Cynthia-Rose-2012-Back-Tent.jpg

Private Event Amenities

 the house

The House features grand spaces and elaborate details reminiscent of a classic Southern estate but with a modern sensibility. With a variety of unique spaces that flow together to accommodate any gathering, it’s a popular destination for events of all sizes - from large family get-togethers, to business conferences.

The Grand Foyer: A large, inviting space for welcoming guests and collecting items or signing in before directing them to the main event space. The Foyer is also great for smaller gatherings, seating up to 100 people in a more intimate, yet elegant space.

The Merrell Ballroom & Bar: The Merrell Ballroom is our primary indoor event space, seating 200 people for a conference, or 175 for a banquet dinner. The space can also accommodate a large dance floor with space for a DJ or band. At the back of the Ballroom is the Bar which services the entire property.

The Portico: With extensive rain cover and heating options, you can bring your event outdoors without ever worrying about the weather! The Portico is the largest covered outdoor seating area on the island, seating up to 175 people for dinner, plus space for a live band and a dance floor.

The Billiards Lounge: A cozy space to relax, hold breakout business meetings, or host a shower. It features a pool table, large-screen televisions and plush furniture to lounge in, or it can be refurnished with conference seating and tables to fit up to 50 comfortably.

The Salon & Spa: Start your birthday celebration or bachelorette party off with a full spa treatment. Enjoy our massage parlor, full hair salon, manicure, pedicure and makeup stations. Bring your own favorite therapists and specialists, or we can book our top recommended specialists for you.


the gardens

The Gardens span over 2 acres and are meticulously landscaped.  They’re infused with a rich variety of native and tropical flora, with a colonnade of towering palms at the center.

The Lawn: Our largest outdoor event space, seating 300+ in the open air or under a tent. This space is perfectly suited for outdoor weddings, with the ceremony performed on the lawn, and dinner and dancing hosted under the portico.

The Aisle of Palms: One of the most popular features of our gardens, the Aisle of Palms creates a dramatic cathedral-like experience for the wedding march, yet open to the sky and stars above and set against lush green all around.

The Wild Garden: Native flora - from flowering trees and bushes to wild coastal brush - surround the property and create alcoves for more intimate moments, while providing a hedge of privacy from the surrounding area for your special ceremony.


the food and drink

Beyond its beautiful venues, Merrell Estate & Gardens also offers award-winning food and beverage fare. As part of the 81 Hospitality Group owned by Clarke and Liza Merrell - including Morehead City’s acclaimed Circa 81, Dank Burrito and Beaufort Olive Oil Co. - Merrell Estate & Gardens continues their hallmarks of first-class hospitality and fresh, seasonal chef-driven food.

The Talent: With over a decade of experience, Chef Clarke Merrell and the 81 Hospitality Team bring together the creativity, tools and talent to craft any flavors and experiences that fulfill your dream celebration.

The Hospitality: Liza Merrell oversees the service and hospitality for our guests. From intimate parties to major industry conferences, Liza has decades of experience coordinating and directing events of all sizes and styles. She brings a warmth, finesse and precision that completes our team in creating the experience of your dreams.

The Showpieces: Let us add an element of culinary adventure to your event with our stable of outdoor cooking equipment. Enjoy the sights, smells and tastes of fresh, wood-fired pizza from our mobile pizza oven, or whole meats roasting over live coals on our massive Cowboy Cauldron and BBQ smokers. At the end of the night, when appetites return after long hours of partying, your guests can be treated to late-night snacks from the crowd-favorite Dank Burrito food truck.

 
 
Plaza-1122.jpg

Private Event Packages


Premium Venue Package

      Amenities May Include:

  • 12 hour venue access on event day, including the Ballroom, Foyer, Portico and Lawn (time extension available for an additional hourly rate)
  • Billiards Lounge access with pool table and plush furniture (can be rearranged for additional meeting space)
  • Chairs and tables for 100* guests, dressed with white tablecloths
  • Beverage refreshments
  • Outdoor heaters, outdoor gas fireplace, & wood-burning firepits
  • Outdoor spraying prior to event to remove bugs & pests
  • Guest Parking with Parking attendants on site
  • Security on site as needed for the duration of the event
  • Event staff handles all setup, breakdown, and cleanup. Clients are only responsible for their own personal items.

*Additional chairs, tables, linens, table settings and specialty options available for an additional rental fee


luxury venue packaage

      Amenities May Include:

  • 12 hour venue access on event day, including the Ballroom, Foyer, Portico and Lawn (time extension available for an additional hourly rate)
  • Billiards Lounge access with pool table and plush furniture (can be rearranged for additional meeting space)
  • Access to Private Salon & Spa, including a massage parlor, hair station, manicure & pedicure stations, and makeup station (You are welcome to bring your own beauty specialists, or we can recommend our top local specialists)
  • Access to the Men's and Women's Luxury Suites with wet and dry saunas and steam showers.
  • Chairs and tables for 150* guests, dressed with white tablecloths
  • Beverage refreshments
  • Outdoor heaters, outdoor gas fireplace, & wood-burning firepits
  • Outdoor spraying prior to event to remove bugs & pests
  • Guest Parking with Parking attendants on site
  • Estate golf cart shuttle service
  • Security on site as needed for the duration of the event
  • Event staff handles all setup, breakdown, and cleanup. Clients are only responsible for their own personal items.

*Additional chairs, tables, linens, table settings and specialty options available for an additional rental fee

 Catering & Bar Packages


From from tasteful canapés and small plates, to rustic and intimate hearth-fired dinners, to grand, elegant banquets, we craft any dining experience you can dream. Contact us to hear about our catering packages and get us started designing your event.