Weddings at Showboat Hotel: venues, capacities and what to ask
Showboat Hotel has multiple wedding spaces ranging from terrace settings like Diamond Club (capacity 400) to large ballrooms such as Bourbon Room (capacity 2,400) and The Terminal (up to 2,500). Contact the hotel's events team to confirm the exact layout, guest capacity for your chosen setup, and costs like the resort fee and required deposit.
In this guide
Venues and capacities at a glance
Showboat Hotel offers a mix of ballrooms, terrace spaces and large exhibit halls that can host intimate ceremonies or large receptions. Published capacities vary by room and by seating style (theater, banquet, reception).
Below are the key wedding/event spaces and the capacities listed in the hotel's materials and industry listings. Always confirm the capacity for your planned setup (dance floor, stage, head table) with the events team.
| Room | Square feet / notable feature | Published capacity (reception/theater/banquet where available) |
|---|---|---|
| Bourbon Room | 38,000 sq ft; 1,200-sq-ft stage | Reception 1,800; Theater 2,400; Banquet 180 (published figures vary by layout) |
| The Terminal | 50,000 sq ft; drive-up load-in | Up to 2,500 (event-type dependent) |
| Carousel Room | 16,000 sq ft | Reception 1,800; Theater 1,600; Banquet 600 |
| Harlem Room (Harlem Ballroom) | 11,000 sq ft; built-in bar | Reception 500; Theater 500; Banquet 400 |
| Mansion Ballroom | 10,000 sq ft; foyer + 3 breakout rooms | Capacity 400 |
| Diamond Club | Terrace with Boardwalk/ocean views | Capacity 400 |
| Surf Bar Venue | 7,500 sq ft; beach/boardwalk adjacency | Capacity 400 |
Choosing the right space for your guest count
Match the venue to how you want to use the space: plated dinners and sit-down banquets need more room per guest than cocktail receptions. Published 'reception' numbers usually allow for a dance floor and tables; check the hotel's sample floor plans.
If you plan a ceremony plus reception in the same room, ask how seating transitions are handled and whether the hotel provides staging, AV, and loading access.
- Under 200 guests: consider Heart and Soul Room (7,200 sq ft) or smaller breakout rooms for a more intimate feel.
- 200–600 guests: Mansion Ballroom, Harlem Room, or Carousel Room can accommodate mid-size weddings with banquet layouts.
- 600+ guests: Bourbon Room or The Terminal are designed for large-scale productions and can include stages and extensive A/V.
| Guest count | Rooms to consider |
|---|---|
| Up to 200 | Heart and Soul Room; smaller meeting rooms |
| 200–600 | Mansion Ballroom; Carousel Room; Harlem Room |
| 600–2,500+ | Bourbon Room; The Terminal |
Ceremony logistics and setup questions
Confirm whether the venue includes ceremony chairs, an aisle runner, arch or staging, and how long the room is reserved for setup and breakdown. Large spaces often require early vendor load-in times.
Ask about indoor/outdoor options. Diamond Club offers a terrace setting with a Boardwalk/ocean-facing balcony; beach ceremonies are possible nearby but may require municipal permits (confirm with events team).
- Ask what time vendors can load in and whether there is a dedicated load-in entrance or drive-up access (The Terminal has a drive-up load-in).
- Confirm how long the room is yours (hours included in the rental) and whether overtime rates apply.
- Request a sample floor plan for your guest count showing tables, dance floor, stage and head table dimensions.
- Check microphone/PA, stage, lighting, projector screens and whether these are included or rented separately.
| Item | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Load-in / vendor access | Time, entrance, elevators, vehicle access |
| Room turnaround | Setup/breakdown times and overtime charges |
| A/V and staging | Included equipment vs. external rentals |
Catering, alcohol and bar service
Showboat Hotel lists on-site dining outlets and staffed bars; larger events normally use the hotel's catering team or approved caterers. Atlantic City Eatery (ACE) and 12 Bar are examples of hotel dining and bar operations on property.
Confirm what catering packages cover (plated vs. buffet vs. stations), whether cake cutting, service staff and linens are included, and what minimums apply for your chosen space.
- Ask if the venue requires an in-house bar or if an external bartender is permitted; many hotel event spaces require alcohol to be served by hotel staff.
- Ask about corkage rules, signature cocktail options, and whether an event bar can be set up on a terrace like Diamond Club.
- Verify whether a food-and-beverage minimum applies on your date and if service charges, sales tax, or gratuity are added.
| On-site F&B outlets | Type / notes |
|---|---|
| Atlantic City Eatery (ACE) | Full bar, near Boardwalk entrance; breakfast buffet on select days |
| 12 Bar | Cocktail bar by Lucky Snake Arcade; set hours |
| B&B Burger Bar, Eclair, Kelly's Ice Cream | Quick-service and cafe options for guests |
Room blocks, accommodations and guest logistics
Showboat Hotel has a range of room types and suites across its towers, including Standard Room, Standard 2 Queens, Ocean View Room, Oceanfront Premium Suite with Balcony, Ocean Front Super Suite with Balcony, and multiple apartment-style suites. Use a room block to keep guests together and ask about group rates and release deadlines.
Confirm whether the property will hold a courtesy block, what the rooming list deadline is, and whether the hotel can provide a welcome desk or check-in area for wedding guests.
- Mention specific room types when requesting a block (for example: Ocean View Room, Standard 2 Queens, Oceanfront Premium Suite with Balcony).
- Ask whether early check-in can be arranged for the wedding party and whether the property provides a complimentary suite for the couple on the wedding night in exchange for a room block or minimum spend (policies vary).
- Confirm accessibility needs and the availability of adjoining or connecting rooms for family groups.
| Room examples | Notes |
|---|---|
| Standard Room; Standard 2 Queens | Everyday guest options for single or double occupancy |
| Ocean View Room; Ocean View 2 Queens Room | Larger rooms with ocean views; good for key guests |
| Oceanfront Premium Suite with Balcony; Ocean Front Super Suite with Balcony | Larger suites with balconies for parents or wedding party |
Costs, deposits and extra fees to confirm
Always get written estimates that list venue rental fees, food-and-beverage minimums, service charges, sales tax, and any required security or staffing fees. The hotel charges a mandatory resort fee per room, per night and a deposit is typically required for bookings.
Published property-wide charges you should confirm when booking a block or event include a mandatory resort fee and a cash or card deposit per room per stay. Parking and valet are charged separately.
- Resort fee: the property lists a mandatory resort fee (confirm current amount and what it covers).
- Deposit: Showboat requires a cash or card deposit per room, per stay (confirm the amount applicable to event room blocks).
- Parking: self-parking and valet are available for a surcharge and include in/out privileges; get current rates for event guest parking.
| Charge | Published detail |
|---|---|
| Resort fee | Mandatory per room, per night; covers fitness center, housekeeping, in-room safe, internet access (confirm current amount) |
| Deposit | Cash or card deposit required per room, per stay (confirm exact amount for group bookings) |
| Parking | Self-parking and valet available for a surcharge with in/out privileges (confirm event rates) |
What to ask the Showboat events team (quick checklist)
Bring a short list of non-negotiables and practical questions to your first planning call so you can compare quotes clearly across dates and rooms.
Request sample contracts, floor plans and a list of preferred or required vendors (caterers, DJs, florists, AV).
- Is my preferred date available for the room I want? What is the room rental fee and what hours are included?
- What is the food-and-beverage minimum, and what does a sample menu cost per person for plated and buffet options?
- Which items are included (linens, chairs, tables, basic A/V, on-site coordinator) and which are additional?
- What are the load-in times, vendor access instructions, and parking allowances for vendors?
- Does the hotel require you to use in-house bars/catering or allow outside vendors with a fee?
- What are the payment schedule, cancellation policy, and any insurance or permit requirements?
| Document | Why request it |
|---|---|
| Sample contract and payment schedule | Shows deadlines, refunds and cancellation terms |
| Floor plan for your guest count | Confirms room suitability and walkways/dance floor |
| Vendor/load-in rules | Prevents surprises on event day and helps schedule vendors |
