Merrill's on the Waterfront

Guest capacity

Up to 150 seated guests

About this venue

Merrill’s on the Waterfront is the Perfect Harbor View Venue for Your Special Occasions Located in historic downtown New Bedford, MA, the private and semi-private function areas at Merrill’s on the Waterfront each have a unique atmosphere and water view. Even in our dining room, every table has a magnificent view of the Harbor. Our in-house catering professionals and event coordinator will work with you every step of the way to ensure that your party is executed perfectly. Lafrance Hospitality has over 60 years of event experience as well as renowned service and menus. We would like to welcome you to host your event at Merrill’s on the Waterfront.

Seated guest capacity

1-150

Venue type

Beaches, Waterfront Settings
Restaurants, Breweries

Venue setting

Covered Outdoor
Indoor

36 Homers Wharf, New Bedford, MA 02740

Our event spaces

The Harbor View Room

Experience Unmatched Elegance in the Harbor View Room

The Harbor View Room has the best view on the harbor. Located upstairs, it contains its own fireplace, private deck , restrooms and bar*. A beautiful setting for formal events and corporate presentations. For weddings, this is the perfect space to host your intimate ceremony.

Guest capacity

Up to 80 Seated

Up to 125 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, After party

Guests often feel this space is

“Luxurious and chic”

The Chart Room

Versatile and Beautiful Waterfront Space

Our Chart Room is our main reception room and is perfect to host your celebration. For weddings, it provides ample space or your guests to enjoy their meal, mingle, and dance the night away. Featuring a bar and patio access the Chart Room is the perfect space to host your reception.

Guest capacity

Up to 150 Seated

Up to 200 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, After party

Guests often feel this space is

“Warm and cozy”

The Harbor View Room

Experience Unmatched Elegance in the Harbor View Room

Guest capacity

Up to 80 Seated

Up to 125 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, After party

Guests often feel this space is

“Luxurious and chic”

The Chart Room

Versatile and Beautiful Waterfront Space

Guest capacity

Up to 150 Seated

Up to 200 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception, Rehearsal dinner, Wedding shower, Welcome party, Farewell brunch, Cocktail hour, Engagement party, After party

Guests often feel this space is

“Warm and cozy”

Available services that can be provided by Merrill's on the Waterfront

Services & amenities

Bar services
Catering services
Clean up
Event coordinator
Event rentals
Event staff
Lighting/Sound
Service staff
Set up
Wheelchair accessible
Wifi

Reviews

Write a review

Rating: 4.7

4.7 out of 5

3 reviews

CH
Colleen H.
Rating: 5
•Zola
•Incentivized review
•Sep 8
10/10 wedding ceremony and reception
We had our wedding ceremony and reception at Merrill’s this past August, and it was absolutely perfect! From start to finish, Victoria was a pleasure to work with. She was attentive, detail-oriented, and incredibly responsive. She communicated clearly and effectively, was always quick to respond to emails, and was more than willing to meet with us whenever needed. She set up our decorations exactly as I had envisioned and made sure everything stayed on schedule and went exactly the way we wanted. We truly could not have imagined our wedding day being any better! We highly recommend Merrill’s for weddings. The venue, service, food, and attention to detail made our special day everything we hoped it would be! We received so many compliments on how beautiful the space is, and the prices were reasonable.
TL
Tori L.
Rating: 5
•Zola
•Aug 19, 2026
Merrill's is the best!
Our August 2026 wedding at Merrill's on the Waterfront was incredible! From our first inquiry and visit, to probably hundreds of emails, questions, and updates in between, Victoria was the best coordinator anyone could ask for. Her responsiveness, communication, knowledge, and enthusiasm made every single question go answered and every detail was executed exactly as we had hoped. I don't think you could find a venue with a more response and helpful coordinator than Victoria! We went with the full buyout option and are so happy with how the flow and structure of the day went, with plenty of space for our guests to mingle, dance, and have a great time. With nearly all guests coming in from out of town, the location with the hotel right across the street and so many things to do downtown in walking distance (plus waterfront views of course) made Merrill's the perfect choices for us. Hands down the best wedding venue in New Bedford!
Merrill's on the Waterfront•Aug 21, 2026
Hi Tori, Thank you so much for such a thoughtful review! It truly was a pleasure working with you throughout the entire planning process, and I’m so happy I could help make your wedding day everything you hoped for. It was such a beautiful day, and I’m so glad Merrill’s could be part of it. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness! Best, Victoria Pedro Sales & Functions Coordinator
MR
Marjorie R.
Rating: 4
•Zola
•Jul 21, 2025
Nautical Oasis
I enjoyed working with Merrill’s on this on planning and preparing for my wedding. The team was reasonable and understanding. I appreciated the flexibility they provided throughout all aspects of our wedding planning up to the day of our wedding.
Merrill's on the Waterfront•Oct 21, 2025
Hi Marjorie, Thank you for celebrating your wedding with us at Merrill’s! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your day and appreciate your feedback. It was a pleasure hosting your celebration, wishing you both the very best. Warm Regards, Victoria Pedro Sales & Functions Coordinator