Merchants Hall
36 North Market Street, Second Floor,
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 534-5029
View their website
Average Base Cost: $20,000
Average base cost for a Merchants Hall wedding is calculated by figuring a 125-person guest list on a Saturday night in wedding season. Transportation to venue, entertainment, decorations, additional rentals, valet, DJ, and photography are not included. Average price includes gratuity and state sales tax. Price is rounded up to the nearest thousand.
*Prices subject to change
How it Breaks Down
Facility Rental Fee:
Wedding Season
- Monday-Thursday: $1,800
- Friday-Sunday: $3,500
Off-Season (January, February, July, August)
- Monday-Thursday: $1,700
- Friday-Sunday: $3,000
What’s Included:
- Custom-built satellite bar carts for up to 4 bartenders
- Up to 15 round 60″ tables
- Up to 2 Buffet Tables
- Chiavari chairs
- Clean up fee if the event is deemed a light impact
SEE MORE: 6 Unexpected Wedding Costs That Always Surprise Couples
Extras:
- Additional setup/breakdown
- AV Package that includes laptop, cart, projection capabilities, speakers, and support for $500
- In-house glassware rental
- In-house linen rental
Food/Beverage: For food, any caterers and vendors welcome. See Merchants Hall’s preferred partners here, where packages start around$40-$50+/pp (without alcohol).
Alcohol is exclusively provided through the Bar at Merchants Hall. Three-hour packages range from $11.75 to $16.75 per guest. One bartender, priced at $135 each, is required for every 50 guests. More information is available here.
There are no food and beverage minimums.
More Stats
Space Type: Merchants Hall is entirely indoors and has one gathering room. The venue is most commonly used for either a ceremony or reception, but having both is also a possibility. Here are a few examples for doing so:
- Set up everything needed for both events (aisle chairs, dining tables, decor, etc)
- Work with a vendor who specializes in draping and use this technique to divide the room to create two spaces
- Alternatively you can hire staff to ‘flip’ the space while you and your guests enjoy cocktail hour at a nearby bar or restaurant
Example layouts can be found here.
Size: 2,800 square feet
- Standing: 210 people (including staff)
- Seated at 60″ rounds: 210 people (including staff)
Bridal Suite: Yes
Parking: There’s a public lot directly behind the venue that’s $12 a day, and a number of parking garages in the area.
Food Service Type: Your choice (warming kitchen available)
How Will Grandma Get There? Merchants Hall is a 20-minute drive from Charleston International Airport. Charlotte, Atlanta, and Jacksonville are all under five hours away by car. There are many nearby hotels, ranging from $129-$599 per night.
Party On! The venue doesn’t require music be shut off by a certain time, but most events end at midnight.
Important Note: Merchants Hall requires the use of a professional event planner or day-of coordinator.
The Report
Built in the mid-1850s, 36 North Market Street was originally J.C.H. Claussen and Company, a wholesaler of crackers, cakes, candies and other goods. Today, Merchants Hall still has the original building’s wood columns, exposed brick walls, and windows which overlook downtown Charleston and the City Market. The venue also features a 2,800 square foot ballroom, crystal chandeliers throughout, 12-foot ceilings, an optional stage, and more.
Woman Getting Married Says
Charleston is one of my FAVORITE cities for a destination wedding, and the location of this wedding venue is pretty perfect. I like this venue as a reception-only space (vs having to flip it, though that’s always a possibility), and considering that you can bring in your own catering you’ll definitely be able to find the best caterer for your budget. It has a great historic feel to it, just like Charleston does, and the venue has a lot of options in terms of decor. I would definitely check it out!
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