Merrill’s on the Waterfront Wedding
Katherine & Ed’s Wedding at Merrill’s
Merrill’s in downtown historic New Bedford, Massachusetts was the setting for this wonderful November wedding. Named after Captain Edward Merrill, it is located in an area of New Bedford known as Homer’s Wharf.
Merrill’s is a harbor-front venue that provides a cozy and intimate setting for weddings and receptions with wonderful views. Numerous fireplaces at to the inviting atmosphere (and keeps you and your guests warm during a November wedding!)
Harbor-front Wedding Views
Outside of the venue, there are numerous different spots that work great for all kinds of wedding photos. Being right on the harbor, you of course have plenty of views with water and boats, but even the the locations that don’t feature the water still manage to capture the feel of New Bedford and all that it represents.
If you are looking for a small but unique wedding venue in eastern Massachusetts, definitely make sure to give Merrill’s a closer look. And of course, if you are still looking for a Massachusetts wedding photographer, be sure to send me a message 🙂
Private Area for Getting Ready
Every bride needs a space to get ready, and Merrill’s has a large, private space adjacent to the reception area that provides lots of beautiful, natural light and great views of the water.
Even better, this space is accessible through multiple external doors, so brides and hair and makeup vendors can easily get in and out without having to pass through any ceremony or reception spaces.
First Look with a View and a Split-Level Reception
For Ed and Katherine’s first look, we opted to use the fireplace inside their Fireside Dining room. A first look is a great time for couples to have a private moment before all the craziness of a wedding starts, and if you can work it into your wedding schedule, I’d definitely recommend doing it!
At Merrill’s, you won’t have to worry about lighting. Lots of natural window light coming in. If you prefer something a little darker and moodier, this space would work great for that as well (especially with the fireplace lit!)
The Fireside Dining room also served as the reception space for this wedding. It is dividing into two levels (more like lower level and an elevated dining space). The lower level can potentially seat 25 guests, and the upper level up to 60 guests. For this wedding, the lower level was used for the sweetheart table, dancing, and the brunch buffet.
Private Area for Getting Ready
Every bride needs a space to get ready, and Merrill’s has a large, private space adjacent to the reception area that provides lots of beautiful, natural light and great views of the water.
Even better, this space is accessible through multiple external doors, so brides and hair and makeup vendors can easily get in and out without having to pass through any ceremony or reception spaces.
Harbor View Room Wedding Ceremony
The largest (and most private) space at Merrill’s is the upstairs Harbor View Room. This room can seat up to 80 guests (120 if everyone is standing). It’s a beautiful setting for wedding ceremonies, featuring its own fireplace, beautiful windowed views overlooking the water, and even its own private deck.
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Merrill’s by the Waterfront Wedding
When planning a wedding at Merrill’s, couples can look forward to a fantastic experience, not just within the venue, but also in the surrounding area. New Bedford offers a unique feel and harbor-front charm that is hard to find at other venues, and offers a variety of amenities and nearby attractions to make your wedding experience truly wonderful.
- Scenic Harbor Views: Situated on the harbor in historic downtown New Bedford, the venue provides picturesque waterfront views, creating a beautiful backdrop for your special day.
- Versatile Event Spaces: Merrill’s offers multiple private and semi-private function areas, each with a unique atmosphere and water view. Options include the Fireside Dining area for intimate gatherings, the Waterview Dining area with patio access, and the Harbor View Room featuring a private deck and built-in bar, accommodating up to 170 guests.
- On-Site Catering: The venue’s culinary team specializes in fresh, locally sourced seafood, offering various serving styles such as buffet, plated, and hors d’oeuvres to suit your preferences.
- Historic Charm: Named after Captain Edward Merrill, the restaurant is located on what was originally known as Merrill’s Wharf, constructed between 1841 and 1849, adding a touch of historical significance to your wedding
- Convenient Location: Located in downtown New Bedford, the venue is easily accessible for guests, with nearby accommodations available at the adjacent Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
What’s nearby
- New Bedford Whaling Museum:
Explore exhibits on the city’s maritime heritage, including a half-scale model of the whaling ship Lagoda. - Seamen’s Bethel:
A historic chapel mentioned in Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick, reflecting the city’s maritime history. - Fort Taber Park:
A waterfront park with scenic views of Buzzards Bay, walking trails, and historic military sites. - Buttonwood Park Zoo:
A family-friendly zoo featuring a variety of animal species and engaging exhibits. - New Bedford Art Museum:
Showcasing rotating exhibits of contemporary and traditional art, plus workshops and classes.
Dining and Accommodations:
- Local Cuisine: New Bedford has a variety of dining options, from cozy cafes to fine dining restaurants, offering both local and international cuisine.
- Accommodation: The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott is right next to Merrill’s, and so it is very convenient for both the bride and groom as well as their families and guests. Also nearby is the New Bedford Harbor Hotel, the Seaport Resort and Marina, and the Hampton Inn by Hilton (although that’s a little bit farther away).
Merrill’s by the Waterfront
New Bedford Massachusetts Wedding Venue
