When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
Memorial House
Why Memorial House is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Memorial House, located within the serene Memory Grove Park in Salt Lake City, is a distinguished historic venue perfect for social gatherings, weddings, receptions, corporate events, and celebrations of life. Originally constructed circa 1890 as a stable and equipment shed, it was beautifully transformed in 1926 with a Georgian-style façade designed by prominent local architects Hyrum Pope and Harold Burton. This transformation added elegant features such as stucco over brick walls, rounded dormers, and French doors that give the venue its classic charm. Set against a backdrop of monuments, waterways, and lush gardens, Memorial House offers a peaceful yet conveniently central location just minutes from downtown. The venue showcases natural light, chandeliers, a working fireplace, and adaptable indoor and outdoor spaces including a garden room added in 1953 and an eastern patio from 1974, providing an inviting atmosphere for guests. Seating capacity for up to 300 and amenities like available tables, chairs, audio-visual equipment, and a designated dance floor make it suitable for both formal and casual events. Memorial House has a committed team of event professionals and a network of preferred caterers and vendors to ensure every event is managed with care and precision. Its rich history as a memorial park honoring American soldiers adds a unique and meaningful dimension to celebrations held here, making Memorial House an elegant and memorable place to meet up with friends and loved ones.
Here's what people think of Memorial House
As of recent, Memorial House holds a 4.6-star rating based on 223 reviews.
Reviewers consistently praise Memorial House for its picturesque setting, historic charm, and excellent service. Guests highlight the venue's elegant natural lighting, stylish Georgian architecture, and tranquil garden surroundings that create a perfect ambiance for weddings and receptions. Many appreciate the attentive and helpful staff who contribute to a seamless event experience, as well as the flexibility of the spaces to accommodate different event types and sizes. The convenience of location near downtown Salt Lake City combined with the peaceful city-canyon environment also receives positive remarks. Positive reviews often mention the tasteful decoration, functional amenities like tables, chairs, dance floor, and audio-visual equipment, and the variety of catering options available through preferred vendors. On the other hand, some negative reviews note issues such as the aging infrastructure needing occasional updates, occasional parking difficulties during busy events, and the premium pricing that, while justified by quality, may stretch some budgets. A few guests have mentioned the need for clearer communication in some booking aspects. Overall, the majority of experiences are favorable, and the venue’s historical significance and beauty consistently impress visitors. Memorial House remains a valued community landmark with a strong reputation for graceful, well-organized events that blend historic ambiance with practical amenities.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Shelly Kaihatu
This is the second year we've held our Mother/Daughter Awards Tea for National Charity League at the Memorial House. After all the positive comments last year, we decided to book it again! The venue offers privacy, elegance, history and is perfect for a wedding, birthday, anniversary, work party, etc. Working with Rachel and her team made the planning seamless, she thought of all the details and was accommodating and thorough. The A/V team and set-up staff also came through with everything we needed. They were so friendly, engaged and helpful. Highly recommend The Memorial House.
Arbor Meadows Decor KC & Micah
We helped decorate for a wedding reception at the Memorial House. The venue was well organized and the staff there were very helpful. We enjoyed working with them and the clients were very happy. We hope to do another event there soon. KC & Micah Arbor Meadows Decor
Diana Nielsen
A stunning yet cozy and comfortable wedding venue! My daughter’s wedding was held at Memorial House and Memory Grove Park in June, and was absolutely perfect. She chose this venue because she wanted an outdoor ceremony and an indoor/outdoor reception, and it delivered beautifully on both. Memory Grove Park is gorgeous. We held the ceremony in the Fountain area, which was partially shaded and surrounded by beautiful photo spots. Even though it’s a public park, it felt surprisingly private and secluded, nestled quietly in a residential area. There was plenty of parking for our guests. Memorial House was an ideal setting for our traditional, garden-themed wedding reception. The historic charm of the beautifully restored building made it feel like an elegant old home — warm, inviting, and full of character. It was just the right size for our 100-ish person dinner. We especially loved the flow between the back patio and the garden room — everything felt connected and easy to navigate. The staff — Rachel, Carina, and everyone else — were exceptional: friendly, professional, and incredibly helpful throughout the entire experience. We’re so grateful we chose this venue. It created the perfect backdrop for a joyful and memorable day!
Emma Stanford
We had the most perfect wedding dinner and reception at Memorial House! The historical building created the most romantic vintage atmosphere, which is exactly what we wanted. Everybody complimented us on how beautiful the venue was, and we couldn’t agree more! And our consultant Rachel was helpful in handling our last-minute requests, and in advising us on vendors, setup, and timeline!
Autumn Nelson
I couldn't recommend the Memorial House more for a wedding! I just had mine there two weeks ago and it was incredible. The building itself is so beautiful and historic and the location is unbeatable. Rachel, the event coordinator, is such a lovely person and was fantastic! - more than accommodating in answering all of my questions over email in a super timely way as well as allowing me to schedule some different times to come in during the day and look at the venue space when my mom was in town, or other family members to look at spacing and practice music and timing for walking down the aisle. Honestly bummed that I won't be able to work with her anymore. The bride' room was pretty and was plenty of space for us, there's huge kitchen for the caterer to use, and I love the levels of indoor and outdoor space - with the beautiful main hall, and adjacent enclosed garden room, and a flowering south lawn. The event staff were super quick in changing the set up in the main hall to a dinner set up and I just had ten people assigned to quickly set up the table decor from prepackaged and labeled table packets. During that time, the officiator had announced to everyone to leave the main hall and go outside to the patio and south lawn to greet and congratulate us after the ceremony. I was worried that might all feel awkward but it worked beautifully. It was so dreamy to walk out of the ceremony to this garden full of beautiful flowers and greet all of the people we love. It was hot, about 85 degrees, but between the umbrellas on the bistro tables, the shade of the tree, and two shade tents that we set up from Costco, it was hardly noticeable. All in all I would do my wedding there in a heartbeat! So grateful for all the staff there and all the work they put in to help my wedding day turn out so seamless and beautiful!
How to reach Memorial House
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Why Memorial House may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Memorial House with your friends?
Memorial House stands out as an exceptional venue for gathering with friends because of its unique blend of historic charm, scenic beauty, and versatile space. Whether you are planning a casual meetup, a celebratory event, or a memorable group experience, Memorial House offers an atmosphere that fosters connection and celebration. Its classic architecture paired with lush gardens provides an inviting backdrop that elevates any event, creating a setting that is both comfortable and visually inspiring. Guests can enjoy both indoor and outdoor spaces, which means unpredictable weather won’t dampen your plans, and there is ample room for mingling, dining, and activities. The venue’s reputation for being welcoming and inclusive makes it especially appealing for groups that value a warm, supportive environment. Additionally, the expert and friendly staff ensure smooth event execution, allowing you to focus solely on the company and joyous moments with friends. Its location, with convenient self-parking and accessible pathways, ensures that all attendees can arrive and navigate the site easily. In short, Memorial House offers the ideal balance of charm, comfort, and practical amenities that make it a go-to destination for group meetups.
What activities can you enjoy at Memorial House?
Memorial House caters to a wide variety of group activities, making it perfect for hosting multiple types of gatherings. Guests can enjoy:
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Relaxed socializing in the classic indoor event space, which boasts vintage-style décor that creates an elegant yet cozy ambiance. The flexible layout enables group seating, dining, or mingling, ideal for dinners, parties, or casual meetups.
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Outdoor gatherings in the beautifully maintained Memory Grove gardens, offering scenic views and fresh air. This space is wonderful for picnics, lawn games, or photo opportunities, allowing guests to create lasting memories in nature.
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Dancing and celebrations, thanks to a dedicated dance floor and event lighting. Whether it is a birthday bash, reunion, or festive occasion, the venue supports a lively atmosphere with professional event support.
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Ceremonial events and formal gatherings, as the venue includes dressing rooms and bridal suites for a touch of convenience and luxury. It’s suitable for weddings, anniversaries, or any ceremonial event where elegance is desired.
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Customizable event options with rentals available, such as linens, audio-visual equipment, and other essentials, simplifying planning and enhancing the experience regardless of the size or nature of your group.
With these activities and amenities, Memorial House truly shines as a place where groups can come together comfortably and be supported in creating their ideal event.
Why is Memorial House perfect for a group meetup?
Memorial House excels as a spot for group meetups because it thoughtfully combines historic charm, modern conveniences, and accessibility into one seamless experience. The venue’s spacious layout supports both intimate groups and larger gatherings, accommodating whatever size your party might be without feeling cramped. The variety of indoor and outdoor spaces ensures flexibility, allowing groups to adapt to weather changes or special programming with ease.
Another crucial factor is the attentive and professional event staff. From helping with set-up and clean-up to coordinating details on the day of your event, they work to ensure that your meetup runs effortlessly. This level of service allows hosts and guests alike to focus on enjoying their time together rather than logistical concerns.
Moreover, guests benefit from easy self-parking and wheelchair accessibility, ensuring that everyone can arrive and participate comfortably. The venue's location in Memory Grove means guests can also take advantage of nearby walking trails and natural beauty, perfect for a leisurely stroll or outdoor photos during a longer visit.
Lastly, Memorial House is known for its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, supporting all kinds of groups and events. Whether you’re gathering friends for a casual reunion or celebrating an important milestone, the venue’s vibe makes everyone feel valued and part of the occasion.
How does the venue support event planning and execution?
One of the standout features of Memorial House is its comprehensive event support services that make planning and hosting straightforward for group organizers. The venue offers event rentals including linens, lighting, and sound equipment, allowing you to customize the setting without the hassle of sourcing from multiple vendors. This streamlines logistics and ensures a cohesive atmosphere tailored to your group’s needs.
The dedicated event staff assists with set-up, tear-down, and on-site coordination, effectively turning your plans into reality. Their experience means they anticipate potential issues and handle them promptly, preventing stress and disruption during your meetup. Numerous reviews highlight the staff’s kindness, professionalism, and responsiveness, which greatly enhance the overall experience for hosts and guests alike.
Additionally, the venue includes practical amenities such as dressing rooms or bridal suites, which can be useful for special occasions where guests might want a private space for preparation or relaxation. The availability of a dance floor and event lighting also adds a fun and festive dimension to parties or celebrations.
This blend of amenities and attentive service elevates Memorial House from a simple event venue to a partner in creating flawless group experiences.
What makes the location of Memorial House advantageous for group events?
Memorial House benefits greatly from its prime location within Memory Grove Park, a scenic and historic area that adds significant atmosphere to any gathering. This location provides guests with a serene and verdant environment, perfect for escaping everyday distractions and enjoying extended social time outdoors.
The park setting allows meetups to incorporate natural walks, photo opportunities, and outdoor relaxation before or after the main event. This natural beauty and tranquil vibe enhance group cohesion and the overall guest experience.
In terms of practical advantages, the venue offers free self-parking right in front of the house, a convenience that greatly simplifies arrival and departure for guests. Many event venues require complicated parking arrangements or paid lots, but Memorial House removes these barriers, making attendance hassle-free.
The venue is also wheelchair accessible, ensuring the site is inclusive and accommodating to guests of all mobility levels. This inclusivity broadens the range of potential attendees, making Memorial House a considerate choice for diverse groups.
Overall, the location's blend of natural beauty, convenient access, and thoughtful amenities makes Memorial House especially well suited to hosting successful and enjoyable group events.
How does Memorial House cater to different group sizes and event types?
Memorial House is known for its versatility in accommodating groups of various sizes and a broad spectrum of event types. Whether your gathering is small and intimate or larger and more elaborate, the venue’s mixed indoor and outdoor layouts can be tailored to suit your needs.
For smaller gatherings, the house’s vintage architecture and cozy rooms provide a charming space that feels exclusive and personal. The refined décor and classic ambiance create an elegant backdrop ideal for family reunions, close-knit friend celebrations, or small ceremonies.
For larger groups, the expansive gardens and open event spaces ensure that there is sufficient room for everyone to move around comfortably without feeling overcrowded. This flexibility appeals to groups planning milestone birthdays, anniversary parties, or informal social events that benefit from both indoor and outdoor environments.
Additionally, the site is well equipped to handle formal events like weddings or corporate gatherings, thanks to available amenities such as sound systems, dance floors, event rentals, and dressing suites. The attentive event staff further support this adaptability by helping customize the layout and logistics according to the occasion’s requirements.
This ability to handle a wide range of group sizes and event styles makes Memorial House an excellent, reliable choice whether you want a relaxed meetup or a grand celebration with friends or family.