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The Empire Ballroom is the newest of our four ballrooms at The Merion, and it is also one of the questions we get asked about most. Couples want to know what a wedding actually feels like in that room once the tour photos are behind them and real guests are in the seats. Between the renovated space itself, the food, and the little details couples keep bringing up afterward, there is a lot to walk through, so let’s go piece by piece.
The Merion’s Empire Ballroom is a renovated, city-style space accommodating up to 300 guests, featuring a crystal chandelier, dedicated bridal and groomsmen suites, and outdoor ceremony space on the property. Guests consistently highlight the abundant cocktail hour spread, dessert display, and attentive bar service throughout the reception.
Inside a Wedding Reception in the Empire Ballroom at The Merion
The Empire Ballroom is our newest ballroom, and it has been renovated to bring an upscale city feel into the room. It accommodates up to 300 guests and comes with its own bridal and groomsmen suites, so a lot of what makes the night work is already built into the space itself. Here is what that adds up to once your guests actually walk in.
A Room Renovated for a City Style Night
The Empire Ballroom is draped in romantic linen and lit by a dazzling crystal chandelier, and it accommodates up to 300 guests. One couple who celebrated their wedding there described the space as stunning, and the renovated details are a big part of why. Along with the room itself, you also get a deluxe bridal suite and an exclusive groomsmen suite with entertainment, so getting ready happens close by instead of somewhere else on the property entirely.
Cocktail Hour That Guests Keep Talking About
Cocktail hour tends to be where guests form their first impression of the night, and it shows in what couples tell us afterward. One couple said their guests kept remarking that there was food everywhere during cocktail hour, and that the spread felt like it never ran out. Our culinary team, led by Executive Chef Robert Bahm, is behind that kind of spread, drawing on decades of experience across many different cuisines to shape the menu for each wedding.
A Dessert Display Guests Do Not Want to Leave
The dessert display tends to earn its own round of compliments. One couple said their guests found the dessert stations just as impressive as cocktail hour, with enough variety that some guests left with extra dessert to enjoy the next day. It is the kind of detail that keeps coming up once the wedding itself is long over.
Bar Service That Keeps Up With the Party
A reception moves fast once the dancing starts, and guests notice when a drink takes too long to refill. One couple said their drinks were never empty the entire night, almost like new ones appeared on their own. That kind of steady bar service is a big part of what keeps a reception feeling relaxed instead of rushed.
Outdoor Ceremony Space Before You Ever Reach the Ballroom
Not every couple pairs an outdoor ceremony with their Empire Ballroom reception, but the option is here on the property if you want it. We have outdoor ceremony space with greenery and landscaping, and guests at one Empire Ballroom wedding specifically complimented how it looked before the reception even started.
Conclusion
Photos and descriptions only go so far. If a renovated, city style ballroom with a big cocktail hour and steady service throughout the night sounds like the wedding you are picturing, we would love to show you the room in person. Fill out the form for our wedding pricing guide, or contact us directly at (856) 829-2111, and let’s set up a tour.
FAQs
What makes the Empire Ballroom different from The Merion’s other ballrooms?
The Empire Ballroom is our newest ballroom, renovated to bring an upscale city feel. It is draped in romantic linen, lit by a crystal chandelier, and accommodates up to 300 guests, with a deluxe bridal suite and an exclusive groomsmen suite with entertainment included.
Does The Merion offer outdoor ceremony space?
Yes. We have outdoor ceremony space on the property with greenery and landscaping, in addition to indoor ceremony options.
Is catering included with the ballroom?
Yes. The Merion is an all inclusive venue with exceptional cuisine and personalized service, and our culinary team is led by Executive Chef Robert Bahm.
How do I get pricing information for the Empire Ballroom?
You can fill out the form for our wedding pricing guide, or contact us directly, to start the conversation.
