Purdue Memorial Union
A historic and elegant hub for events, dining, and campus exploration at Purdue University.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Purdue Memorial Union
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic and elegant hub for events, dining, and campus exploration at Purdue University.
"An incredible venue for hosting a wedding with an attached hotel and beautiful ballrooms."
💍 Book Event Spaces Early
Wedding and event venues like the ballrooms book up fast, especially for popular dates.
☕ Explore the Cube Market
Check out the unique Korean coffee pouches and snacks, but be prepared for higher prices.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Memorial Union Ballroom
Main Building
Iconic ballrooms host unforgettable weddings and events with a touch of historic elegance.
The Union Club Hotel
Attached to the Union
Conveniently connected hotel offering comfortable stays for guests attending events or visiting campus.
8Eleven Restaurant
Inside the Union
A classy dining experience within the Union, perfect for rehearsal dinners or a sophisticated meal.
Cube Market
Inside the Union
Discover unique Asian snacks and coffee pouches in this charming, albeit pricey, campus market.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Wedding Wonders & Event Hub
Campus Exploration Hub
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💍 Book Event Spaces Early
Wedding and event venues like the ballrooms book up fast, especially for popular dates.
☕ Explore the Cube Market
Check out the unique Korean coffee pouches and snacks, but be prepared for higher prices.
📍 Utilize the Info Desk
Need to find your way around campus? The information desk is a great resource.
🚗 Parking for Events
For campus events, follow Purdue's recommendations for parking, often in designated lots.
Introducing Purdue
Tips
from all over the internet
💍 Book Event Spaces Early
Wedding and event venues like the ballrooms book up fast, especially for popular dates.
☕ Explore the Cube Market
Check out the unique Korean coffee pouches and snacks, but be prepared for higher prices.
📍 Utilize the Info Desk
Need to find your way around campus? The information desk is a great resource.
🚗 Parking for Events
For campus events, follow Purdue's recommendations for parking, often in designated lots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Purdue Memorial Union is lauded as an exceptional venue for weddings and events, praised for its beautiful ballrooms, convenient attached hotel, and excellent service. Guests appreciate the aesthetic and the comprehensive event planning support. However, some find the food and service fees to be on the pricier side.
"My husband's family is local to West Lafayette and there are a couple generations of Purdue alums in the family. Choosing a wedding venue was fairly easy with the Purdue Memorial Union! What an incredible venue for hosting a wedding: there is an attached hotel, the incredible 8Eleven restaurant, and a couple beautiful ballrooms.
We started working with Kyla Westall about a year ago to plan out our three-day wedding weekend. We chose a summer date, which was lovely in terms of weather, but we did have our ceremony in the North Ballroom and the reception in the South Ballroom. We hosted the rehearsal dinner at 8Eleven, and then hosted a day-after brunch in the West/East Faculty Lounge. All wedding event locations were accessible and connected to The Union Club hotel. The hospitality was incredible. From the hotel staff to the catering staff to the event planners, everyone was incredibly helpful and gave us 10/10 service.
Many guests came from out of town, and most we're incredibly thankful for all events being connected to the hotel and additionally, loved the beautiful aesthetic through-out the Union. We were so pleased how everything turned out.
The food and 24% service fees were a bit pricey for the entire wedding weekend, but I was able to work with Purdue to discount room rentals to make the weekend more affordable and doable for us. I very much appreciate them working with us! Really great service every step of the way.
Photos are taken by the talent Chloe Luka Photography"
Hannah von Oldenburg
"Lots of great food, coffee and academic spaces in the union! Also an information desk if you need to find something around campus. Very useful"
Glen Morris
"This is the hu. For the campus, the hotel on the campus is there, 811 which is a very nice restaurant, a classy bar, downstairs are a bunch of restaurants and a bowling alley, with outside seating as well."
Michael St. Denis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Purdue Memorial Union is centrally located on the Purdue University campus in West Lafayette. If driving, follow campus signage for parking. For open house events, Purdue recommends parking in designated campus lots like Grant Street Parking Garage.
Yes, there are parking options available near the Purdue Memorial Union, particularly for those attending events or staying at The Union Club Hotel. Check campus parking guidelines for specific event days.
Public transportation options may be available in West Lafayette. It's advisable to check local transit schedules for routes that serve the Purdue University campus.
The Purdue Memorial Union is a central point. For navigating the wider campus, utilize the information desk within the Union for maps and directions.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft typically operate in the West Lafayette area and can drop you off at or near the Purdue Memorial Union.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general entry into the Purdue Memorial Union is typically free and open to the public. Specific events held within the Union may require tickets.
Operating hours can vary for different sections of the Union, including shops and restaurants. The main building is generally accessible, but it's best to check specific hours for dining or retail establishments.
Yes, Purdue Memorial Union offers reservations for events, particularly weddings and conferences. Contact their events team well in advance for availability and details.
There is no admission fee to enter the hotel lobby or restaurants. However, you will need to book a room at The Union Club Hotel or pay for dining at establishments like 8Eleven.
Information about upcoming events at Purdue Memorial Union can often be found on the Purdue University website or through their social media channels.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Union offers a variety of dining options, including the upscale 8Eleven restaurant, a bowling alley with outdoor seating, and various cafes and grab-and-go spots.
Yes, the Union has coffee options, and the Cube Market offers unique Korean coffee pouches that are quite popular.
Purdue Memorial Union provides catering services for events hosted within its facilities, known for their quality and extensive options.
While some dining can be pricey, the Union often has more casual eateries and grab-and-go options that can be more budget-friendly.
8Eleven is known for its sophisticated dining experience, often featuring American cuisine with a modern twist. It's a great spot for rehearsal dinners.
📸 📸 Photography
The Union's elegant ballrooms, historic architecture, and the attached Union Club Hotel provide beautiful backdrops for photos, especially for events.
Yes, visitors are generally welcome to take photos inside the public areas of the Purdue Memorial Union. For professional photoshoots or events, specific permissions might be required.
While general photography is allowed, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other guests and private events. For commercial photography, inquire with Union management.
The Union's grandeur makes it ideal for wedding photography, engagement shoots, and capturing memorable moments during university events.
Searching social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok for #PurdueMemorialUnion can provide great visual inspiration for photo spots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💍 Couples Planning a Wedding
🎓 Visiting Scholars & Prospective Students
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Event Planning at the Union
Planners can work with dedicated staff to coordinate catering, room setups, and other essential details. While the service and aesthetic are highly praised, guests should be aware that the food and service fees can be a bit pricey. However, there's often flexibility in negotiating room rentals to help manage the overall budget.
From rehearsal dinners at the chic 8Eleven restaurant to day-after brunches in faculty lounges, the Union provides diverse options for a complete wedding weekend. The remodel has also beautifully preserved historical elements, like the tribute to the Sweet Shop, adding a unique charm.
Exploring Campus Life and Retail
A notable spot within the Union is the Cube Market, a small store offering a selection of Asian snacks and beverages, including popular Korean coffee pouches. While charming and fun to explore, visitors note that prices can be on the higher side.
The Union also houses various academic spaces and dining facilities, making it a functional and engaging part of the university experience for students and visitors alike.
The Union Club Hotel Experience
Reviews highlight the hotel's excellent hospitality, with staff being incredibly helpful and accommodating. This makes it an ideal choice for wedding guests or anyone visiting Purdue for an extended period.
The aesthetic throughout the Union, including the hotel, is often praised, contributing to a pleasant and memorable stay.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit