New Jersey - South

The Merion???

Hello all!

So I've been seeing the name of this venue a lot on this board, I checked out the website and loved what I saw.
Only problem is, its an hour and a half away from me.  Before I go wasting my time and theirs do any of you know about how much this place goes for??
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Re: The Merion???

  • ev4149ev4149 member
    500 Comments Third Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    Totally depends.  The prices differ on day of the week, time of the year, and even which ballroom you choose. 

    Also, they are willing to work with you.  They knocked off $25/head when I told them I was over budget.

    What price range are you looking for?  Also, when they quote prices, they include everything (tax and gratuity). I saw your previous post of $110 pre-tax and grauity.  Presume 7% tax and 20% gratuity, that brings you to a full budget of $139/person.  You should be able to get for less than that on a Friday.    (I am paying about that amount for a Saturday in April).  Good luck!
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  • edited December 2011
    It is a beautiful place, however they do have 4-5 weddings there at one time. You are constantly running into other wedding parties in hallways and such.  We live 5 minutes from there and didnt have it there because we consider it a wedding factory.....also, if your coming from out of town, there arent any nice hotels in the immediate area...you would have to drive at least 20 minutes to find a decent hotel for out of town guests...big down side....

    but it is absolutely beautiful and people say the food is great there!! Good luck
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  • edited December 2011
    Thanks a lot ladies, your all so helpful.
    When I called they didnt want to give me any prices over the phone, becuase they like to really personalize each package, which probably means they really will work with your budget; and thats always a plus..  $139 pp sounds great . I'll most likely end up making the trip down there one of these days to check it out..
    Hmm no hotels.. that is a down side, but knowing my family theyll probably take advantage of being in south jersey and will end up in Atlantic City for the rest of the weekend, so they'll make it work. lol

    Thanks Again! =]
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  • edited December 2011

    Actually my hotel block is with the Wyndham and it is 10 minutes from the Merion. If you reserve 15 rooms, they also do a free shuttle two hours prior to your wedding and two hours afterwards as well. And they gave me a great group rate as well. I highly recommend them! If you call them for info, ask to speak to Stacy. My coordinator at the Merion used to work there so she put me in touch with them.

    Depending on what room you're at at the Merion, you may not have the problem of running into other brides. If you're downstairs in the Empire Ballroom you're the only wedding on that floor and if you're upstairs in the Skylight Ballroom you're the only wedding on that floor also. The Palazzo room and Palace are on the same level (the main level) so those are the only two you really have that problem with but every bride I've seen on here who has done a review said the venue does a great job of keeping the brides seperated. Also, being that you're on a Friday night you may not have that problem as much as if you were on a Saturday.

    I live in Staten Island so I totally understand the distance issue - it's anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half from here depending on where you live on the Island and we have a lot of people coming from North Jersey and CT. However the package you get from the Merion for that price range would EASILY cost thousands more for a large guest list and it's so worth the extra travel. My sister got married two weeks ago at The Estate at Florentine Gardens and she literally paid TWICE what we are paying for almost exactly what we are getting. It's definitely worth the trip down there to see what they can do for you. If you can, ask for Stephanie! We had signed our contract for much less than they originally quoted us and when I lost my job, we went back and explained the situation. They not only lowered the price pp but also lowered our minimum as well. They are just amazing to work with.

  • edited December 2011
    Bianca, if you'd like, you can friend request me on FB (isyabel@hotmail.com is my email addy) I have a whole album of pictures from The Merion from several visits and also from my food tasting if you want more than just what's on the website.
  • edited December 2011
    I totally agree with Ranger. I live 2 hours away from The Merion and am having my wedding there. While I haven't looked into blocking hotel rooms yet because it is too early, I do know that The Wyndham is close and reasonably priced. I am having my wedding in The Empire ballroom and it is on the bottom floor, very private and set back from any main hallway. Anyway, even though they do numerous weddings in a day, for the amount of food and alcohol you get along with the nice people you work with;  its not a huge issue.
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  • mscando2003mscando2003 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011

    We are in a similar situation as well. My fiancé and I looked all over, North Jersey, Central and South and honestly the Merion was our favorite! We are originally from Central Jersey and most of our families are in that area so we were very worried about the travel, but its straight down the TP. I almost feel its easier to get to than some of the N. Jersey locations because he traffic (hopefully) isn't as bad. Plus you really get the most for your money and they are absolutely wonderful to work with..

    When it comes to hotels, we have been trying to find the best one in the area. There is a Marriott, Westin, Wyndhem,  A Loft and a few others. We really wanted a place that had a bar and place to eat so our guest would not have to worry about going out after the wedding. We were very torn between the marriot and the westin, both are very nice, but the suite at the marriot is what sold us. I loved the look of the westin, but the size of the room at the marriot really works for us. I have 9 girls in my bridal party and need as much room as possible.

  • LisaLPharmDLisaLPharmD member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I just had my wedding there on November 6, and they were fantastic. They had everything so organized and taken care of, and I never even saw another wedding party. I was in the Palazzo room. Actually, when another wedding party showed up during our pictures, they took us another way back so we would avoid seeing them. My guests never knew there was any other parties going on there, let alone 3 other ones! I have gotten a million compliments on how elegant and amazing the wedding was, and I highly recommend the Merion.
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