Back To Home. A great option for us and our wedding! Katherine was very easy to work with--she was responsive and helpful and very accommodating. Its always great to receive a word-of-mouth referral. This awesome wedding venue is on the University of Connecticut Avery Point campus in Groton, Connecticut just minutes from Mystic and I-95. Big thanks to Catering by Christine, Flowers from the Farm - Schulze Farm and Mike Orzell as the second photographer for all their great work! We chose the Branford House because if it rained, we'd still have a stunning facility. Get creative with draping and decor to create distinctive spaces for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and the dance floor! i saw a bride do one and it just didn't flow. The layout of the space is a little challenging to work with, especially for our chilly wedding day, which kept our 100 guests largely inside. The venue is absolutely beautiful - three stone fireplaces (one for each room! The outside and the inside of this venue are amazing! Larger wedding ceremonies take place on the lawn behind the mansion, looking towards Long Island Sound. Events can also be held in the garden venue, adjacent to the bluestone patio with oceanside views.Services OfferedThe Branford House Mansion provides a personal event planner to ensure that the wedding is a stress-free experience for couples. Read on for more Branford House wedding details and photos. The Grand Ballroom and East and West Wing rooms can accommodate up to 200 guests. 5.0. This flexibility allowed us to have exactly the wedding we wanted. Branford House. Connecticut is home to a list of notable vineyards, and Chamard in Clinton is one of the best. By clicking 'Send', I agree to WeddingWires Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. So, you know the wine will never run out! A quintessential winter wedding is cozy, warm (on the inside), and hopefully embraced by an enjoyable amount of snow. If it wasn't for the liquor caterer, this would be a 5 star venue! It fit our 110 guests with no problem and with tons of room to spare! who know the space and you wont have any issues. This beauty is located in the heart of downtown Fairfield right across from the train station. 37 reviews of The Crate Escape "I'm not that picky, but my dog is. had all the best things: a thoughtful + sweet getting ready time, a quintessential, new england church service + a historical venue with ocean views. Katherine, the venue manager, was very responsive and helpful through the planning process. is so large, it still had a close, romantic feel to it. Keep in mind that youre technically on one of UConns campuses, which helps with accessibility. What a perfect mid September day for a Branford House wedding! brilliant b/c guests mentioned they could still see the action when enjoying drinks outside and the cigars we put out :) the mansion speaks for itself. Parking is plentiful. The venue and venue coordinator are amazing! Jubilee's Top 10 Winter Wedding Venues in Connecticut! Then we used the west wing for the dance floor and the east wing for the buffet and dessert tables. Its an absolute dream to get married at a venue like this, and we were lucky enough to get to help one special bride find her dream wedding gown for her Branford House wedding. My guests left happy and all had an opportunity to get plenty of drinks. A winter wedding at The Branford House at Avery Point UCONN in Groton CT where the Winters get married? A wedding in our impressive European Country Manor will reflect your personal vision. The Warner House at 265 Pine Orchard . If you're looking for waterfront Wedding . For example, your guests could have plenty of room to spread out during cocktail hour or after dinner. We We got married outside on the back lawn of the Branford House at the Uconn Avery Point campus, with our reception to follow inside. Nothing felt cramped, but at the same time it was very cozy. So, first things first: Branford House was built in 1903 by Morton Freeman Plant. ng. Ballroom, Beach, Waterfront, Estate, Garden, Historic Venue, Tented, Food & Catering, Rentals & Equipment, Tents. We did the ceremony outside with the dancing under a tent on the patio and the meals inside which was terrific. The painting was stolen from the Ward family's Indianapolis, Indiana, home in the mid-1950s, and his descendants seek its return. Kind of annoying about the specific rules. The Branford House. Paulie, is a 45 pound tornado of mischievous mutt. It was a Saturday in October, as most weddings are. Winter may secretly be our favorite season for the perfect venue setting! Everything else can truly be customized at the venue making it work this minor inconvenience. The mansions second floor contains an art gallery and small seating area. The lower level of the house is home to a catering kitchen for your vendors to use. Staff is very under developed from lack of training I expect. From the timeless ballrooms to the exceptional cuisine, this manor is an ideal location for an event to remember. There were multiple points in the evening when the bar refused to serve our guests; they told guests that they wouldn't serve drinks while speeches were being made, but the very reason our guests were at the bar were to acquire drinks to participate in toasts. the biggest tip i can give is don't overdo it! This venue is absolutely beautiful, and the ocean-side views are amazing is you are so lucky to have the weather cooperate for you to have your wedding outdoors on the law After tons of research I stumbled upon this hidden gem in CT! It seemed to work fine for us as we used one room for the dance floor and band and the other two for our tables. The price of the venue has gone up slightly but is still pretty reasonable relative to other options. Speaking of being outside, the waterscape views of Long Island Sound are epic. Overall would absolutely recommend the Branford House - you and your guests will without question have a day that you will never forget. Available for Rent. I cant wait to see our professional pictures! we paid for EVERYTHING ourselves so we had to watch our $$. This venue has four rooms within the mansion, suitable for hosting 85- 100 guests if you were to have your cocktail hour in the grand foyer. Brian + Manu Branford House Groton CT Wedding DJ, Uplighting & Photobooth Brian and Manu had multiple weddings starting with a large one in India. The Branford House at UConn Avery Point was built in the 19th century, modeled after the famous Newport mansions, and offers an elegant location on the Connecticut shore that creates the ideal atmosphere for a memorable event. I think they do over 20 weddings there a year! They do an excellent job, but they have a preset selection for beer and wine, and you need to pay extra if you want to add any additional beers and wines. THE BRANFORD HOUSEGroton, CT. David Alan Hospitality Group is a preferred caterer at the Branford House. The wedding coordinator was always very responsive and easy to work with. However, they swiftly broke it down after cocktail hour. d it but only for the couple who wants to and has the time to find separate catering etc because nothing is really included in the price besides table and chairs. When it came to the wedding day, the staff was oddly strict about how drinks were served. The space itself has stunning ocean views, making for a perfect seaside wedding aesthetic in Connecticut. The mansion, which has panoramic views of Fishers Island and Long Island Sound, was designed by Plant's wife Nellie, who had . They moved out in 1967, leaving the land to the state, which allowed UConn to establish its campus there. Branford House Wedding Tips. The Washington, D.C.-based duo opted for a wintry black-tie wedding harkening back to the grand affairs that transpired in their wedding venue's heyday. We used the other smaller room (near the portico) for our dance floor and it all flowed well. Oh, and dont forget to choose your caterer. d looking out at the sound. Claim Your Profile. I have only seen a few pictures from my wedding so far as it was almost only 3 weeks ago but they are amazing thanks to this beautiful property inside and out! So if you're heart is set on a seated, plated dinner, this is probably not the best venue, unless you do the tent. If you get a good day as far as weather, which we did, it makes for the most gorgeous and relaxing wedding experience you can imagine. The staff is very knowledgeable and was very helpful. A picturesque cocktail hour and reception meal can be held on the stone patio and adjacent grass, perfect for those who have envisioned a waterfront mansion wedding. They also allow you to bring in any caterer you'd like, which is also hard to find. View This Issue. @oldemillinn @grainhouserestaurant" If a waterfront wedding day complete with a mansion is one of your goals, you really cant go wrong here. Yes PLEASE! Our guests were completely wowed. Contact Branford House Mansion in Groton, with weddings starting at $4,884 for 50 guests. There was a slight chill in the air, because summer had put its' warm self down for a rest until next year, yet the sun still cast a glow around . The house has everything you could hope for, from a great kitchen for the catering staff to a beautiful room for the bridal party to get dressed in, and the fireplaces are stunning. It has old world charm with amazing architecture and beautiful fireplaces. Groton, CT. . The only reason I give this place four stars instead of 5 is because the bathrooms are hideous (think public school bathroom) and the venue manager, Katherine, can be pretty tough to get in a hold of. While summer is just around the corner, in our industry we are already working six months ahead! decided to go for a winter wonderland wedding and, even if it was freezing cold outside (think arctic cold, to get a feel of . Outside vendors are welcome at the Branford House, allowing you to choose the flowers, caterer, and music that best fit your vision for the day. This space is perfect for an intimate winter wedding celebration, offering space for 30 50 guests! Modeled after the famous Newport mansions, it was named after Plant's hometown of Branford, Conn. 18. The house is so elegant and beautiful it needed little decoration. See more ideas about branford, house, wedding. You do need to hire UCONN for bar services and we did have a few issues working with them but that really isn't a reflection of the venue itself or of the venue coordinator. king! Cocktail hour, speeches and first dance all on the long patio, dinner seated all in the main central room with the two story fireplace, dancing in the side room next to the outdoor bar and a quieter room to keep couches, dessert/coffee to escape all the adventures. our cocktail hour and a half started at 5pm. The state bought it for about $50,000; it cost $3 million to build. A winter Branford House wedding in Groton, Connecticut. Call . Though there are ceremony options outdoors, in the event of a normally brisk day, youll want something to warm your bones. The Branford House Mansion comfortable accommodates for parties of no more than 200 guests. A tent can also be set up on the grass, offering shelter from the weather while still allowing you to enjoy the stunning waterfront views. The three of us had a small world moment when I told Kristin and Rob that Marie married my wife and me. So, whats the relationship between Branford House and the University of Connecticut? That window of time was too close for comfort, and we ended up scheduling our rehearsal at a separate venue to make everything work logistically. Winter in Connecticut is as cold as it is beautiful! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Please complete a request for wedding information or call (845) 256-2053 to discuss . The rest of the night was beautiful and their guests enjoyed the ocean view out on the patio as the sunset. ). This is especially pleasant when its from another wedding vendor. The inside is so gorgeous that you can go really light on decor and it will still looks amazi We got married in off season and the venue was PERFECT! Winter Wedding at The Branford House Mansion | Liane & Alex. One last item of note, if you are going to have your wedding at the Branford House, make sure you get a good photographer. Romantic Branford House Wedding in Groton, CT. The only downside is you much use UConn catering for the bar. When we got engaged, I knew we needed to get married there! The venue is so beautiful it is nice to be able to use as much of the space as possible which we felt like we were able to do. was wonderful to work with and answered all of my questions promptly. On the Marc curates the incredible menu for your guests, whether it be 250 for a sit-down or up to 650 for a casual celebration. This venue offers services for wedding ceremonies, receptions, engagement parties, bridal parties, and rehearsal dinners. Inside and outside, it is clean and beautiful. I liked that the couple followed this fun wedding tradition giving their guests one more reason to smile and joke. TAGS. It was excellent having a longer reception time for even more fun since the day flies by so fast. Beautiful place to get married with wonderful staff. Our owner and fearless leader, Beth Chapman, styled Liane for her wedding day and provided with day-of dressing services. Just outside the West Room is another smaller, brick patio. You have to pay to use their wooden chairs if you decide that you'd rather use those instead of the free plastic ones. Rachel Girouard Photography has been documenting love and creating timeless memories since she picked up a camera. Click below to read more about my offerings or to head directly over to my contact page. As youll see in the Branford House wedding photos later, this venue should definitely be at the top of your list. Katherine was great to work with from start to finish. There are plenty of bathrooms, a full kitchen for your caterer to use, high ceilings, and plenty of space for guests. Its set in the northwest corner of the state, quiet and serene and so well manicured you will wish you actually lived here. We used UCONN catering and guests STILL talk about how good the food was. In addition to the beautiful architecture, the reason youd probably want an wedding at Branford House is to get outside. Sign up to get my free wedding planning tips and ideas: Named One of The Top 20 Wedding Photographers in New York, One of the top 30 rising stars in wedding photography, Top 10 Bride & Groom Photos of the Year, Top 5 Wedding Photographer in The World, Winter 2012 Contest, Ranked 2nd Best Wedding Photographer In The World, Summer 2011. of the ocean and gives you various options for ceremony and picture spots. it's historical, it's going nowhere. We hired shuttles (DATTCO) from the hotel (Hampton Inn Groton) we and a majority of our guests were staying at and it worked out great. All of that being said, Branford House was incredibly affordable and saved us a ton of money when it came to our wedding budget. Plan your wedding wherever and whenever you want on the WeddingWire App. And Dayne, a pianist having performed at hundreds of events at the Branford House previously, finally had the opportunity to sit and play for his wife. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 23, 1984. we got our $$ worth by having a caterer who didn't rip us off and having the mansion until 12:30am. The Common Man Inn & Restaurant in Claremont would be honored to plan and host your special day. The amphitheater at Harkness Park is one of couples' favorites places to take wedding pictures in Connecticut. and couldn't wait for her and Alan to get married! Jonathan Edwards is best known for its lush vineyard overlooking the idyllic Sperry Tent. It's a great idea for a high-ceilinged room as it makes the space feel so much cosier. no one cares. Thank you to Bethany and our vendors for making it such an incredible day! Then reach out to their staff today! Branford House. Indoor use of furniture is included, but extra and/or outdoor use of furniture costs extra. The state bought it for about $50,000; it cost $3 million to build. The historical society maintains the house, located at 124 Main St., as its headquarters. Alex and liane had a brisk winter day as the setting for their long awaited wedding. The Branford House is SPECTACULARLY BEAUTIFUL. Branford House Wedding. One of my favorite moments in the reception was the removal and toss of the garter, with the groom looking utterly confident and the bridewell, slightly embarrassed. And dayne, a pianist having performed at hundreds of events at the branford house previously, finally had the opportunity to sit and play for his wife. If youre interested in viewing our selection and renting a gorgeous fur stole for your wedding, click here for more information! Shane's family lives near UConn (the Branford House is on UConn campus) so it was a great location to not have them travel very far. nly receive the location, tables, and cheap chairs. 14. We had an outdoor ceremony overlooking the water and an indoor reception. Katie & Steve's Beach Engagement Session at Napatree Point. This ballroom-type area is super unique and fancy. The most amazing wedding venue! Imagine the sprawling lawn settled with snow around you! A beautiful venue that many people do not know about we would absolutely recommend! Whether you're looking to learn something new, solve a . There are several rooms including the Gallery, Ballroom, Sanctuary, and arcade, all with their own aesthetic to offer guests a distinctive, yet cohesive experience throughout your event. The reception was held at the Branford House, also in Groton. With close proximity to accommodations and attractions, like historic Mystic Seaport, Foxwoods, and Mohegan Sun casinos. This venue is beautiful and very reasonably priced! (Although you do have to bring in all your own vendors, which can add up). they know the electrical outlets, how to do lighting, where to do the first dances, how to maneuver the kitchen downstairs and how to make flowers flow. Ladybug Designs Wedding and Event Florals, History Around the Corner: UConn-Avery Point campus turns half a century old,, Outdoor/indoor, waterfront historic mansion, three lighthouses on view, As its owned by the State of Connecticut, Branford Houses staff are generally UConn employees, One of the better mansion wedding venues in the state, it offers year-round weddings, with outdoor covered and outdoor open-air ceremony options, The property is suitable for small and big weddings, with a maximum of about 500 people (thats not a typo; Bethany Lagenbach, Branford Houses event space manager, let me know that theyve hosted that many guests for an all-outdoor wedding in the past), If youre open to an outdoor dance floor (the venue has two sizable, paved patios), then 200 guests can fit inside for a Branford House wedding reception, Reasonably speaking, a little under 200 guests can be seated inside the mansions first floor for a Branford House wedding reception (its a good idea to speak with your, Choose your own caterer, subject to the venues rules, This includes a tasting for the two of you to check things out before you decide on food, Current policy dictates that youre locked into UConns Department of Dining Services for your bar/alcohol service, Since Branford House is on Connecticut state property, the public is technically allowed to be on the wedding venue grounds (but not in the mansion), Regarding overnight accommodations, there are several hotels in Groton, Connecticut that would probably require some Uber rides (and dont forget nearby, Branford House isnt technically in Mystic, its located in Groton (downtown Mystic is 15 minutes away, Stonington Borough is 20 minutes away), Lovers of small-band live music will love Branford House; this wedding venue is conducive to musicians and even has a piano on hand, Despite how glamorous your Branford House wedding can be, its actually an. Embrace Fireplaces. When we first saw the Branford House we fell in love with its beautiful views of the ocean, lovely stonework and amazing ornate wood filled rooms. The house itself is relatively inexpensive but they do require you to contract UConn Bar for alcohol which can drive up the price a bit. Next is the East Room, which is just about 850 square feet. The only minor inconvenience was the bar. I knew from the first moment I saw the Branford House from the Block Island Ferry that I wanted to have my wedding there. . Though it rained on their wedding day, Kristin and Rob had a great time with each other and their guests. every nook we could find and it looked romantic and accented the natural beauty vs. changing it into some trendy theme. Required fields are marked *. In my opinion, the best thing about Branford House is that they let you hire the caterer of your choice - a huge cost savings! Images by wedding photographer Rachel Black of Rowanberry + Lavender. Would we have chosen to use them? Get cozy and read on to some of Connecticut's greatest Winter wedding venues! Rachel is an experienced and passionate Connecticut wedding photographer, who especially loves an elegant beach wedding. If you use the house properly then you can really create such an intimate and exquisite wedding. The mansion's stately entryway and grand oak staircase offer memorable backgrounds for wedding photography. to the fact that it is an old mansion, be prepared that there are three separate rooms to have your guests in, which some people are bothered by. For an indoor gathering, you can choose between the Grand Ballroom and East and West Wing rooms. Off. Allison & Curtis' Branford House Wedding Wedding . The Blanford House- Wedding venue and much more. Learn how your comment data is processed. I think this venue truly is a hidden gem in CT and such a timeless location for a wedding. She was stunningand quirky as hell and I loved her! Your email address will not be published. The woodwork is incredibly intricate too, which makes for exceptional photo opportunities. Below is a list of some great and best waterfront wedding venues in CT. 1. We were lucky enough to have our ceremony on the lawn , cocktail hour on the patio during sunset, dinner in the main room and a band/dancing setup in the wing. The Branford House was absolutely beautiful and we were able to get ready on site, making it a very smooth day. What youll see here is a real example of how the mansion wedding venue idea can play out. Definitely recommend! The woodwork is incredibly intricate too, which makes for exceptional photo opportunities. Traditionally, ceremonies are held outdoors. The Warehouse at FTC is particularly hearty in size, granting the opportunity for gatherings large and small. Its easy to want to stay cozy in any of these rooms, especially once you see the bathtubs some of them boast. The Branford House is VERY beautiful and has an amazing location. The property around the house was just perfect for our outdoor ceremony and all of our our pictures. It was built at a cost of three million dollars in 1903 when Groton Savings Bank at the time had $312,738.39. Although they provided excellent service, it did add on quite a bit to our budget. We had a beautiful Friday evening summer wedding, and our guests were absolutely floored. From our elegant Sugar River Ballroom, to our intimate Woven Label room to our outdoor, riverside Sullivan Green, we have many spaces to create the day of your dreams. In addition to many of images youve already seen throughout this post, here are some more of my favorite photos from Kristin and Robs beautiful Branford House wedding. So beware- if you pay for a champagne toast they may change the plan and not tell you. Branford House Wedding. Just behind the mansion is a long patio which is great for mingling or even dancing. Share with your guests to collect your wedding photos. of the mansion (compared to surrounding places) we were able to stay within budget. *Chefs kiss*. A picturesque cocktail hour and reception meal . Unfortunately everything else about this v Branford House was the venue of my dreams! The setting is outstanding and Katherine is wonderful! enue is a problem. I requested one bar to be outside the entire night since I wanted to encourage people to move inside and outside of the venue throughout the night. One of our favorite Connecticut wedding venues is the Branford House in Groton. While winter drags its feet and keeps Connecticut residents bundled in coats and blankets, the Nutmeg State has plenty of authors penning new books to keep you distracted.. The venue is BEAUTIFUL! It flowed perfectly and the venue was the perfect size for our 135 person wedding. Located in Groton, CT, The Branford House is an elegant mansion wedding venue. My wife went to where to start oh Gosh. It was somewhat pricey to rent, but it was worth every penny. Because they kitchen is in the basement, they said it was very challenging. A mixture of natural wood farm tables and plum dressed tables held a colorful array of . Harlakenden sat on a bluff overlooking the Connecticut River. Acclaimed African-American painted John W. Hardrick painted this life-size portrait of Wilson native Dr. Joseph H. Ward circa 1932. Greg Niebanck and Linzy Martinelli were wed on September 24, 2021 in the Groton Congregational Church in Groton, CT. As couples and their wedding party draw nearer, its architectural brick beauty becomes clearer. Learn more here. Liane wore a gorgeous silk crepe Hayley Paige wedding gown. Enjoy the panoramic views of Long Island Sound from Eolia, the elegant summer mansion of the Harkness family set on over 230 seaside acres of sweeping lawns, with stately trees and spectacular gardens. Another interesting fact is that a Cartier store now resides in Mortons former New York City mansion on Fifth Avenue. We lucked out with the best weather and were able to have our ceremony outside on the lawn. They were troopers and made it through the 15-minute ceremony - AND THEN IT STOPPED RAINING. Parking can be a bit tight.