment I submitted an inquiry, they made me feel so special. The whole planning process was a breeze thanks to Liza, she is truly one of the best in the business. Brides, you will have so many spots for pictures and you will have guests raving about your food even a year after your wedding! The staff was beyond amazing, always checking in on my husband and I during the reception making sure we had drinks and food at all times! The charm of the estate will captivate you from the moment you tour, but it’s the staff and Liza who make your day truly magical. I couldn’t recommend this place more, brides, it is the PERFECT venue!Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thanks so much for sharing - we loved helping you and your family celebrate and your vision for such a special day with so many thoughtful design details was amazing! Thank you for your kind words! -
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![Ashlyn]()
Ashlyn Sent on 11/01/2023Such 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.Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you so much, Ashlyn! We loved getting to know you and Marshall and help you and your families celebrate. What a BEAUTIFUL event and special day. We truly appreciate your kind feedback! Wishing you all our best! -
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Kara Sent on 09/24/2023
Words Don't Do it Justice!
From the moment we saw Merrell Estate & Gardens in person we knew this was where we were going to get married! Words cannot express how absolutely perfect everything was for our wedding, but I will try my best to do so! Liza and Clarke have perfectly curated a venue and atmosphere that isn't solely "well brides on their big day", "most brides do etc", "for the bride on your big day we blah blah blah", instead it is all about the couple, as an equal partnership, and creating the perfect day for both husband and wife! They have an amazing layout for ALL of the wedding party and parents to get ready and spend time together in an accessible location right where the festivities begin! We had so much room to get ready, do first looks, hangout, and enjoy our perfect day! They have backup options for if weather doesn't work out, they walk you through the entire process and are beyond patient! It also helps so much that they include so much; from areas to get ready, to ceremony placement, to reception availability, including the bar and catering and cake! Practically a one stop shop! I'm not sure what we've gotten more compliments on for the wedding between the gorgeous venue, amazing menu, and beautiful and delicious cake! Everything was simply phenomenal!! You can go as extravagant as you want to with the decorations, but because the venue is so breathtaking we chose to go simple and let it shine! 1000/10 would ALWAYS recommend!!!Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you so much, Kara! You and Kyle were such a pleasure to get to know and work with - such a wonderful celebration of your love. We were honored to be a part of it! We appreciate your kind feedback, wishing you both only the very best! -
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Mike Sent on 07/11/2023
My dream wedding!!!!
I can't say enough good things about the Merrell Estate. From the beginning, Liza was so helpful with everything we wanted and made our wedding dreams come true! If you want a beach wedding vibe but don't want it on the sand, this place is perfect! The covered back patio was the perfect place for the reception! Having the food cooked on-site was amazing and I felt it was so fresh! Every guest told us or my parents that this was the best wedding they have ever been to and that's mostly thanks to this beautiful venue, Liza, and her team!Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you so much Rose and Mike! We loved helping you celebrate and it was such a beautiful wedding. We are grateful for your kind feedback and loved the gorgeous photos! Best wishes and thank you again for sharing! -
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![Josie]()
Josie Sent on 04/23/2023April 2023 Wedding
I cannot say enough positive things about Liza and Clarke! They have been amazing throughout the entire planning process and made everything so easy. The venue is gorgeous, they are super flexible, and have been wonderful to work with. Also, the food they catered was AMAZING. I 10/10 recommend Merrell Estate & Gardens!!Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you so much - we absolutely loved getting to know you and your sweet family! What a fun celebration and a beautiful evening, thank you for letting us be a part of it. We wish you all the very best! -
Mitzie Sent on 11/02/2022
Absolutely wonderful!
Merrill Estate & Gardens was the chosen venue and caterer for our daughter’s wedding. So glad we chose them. The venue has plenty of room for both the ladies and the gentlemen to get ready and hang out all day. We started early with the girls for hair and makeup and the guys came in around noon. The venue provided lunch and it was excellent!
It was so nice that we could stay at one location for the entire day and for both the ceremony and reception. The venue also provided food and drinks for the cocktail hour and dinner! All were excellent. I had several guests say this was the best food at a wedding that they had ever had. They have a very nice selection on their menu to choose from. They also helped us choose a signature cocktail.
The venue has many locations for photos and has options for ceremony location. My daughter was obsessed with the palm trees in the garden so we held everything outside. It was an absolutely beautiful setting for the ceremony and the couple went briefly to the sound side for sunset photos.
Dinner and dancing under the portico was perfect. Our guests were thrilled and amazed by the venue!
Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you so much for sharing! We loved helping your family celebrate and these photos are so beautiful! What a fun night it was. We had a great time working with you and wish Sydney and Lucas all the best! Thank you again! -
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![Amanda]()
Amanda Sent on 10/24/2022Gorgeous Beach Venue with Amazing Hospitality!
This was a dream venue! The entire team was so sweet and incredible to work with. Liza was so attentive and responsive to every email and made the planning process so easy and stress free. We met Clarke for our menu tasting and his chef skills are exceptional. Our guests were very pleased with the food and service! The in-house pastry chef, Kira, made the most delicious wedding cake and was happy to customize our wants. Liza made sure I was catered to the entire day, bringing us plates of appetizers and drinks to a private room so that we could have a moment to ourselves right after the ceremony. They escorted us across the street to take photos on the beach for sunset hour. I can not tell you how nice it was to have a venue with a catering team all inclusive. They made us feel so special and it took away an enormous amount of stress.Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you so much, Amanda! We loved helping you celebrate and truly appreciate your kind feedback! It was a beautiful day and we are so glad to hear you enjoyed it! It was our pleasure to be a part of it. Thank you again! All our best wishes! -
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![Kendall]()
Kendall Sent on 10/13/2022Amazing venue
We had the wedding of our dreams here! It was beautiful when we toured it, but seeing it with all of our design and decor on the day of the wedding was such a dream. There's a few options to choose from in terms of layout (inside or outside, where tables are placed, which direction the ceremony faces) which I really liked, and there's a quick pivot option in case of bad weather. Our weather was phenomenal in October, but it felt good to always have a back up plan. It was really helpful that Liza sent us a preferred vendor list and we chose a wedding planner from there, which was great because the planner had worked with Merrell Estate and knew the layout and communicated incredibly well. I really can't say enough great things! Worth the money.Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you Kendall! We loved helping you and Mike celebrate and you sure did have an awesome party and such a gorgeous day! Congratulations, thank you for your kind feedback. All our best! -
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Sarah Sent on 09/25/2022
Beautiful Venue
Our wedding was an absolute dream at this coastal venue with fantastic staffMerrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thanks so much for sharing your wedding celebration with us! It was a beautiful day! We wish you both the very best! -
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Liz Sent on 07/20/2022
Amazing venue
We could not have selected a better venue than Merrell Estates for my daughter’s wedding. Liza and Clarke Merrell have done a fabulous job of renovating and making Merrell Estates the best option for special events . They are hands on from the planning to providing the best food and services from them and their staff. Communication was constant to ensure our special day was flawless. Thank you for your vision of what was needed in our area.Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you so much, Liz! We loved helping your family celebrate - what a fun and beautiful day! We appreciate your kind feedback! -
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![Taylor]()
Taylor Sent on 05/25/2022Beautiful, professional, everything we dreamed of!
Merrell Estate is breathtakingly beautiful. Clark and Liza were extremely accommodating and helpful. We wish we could relive our wedding day over and over again! Would recommend this venue to anyone considering a beach wedding!Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you so much - we enjoyed working with you and wish you guys only the very best. Appreciate your kind feedback! -
![Justin]()
Justin Sent on 09/12/2021Unbelievable Venue & Great Team
Our wedding was unreal. It was better than we could have ever imaged. Working with Liza and her wonderful team was a pleasure. Liza worked with us planning the wedding up until the day of and then they did seemingly a million little things to make sure we had a perfect night. Professional, thoughtful, kind, creative and easy to work with.Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you so much, Justin! We truly enjoyed getting to know you and Bonnie and be a part of your special celebration. You were both lovely and we wish you only the very best for many years to come. Thank you for your very kind feedback! -
![S Russell]()
S Russell Sent on 08/11/2021Excellent Venue
The Staff was professional and did exactly what they said they would do. As a parent, I was nervous about all of the details coming together, but it went off so smoothly and everyone was so happy. The dinner menu and the specialty cupcakes were fantastic. The venue is absolutely beautiful and our event will always be remembered as the most perfect day!Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thanks so much for your kind feedback - we enjoyed helping your family celebrate at their rehearsal dinner! -
![Madi]()
Madi Sent on 07/19/2021The most magical day ever!!
Liza and Clarke made our day MAGICAL. It was so much more than we ever imagined. We appreciated the thoughtful details Liza curated- especially our private dinner. We opted to stay in the Estate the night of which was so fun and special to have it to ourselves after the best day of our lives. She boxed food for us to enjoy and left us a bottle of champagne as well. Our food and beverage service and choices were top notch. We received so many compliments on the quality of the food and beauty of the venue. Liza acted as another coordinator on the day of and she always had just what we needed so we could enjoy our day, worry-free. Highly recommend the Estate to anyone looking for a coastal NC wedding.Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you Madi! You and David's wedding was AMAZINGLY gorgeous with so many special touches. We wish you both only the very best and appreciate your very kind and thoughtful feedback. -
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![Allison]()
Allison Sent on 04/27/2021Absolutely stunning venue and exceptional staff!
The owners were both present during the event working with their staff to make sure that everything ran smoothly. And it did!
The food was delicious, the cake and cupcakes were exactly what I wanted and the best icing I’ve ever tasted. All of the staff members were very accommodating and polite. Peter was my escort to the aisle and also the beach for photos, he was funny, polite, outgoing and helpful with getting me where the best photos could be taken. Liza was on site all day helping with set up and breakdown. She was so accommodating and made it truly a very special day. Clarke’s kitchen staff really pulled together everything I wanted and more! It was every dream I’ve had come true!Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you so much for your kind feedback, Allison. We will certainly share this with our team. We appreciate you taking time to share! We are so glad you enjoyed your day and wish you and Pete only the very best! Thanks again! -
Teri Sent on 03/22/2021
Amazing wedding venue!! ❤️❤️ ❤️
Liza Merrell not only provided an awesome venue, she was very responsive to questions and requests! She provided us with a list of wedding coordinators to choose from, which was invaluable because we were planning from 800 miles away! When a change in weather necessitated moving inside, the staff was flexible and helpful. Everything was beautiful. The food was delicious. The staff bent over backwards to be accommodating and friendly. We cannot say enough positive things about Merrell Estate & Garden!Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you so much Ms. Teri! We enjoyed working with you and your family. It was a pleasure to be a part of their wedding celebration and we appreciate your kind feedback. We hope we will get to see you when you come back to visit Lydia & Hunter. Thank you again and best wishes from the Merrell Estate team! -
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![Catherine]()
Catherine Sent on 02/21/2021Couldn’t ask for better venue, catering, and cake team!
Merrell Estates is absolutely stunning and the level of care taken in the renovations is noticeable! Clark and Liza and their entire staff are easy to chat with, wanted to help make our vision a reality, and were so accessible for any questions throughout the planning process. There was no detail set aside from the specialty drinks and cake, to setup of chairs for the ceremony, to a special (and beautiful) platter of food for my husband and I to enjoy together before joining our reception. The getting ready space has been carefully thought out even down to the tall wall hangers to hang up gowns and comfy spaces to lounge. From the process leading up to our wedding through the wedding day itself and morning after, Liza made sure we were well taken care of! Hiring Merrell Estate for our wedding was more than simply a beautiful venue (which also means less cost in decorating to make it look gorgeous), it was the best wedding food I have ever had (my guests are still commenting on it!) and peace of mind being able to trust the entire team!Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you so much - we loved working with you and Ian. It was a beautiful celebration to kickoff 2021 and we wish you both only the very best! We appreciate your very kind feedback. Hope to see you again soon! -
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![Tara]()
Tara Sent on 10/28/2020Amazing venue and even better owners!
Liza and Clarke were awesome to work with and helped us throw our dream wedding! We wanted something non-traditional...we wanted donuts and ice cream instead of cake and our favorite foods. They made our vision come to life! Not to mention on the actual wedding day, Liza was there for constant help and support. Every time I turned around, she was there -- asking if I needed anything, even just a glass of champagne. I was blown away by how attentive they were. They are an awesome team and not just a venue...they're family now! Cannot recommend this amazing place enough!Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thanks, Tara, for your kind feedback! We loved working with you and Matthew - such a pretty setup and stunning couple. You had a great vision for your wedding celebration and it came together perfectly. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of such a special day! We wish you both only the very best! -
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![Carlyne]()
Carlyne Sent on 10/19/2020Wedding during CoVID19
The Merrell Family went above and beyond our expectations. Even during a pandemic they keep us informed. The venue is BEAUTIFUL, the food is AMAZING, the staff is INCREDIBLE. Absolutely the BEST place to hold a wedding. Clarke and Liza were the greatest from beginning to end. They are definitely a part of the #NoGRAYterLove Family. Thank you x INFINITY!!!
-Mrs. C Alexandria GrayMerrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
This makes me smile - thank you so much, Carlyne! You were a beautiful bride and we so enjoyed getting to work with your family and help you all celebrate. I love all the pictures, thank you for sharing. Wishing you all many happy memories together! Thank you again! -
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Tiffany Sent on 10/14/2020
Breathtakingly amazing
Merrell Estate and Gardens is not only a beautiful venue with amazing aspects such as the isle of palms, the covered portico, the elegantly designed foyer, and grand bridal and groom suites, it is also an all encompassing team of individuals who truly care about you and your event. Our wedding was more than we could have ever dreamed and the planning process was a breeze (even during a pandemic) thanks to Liza. The staff want your day to be special and you can tell they care to serve your guests and to do their best. All involved are very proud of their work, the venue and the delicious food! The food is exactly what we wanted and can be made to your choice as well. Merrell Estate and Gardens is very flexible and versatile to cater to each couples' style and theme. Absolutely perfect experience and would highly recommend to everyone!Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you so much, Tiffany! You and James had such a beautiful vision for your wedding and day and everything turned out amazing! We loved working with you and wish you both only the very best! We appreciate your feedback so much, thank you again! -
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Stephanie Sent on 10/13/2020
Look no further!!!
I cannot begin to say enough good things about working with Liza & Clarke, hosting our wedding at the Merrell Estate was the best decision! They made the entire wedding planning process seamless. They were extremely detail oriented and responsive leading up to the big day. I wasn’t local to the area so they happily assisted in providing vendor recommendations, sending photos/dimensions of the space, etc. to make planning from a distance a breeze. They went above and beyond in their flexibility as well. Due to the current pandemic they allowed us to shift the size and details of our wedding in order to ensure we felt comfortable and safe celebrating with our guests. They truly care about the brides & grooms they work with and ensured our day was absolutely perfect!Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you so much, Stephanie! You and Drew were so sweet and we were so happy to be able to help you and your family celebrate! We appreciate the kind feedback very much! Wish you all the best! -
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![Tanner]()
Tanner Sent on 09/16/2020Best wedding ever!
We had our September wedding at Merrell Estate and it was incredible!! The venue, food, amenities... everything was perfect. The weather was great and I’m obsessed with the aisle of palms. We had an amazing time and I would recommend this venue to everyone looking to have an elegant wedding at the beach.Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
I love this so much - we were obsessed with your outside setup! So fun and pretty and festive! Thank you for your kind feedback, it was so special to be a part of your wedding day! We wish you both only the very BEST! -
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![Tera]()
Tera Sent on 09/16/2020Beautiful venue and great service
When we looked for a venue we wanted somewhere fairly all inclusive which is harder to find in our area. We booked when they were still under renovations for May 31, 2020 and got tied up in the covid madness. They were amazing with rescheduling and helping us through the mess! We finally got to have our beautiful wedding this past weekend and everything was wonderful, the food, the service, everything!Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Tera - these pictures are so great! Your details were sooo pretty! We enjoyed being able to help you celebrate ... even if we had to move things around. Best wishes to you and Drew! Thank you for taking time to provide your kind feedback! -
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![Emily]()
Emily Sent on 07/21/2020Amazing, Amazing, Amazing!
Merrell Estate and Gardens gave us our dream wedding! I can not even begin to express how thankful I am for them. Not only was the venue beautiful and everything I’d ever imagined, the amount of help and communication between myself and Liza/Clarke (owners) was phenomenal. They worked with us in any way possible. They went out of their way to make our wedding day perfect. They were very flexible and made sure to cater to our needs, especially during the COVID with all of the stress and unknown, they made us feel so much better. They worked with us and made sure everything was communicated, which was so helpful! They were amazing to work with! The whole Merrell Estate team was great, especially on the day of the wedding. They made sure to ask if anything was needed or if they could do anything for us, they also made sure that we were enjoying ourselves. 100 percent recommend this venue! I wish I could go back and relive this special day. Like I said previously, this venue is BEAUTIFUL and grand, I would not have chosen any other place to be married. We are so lucky to have found this GEM.Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you, Emily! You are so kind - we thoroughly enjoyed getting to work with you all and we were so happy that you were able to celebrate and enjoy your wedding day at the Estate. We wish you all the very best! -
Katherine Sent on 07/16/2020
Beautiful venue with great food and awesome owners
We have only awesome things to say about the Merrell estates and Clarke and Liza. Even through 2020 with a postponement they have been supportive, responsive, and understanding. We got so many compliments on the estate AND on the food.Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you, Katherine! You and Francis were a pleasure to work with and we are so happy you got to have a beautiful, special wedding day! Wishing you all the best! -
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![Anna]()
Anna Sent on 07/08/2020Wonderful service, venue
Merrell Estate and Gardens is a Carteret County Chamber of Commerce member, and was a top notch venue for an event we held in March. From planning our event, to the day of, the service was above and beyond, and our group of approximately 80 people was blown away by it all. If you are looking for a great wedding or event venue along the Crystal Coast, the Chamber highly recommends Merrell Estate and Gardens! It is beautiful both inside and out.Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you, Anna! We were so glad to be able to host your event and work with you all. We hope to be able to do it again soon. Appreciate your kind feedback! -
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Morgan Sent on 10/24/2019
Gorgeous Estate
Liza, Clarke and the entire team at Merrell Estates worked to create a beautiful wedding experience for my husband and I. The grounds and building are 100% updated and photograph beautifully. The catering and bar service were delicious and I received many compliments from guests on how much they enjoyed it.Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thanks, Morgan! You were a beautiful bride and we wish you both all the best, we sincerely appreciate your kind feedback! -
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![Amanda]()
Amanda Sent on 10/23/2019Circa 81 for the win!
Clarke did a fantastic job of bringing our direction to life. We wanted our food to be laid back, but nice ... so within our budget he came up with entree and appetizer menu - that part was quick! He also asked all the right questions to make sure both his team and our team were prepared for the big day like location of his food truck and tables and how many tables we needed, ice, trash cans, trash, etc. Food turned out great!Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thanks, Amanda, for letting us be a part of your wedding celebration! Happy to share in your day - best wishes to you and Peter! -
![Evia]()
Evia Sent on 09/10/2019Party on the Portico!
Nestled among palm trees between the ocean and the sound, stands an elegant venue ready to take on Malibu or Miami. You and your guests will feel right at home as you experience Merrell Estate and Gardens. Chef Clarke Merrell will create a delicious meal satisfying even the most discriminating palate. Beautifully appointed and styled your event will embody a relaxed luxury you will only find on The Crystal Coast.Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you so much, Evia, for your kind feedback! It was a pleasure working with you and hosting your event! -
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![Katie]()
Katie Sent on 06/19/2019A perfect evening
Our original wedding venue was unable to reopen in time due to serious hurricane damage. We were so fortunate that the newly opened Merrell Estate & Gardens became an option for us in relocating.
This beautiful place is gem. Whatever your wedding vision is - I really think Merrell Estate & Gardens can bring to life. The owners, Liza & Clark, are so patient and organized. Liza listened to my rather unorganized hopes for my wedding and put together an event that was just right for us. I didn't really stress a thing on my wedding day as the awesome team at this venue along with my wonderful coordinator (Christina Fulcher) kept the day smooth and easy. I did not worry about the quality of our food and drinks as the Merrells are successful restaurateurs (Circa 81 is a personal fave!) and I knew they had it covered. They didn't disappoint! Delicious food, desserts, and beverages. It was all presented beautifully and the service was outstanding from start to finish.
I can't say enough about how PRETTY it is there. The grounds are so green and their team has done an incredible job renovating the landscape. I loved to watch my friends and family mingle on the giant lawn among palm trees and flowers! The building itself is stunning. The Merrells and their team have transformed it into a true beauty of a venue. I assure you that it is a must-see when considering your options!
If you seek a gorgeous place to wed and great people to help you do that, I 100% recommend Merrell Estate and Gardens.Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Many, many thanks for your kind and thoughtful feedback. It was a pleasure to be a part of your wedding celebration and we wish you all nothing but the BEST! Thank you, Katie! -
![Dayna]()
Dayna Sent on 05/15/2019Excellent Venue!
We were their first venue after opening and they made everything perfect! From the food, to decorations, the building and grounds, and their professionalism, everything was beautiful! This was for a prom and everything was so wonderful that we have already booked them again for next year! Great place, great people!Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thank you, Dayna! We were so happy to have you as our first event after the renovations. You and your students were wonderful! We were so impressed by 350 high schoolers! Can't wait for next year! -
Zoe S. Sent on 10/26/2022
Amazing classy coastal venue with a perfect outdoor space!
This wedding venue was absolutely amazing and perfect for us. What really drew us to it was the amazing portico that we used for the reception space. It had the elegant look we wanted while allowing us to be ouside but also protected from the elements in case of rain. Liza and her team were amazing in their execution of the event. everything was very professional and organized! We also loved the in-house catering and cake that was part of the venue. It made it so much easier not to have to look for a caterer and the food was delicious. The only downside to this venue is there were a lot more restrictions that the other venues we researched. Don't get me wrong, I completely understand that there is a good reason for every rule in place, but it's just something to keep in mind if you're looking at this venue. Just be sure to read the contract very carefully so there are no surprises! At the end of the day, it was worth it to us to choose the venue with more restrictions because it was otherwise perfect. If we could do it all over again we would without a doubt still choose the Merrell Estate and would absolutely recommend it to anyone else looking for a classy coastal vibe!Merrell Estate & Gardens's reply:
Thanks for your kind feedback, Zoe. We were so glad the weather worked out to make it a beautiful day to celebrate! Best wishes to you and Nathan! -
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