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The Merchant is a hotel destination wedding venue in Galle, Sri Lanka, hosting 110 at dinner and 150 standing (Aisle estimate).

The Merchant

GalleSouthern Province, Sri Lanka

Set within a historic building in Galle Fort, The Merchant is a 14-room hotel with a chapel on site, gardens, and beach access.

Guests
110 at dinner150 standingAisle estimate
Rooms
14 rooms
Ceremony
Chapel on site
Getting there
KCTabout 27 min by car

About the venue

Set within a historic building in Galle Fort, The Merchant is a 14-room hotel with a chapel on site, gardens, and beach access.

Ceremonies can be held outdoors with an indoor backup if the weather turns, and receptions work either inside or out, with a standing capacity of 150 and seated dining we estimate at around 110.

In-house catering, an on-site bar, and an on-site coordinator keep the planning in one place, and the venue sits about 27 minutes from Koggala Airport (KCT).

Accommodation ranges from Superior King and Deluxe Double rooms through to a Two-Bedroom Villa sleeping up to four, and children are welcome.

  • Chapel on site, plus outdoor ceremony options with indoor backup
  • Capacity for 150 standing; seated dining estimated at around 110
  • 14 rooms, including a Two-Bedroom Villa for up to four guests
  • Gardens, beach access and a historic Galle Fort building

Short answers

Can guests stay at The Merchant?
Yes. 14 rooms.
Venue website
How do guests get to The Merchant?
Fly into KCT, about 27 min by car.
Venue website

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Capacity, rooms and facilities

Last updated

Capacity

Seated dinner
110 guestsAisle estimate
Standing reception
150 guests

Staying over

Rooms
14 rooms
Room types
5 listed

House rules

Pets
No
Children
Yes

Getting there

Nearby venues on a map
Nearest airport
KCT, 27 min by car
Parking
No
Phone
077 120 1373
Answered by the venue in local hours.

Reviews of The Merchant

“My partner and I stayed at this charming, beautiful hotel for a single night in our visit to Southern Sri Lanka. We had a fantastic time here -- and the staff made us feel so welcome and very much at home.”

Chetan KrishnaRead the whole review on Google

4.6out of 5, from 1,110 Google reviews

Questions about the venue

Where a number is our estimate, we say so.

Can we marry outdoors, and what happens if it rains?
Yes, outdoor ceremonies are possible and there is a chapel on site. Indoor backup is available, and receptions can be held either indoors or outdoors.
How many guests can the venue hold?
The venue holds 150 standing. For seated dining, we estimate capacity at around 110.
Where do guests stay?
The hotel has 14 rooms across five types: Superior King, Premium King (up to 3), Deluxe Double, Superior Twin, and a Two-Bedroom Villa sleeping up to 4.
Is catering handled in-house?
Yes, catering is in-house and there is a bar on site. An on-site coordinator is available, and the events contact is Chamika Wickramanayake, General Manager.
Are children and pets allowed, and is there parking or a pool?
Children are welcome. Pets are not allowed, and there is no parking or pool at the venue.

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Aisle also works inside Claude and ChatGPT. Ask either one for venues in Sri Lanka by guest count and budget. Find venues in Claude · Find venues in ChatGPT

Sources and booking notes

Confirm your dates, guest numbers, room arrangements and inclusions with the venue before booking. An enquiry does not reserve a date. Figures labelled Aisle estimate are modelled from regional rates and public sources; they are not venue quotes.

Venue wedding information

Planning with Aisle: Start for free · Ask us a question

Sources for individual venue facts

  • Standing reception: 150 guests

    “###### Capacity ( Indoor + Courtyard) : 150 Indoor only capacity: 50 Patio and courtyard capacity: 100”
    Read the source for standing reception

  • Rooms: 14 rooms

    “We offer 14 rooms on the upper floors of the hotel with a range of deluxe amenities offering views of the Church, Tower from some rooms.”
    Read the source for rooms

  • Room types: 5 listed

    “Superior King Room”
    Read the source for room types

  • Chapel on site: Yes

    “Chapel/shrine”
    Read the source for chapel on site

  • Outdoor ceremony: Yes

    “Our beautiful courtyard and charming restaurant space are perfect for any intimate celebration, whether it be for a party, family gathering, wedding, pre-wedding shoot or even a work-meet.”
    Read the source for outdoor ceremony

  • Indoor option if it rains: Yes

    “Tucked within the popular Pedlar Street inside Galle Fort, our boutique hotel brings together 1,300 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space with modern casual elegance.”
    Read the source for indoor option if it rains

  • In-house catering: Yes

    “Be it a laidback business break, private celebration or intimate wedding reception, our catering team create diverse culinary experiences for your event.”
    Read the source for in-house catering

  • Bar on site: Yes

    “So whether you’re an in-house guest who wants to enjoy a big breakfast before you set off to explore the Galle Fort, or someone stopping by for a drink, or even want to celebrate with your family, at 1710 we’re always ready to make sure your dining experience is a memorable one.”
    Read the source for bar on site

  • Pets: No

    “Pets are not allowed at The Merchant, Galle.”
    Read the source for pets

  • Children: Yes

    “Our private villa accommodates 4 adults and 2 kids is a short walk down from the main hotel.”
    Read the source for children

  • Nearest airport: KCT, 27 min by car

    “The nearest airport, Koggala Airport (KCT), is 12 km away.”
    Read the source for nearest airport

  • Parking: No

    “Parking is not available at The Merchant, Galle.”
    Read the source for parking

  • Event spaces: Banquet room

    “Meeting/banquet facilities”
    Read the source for event spaces

  • Reception indoors: Yes

    “Our beautiful courtyard and charming restaurant space are perfect for any intimate celebration, whether it be for a party, family gathering, wedding, pre-wedding shoot or even a work-meet.”
    Read the source for reception indoors

  • Reception outdoors: Yes

    “Design a laidback cocktail reception that flows to the courtyard which makes for a perfect outdoor setting to take photos, too.”
    Read the source for reception outdoors

  • Swimming pool: No

    “No pool but wouldn't have had time to use it anyway!”
    Read the source for swimming pool

  • Beach on foot: Yes

    “Located in Galle Fort, The Merchant is a 3-minute walk from Galle Fort Beach and near Dutch Church Galle (300 metres) and Galle Light House (4-minute walk).”
    Read the source for beach on foot

  • Gardens: Yes

    “Fragrant frangipani and avocado trees offer shade to those dining in the courtyard making it a truly delightful spot for a quick bite or even a prolonged lunch.”
    Read the source for gardens

  • Historic building: Yes

    “The building facade takes you back in time to 1710 when it was originally built by the Dutch, however, the interiors have been thoughtfully restored and fitted with all the luxury comforts of modern-day living.”
    Read the source for historic building

  • Coordinator on the day: Yes

    “When you book with us, our experienced team will be on hand to help you plan an affair to remember, regardless of the occasion.”
    Read the source for coordinator on the day

Could this be your venue?

Ask about prices and free dates for the month you have in mind. You do not need a fixed date.