HUGE! Venues - Catering by Christine This is such a stunning site for a wedding. 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 architecture and detail of this mansion are breathtaking! 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. With panoramic ocean views, impressive stonework, amazing fireplaces and hand-carved wooden walls and ceilings, this majestic mansion has an old world charm to it that perfectly complemented their wedding. The Lake House. Features included panoramic views of Fishers Island and Long Island Sound, its two-story fireplace, a winding staircase of imported Italian marble, and paneled walls carved by Italian and German . Your email address will not be published. I researched and visited tons of different venues and the moment I walked inside I knew it was the perfect place. Keep in mind that youre technically on one of UConns campuses, which helps with accessibility. Although it was more expensive for our May wedding, it was well worth it for such a beautiful and memorable place. hence my beach theme going out the window. Branford House was built in 1902 for Morton Freeman Plant, a local financier and philanthropist, as his summer home; he named it after his hometown of Branford, Connecticut. you don't need to splurge on flowers or heavy decorations. Anything else is an additional cost (such as nicer chairs, adding a tent, etc). Dr. Ward poses for a portrait. | Black Wide-Awake The Branford Mansion's official Web Site is averypoint.uconn.edu/branford . We had a total of 85 guests attend our wedding which allowed for an indoor/outdoor event with no tents. In my opinion, the best thing about Branford House is that they let you hire the caterer of your choice - a huge cost savings! Mark Clifton: Always Prepared to Help, Scout's Honor. We had about 75 people, and the tables were tight in the main room, so 75 was a good number. Owner, Operator, Enterpreneur, Adventurer, Chris Ragozzino, has created a great place for dogs of all sizes and breeds. Simply K Studios Weddings at The Branford House Recent Work Simply K We had an outdoor ceremony overlooking the water and an indoor reception. THE BRANFORD HOUSE 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 . 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 you're looking for waterfront Wedding . enue is a problem. had so many complements from our guests! It can truly not be beat! 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. The historical society maintains the house, located at 124 Main St., as its headquarters. BRANFORD While some saw the enormous stone house as a historic treasure in the center of Pine Orchard, others said they were happy to see it torn down. Get cozy and read on to some of Connecticut's greatest Winter wedding venues! See more ideas about branford, wedding, house. However, I really did not have any issues with the venue itself. I have no idea what the room closest to the office is, as I just attended a wedding there- so looking AT branford house, from the driveway, the room all the way to the left was where the candy buffet and food was, the middle room had the tables and the last room was for the ceremony and then for the DJ and Dancing. 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. Unfortunately everything else about this v Branford House was the venue of my dreams! East Haven Ready for Winter Storm North Branford Breaks Ground on Long-Awaited New Police Facility . Set in North Stonington, its a short drive away to all of Mystics boutique hotels and Bed and Breakfasts, allowing you to make it a full weekend getaway! Woodwinds | Reception Venues - The Knot Imagine the sprawling lawn settled with snow around you! 274 reviews of The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark "Grand opening and as you would expect some operational flaws. Food is a bit pricey for the quality and service. The photos were exceptional; there were so many photo opportunities that it hard to narrow down our options to favorites. These areas of the mansion are reminiscent of the old-school stylings of Lion Rock Farm in the opposite corner of the state. So beware- if you pay for a champagne toast they may change the plan and not tell you. 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. jubilee events is a NEW ENGLAND wedding planner studio based out of Connecticut. our cocktail hour and a half started at 5pm. While planning your wedding, here are some Branford House financial factors to consider: Despite how glamorous your Branford House wedding can be, it's actually an affordable CT wedding venue. The Branford House Mansion is a stunning building that captivates attention from afar. I do recommend calling her with most needs and then following up with an email if it is urgent and you are unable to get in touch. It is a unique venue if your looking for something more than your typical ballroom. Bethany & Bailey were fabulous to work with! However, one frustration I did have was getting a response from the venue coordinator. The inside is just as beautiful as the outside and all our guests were so impressed with the location which is right on long island sound. Branford House Wedding | Regan & Dayne Cora Jane Photography 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. The Branford House is SPECTACULARLY BEAUTIFUL. WoodWinds is an esteemed wedding venue located in Branford, CT. A much sought-after location, this luxurious estate presents couples with an elegant setting for their special day. I loved how tables and chairs were included in the price and the house was your all day (we were there for about 13 hours from set up to take down Branford House Mansion helped create the wedding of my dreams. Although they provided excellent service, it did add on quite a bit to our budget. They have a requirement that you hire UConn Catering for any alcohol, and their service is very overpriced and lacking in selection. The inside boasts three separate yet all ornately elegant rooms, so its easy to host your ceremony and reception with a more intimate guest count. All of that being said, Branford House was incredibly affordable and saved us a ton of money when it came to our wedding budget. One thing to stress here is this: the Branford House backyard is huge. The Common Man Inn & Restaurant in Claremont would be honored to plan and host your special day. The Branford House was absolutely beautiful and we were able to get ready on site, making it a very smooth day. 6 Places That Became a Summer White House This boutique hotel is equipped with a healthy list of hotel rooms ranging in all sizes and styles. Wedding Photography & Film on Instagram: "Winter wonderland wedding at The staff actually did some decorating for us ahead of time which was very nice of them. Required fields are marked *. Branford House Mansion Reviews - Groton, CT - 55 Reviews - WeddingWire despite negative feedback, Katherine the manager, did return my calls and was extremely helpful with suggestions that other brides have done. Instead of having just the 1 hour cocktail hour on the patio, think about extending cocktail hour and doing intros and dances out there before heading inside for dinner. A winter wedding at The Branford House at Avery Point UCONN in Groton CT where the Winters get married? Additionally, we received rental of the house for the whole day, and were allowed to bring in any vendors we wished. Also, if you decide that you wish to use the lawn (say you want to do a big tent on the grounds) there is another charge for that. Victoria and Jack had less than this, but it felt like a perfect party energy. Check out this years best local pros, chosen by couples like you. The complete look was incredibly sophisticated and luxurious, which was exactly what she Liane was going for. We had our wedding reception at the Branford House in November 2022, and it was absolutely stunning!! Lord Thompson Manor is no exception as it provides its couples with multiple locations for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and dancing as the evening wears on. The rest of the night was beautiful and their guests enjoyed the ocean view out on the patio as the sunset. However, they swiftly broke it down after cocktail hour. A Detailed Look at Avery Point's Branford House - UConn Today Realistically, this venue can really only comfortably accommodate weddings up to 100 people, any more than this and it's tight and challenging. Embrace the Season. 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. The Gray Barns is just as much known for their culinary components as they are for the thoughtfully curated accommodations they offer. These two have a bond like no other, Dylan's larger than life personality a. The mansion's stately entryway and grand oak staircase offer memorable backgrounds for wedding photography. 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. Equipped to host up to 200 guests, there are separate spaces for your cocktail hour and reception with plenty of churches or unique venues (check out the Old State House here) to host your ceremony! This is especially pleasant when its from another wedding vendor. The woodwork is incredibly intricate too, which makes for exceptional photo opportunities. I highly recommend working with a coordinator and a caterer who are familiar with the BH due to its crazy layout and kitchen situation. As youll see in the linked floor plan, the L-shaped Main Room is about 1000 square feet. every nook we could find and it looked romantic and accented the natural beauty vs. changing it into some trendy theme. Should you opt to celebrate with a few more loved ones (around 100), then one room is perfect for cocktail hour and dancing while the other two comfortably seat your guest tables! . Everything went very smoothly and she had great recommendations for vendors! Weddings - The Common Man Inn This was a super special experience for both Beth and Liane! Located on the Connecticut shoreline, the venue offers panoramic ocean views, sprawling grounds, and elegant event space, making it the ideal setting for every couple's wedding day. The Branford House Mansion is the perfect location for couples and their guests' special day.Facilities and CapacityFrom the outside, amidst a sea of green spaces and clear skies, the main building stands out. Plus, there are plenty of venues throughout Connecticut to host your day! Romantic Branford House Wedding in Groton, CT. the biggest tip i can give is don't overdo it! Branford House was originally a 31-room mansion that rivaled those found in Newport. However, the Branford House is incredibly difficult to work with, and the complaints I have are not unique to me; I've seen other brides complain of Branford House's inflexibility, and it's something that I would encourage any bride to seriously consider before booking. 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. We loved the intricacy of the interior and the wood work. 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. The three of us had a small world moment when I told Kristin and Rob that Marie married my wife and me. Beyond the bar, Branford House was inflexible when it came to scheduling our rehearsal time. The Branford House was an absolutely stunning venue that wowed our guests and absolutely exceeded our vision! The staff is very knowledgeable and was very helpful. What youll see here is a real example of how the mansion wedding venue idea can play out. Branford House - University of Connecticut | Reception Venues Groton, CT. . The guests loved it and most importantly so did we!! Bethany [email protected]. If you want to feel like royalty, this place will do just that. This classic + traditional wedding. Take advantage of this space during your wedding! It was a Saturday in October, as most weddings are. The interior of Branford House consists of three rooms (PDF warning) on the first floor. The architectural details really shine and cannot be found at typical wedding venues. We love a venue thats easy to get to, and travel to and from this one is a cinch! September 7, 2018 by keith. Branford House Mansion - Venue - Groton, CT - WeddingWire The reception was held at the Branford House, also in Groton. 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. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in CT at one of these Irish pubs 50 Winter Wedding Ideas for a Magical Day - hitched.co.uk The only thing provided is chairs and tables. Woodrow Wilson spent several weeks in the summers of 1913 through 1915 at Harlakenden, a country estate in Cornish, N.H. Wilson leased his summer White House from Winston Churchill - the American Winston Churchill, a writer who lost a race for governor of New Hampshire in 1906. Bridget and Thomas, a radiant and very chic couple, decided to go for a winter wonderland wedding and, even if it was freezing cold outside (think Arctic cold, to get a feel of it), they did not really seem to mind. It was gorgeous and so many of our guests commented on what an amazing venue it was. Enjoy an intimate number of guests or up to 150+ for your celebration. Styling and Day of Wedding Dressing Service: Beth Chapman Styling, 104 E Main Street This venue is located right downtown in Stamford, exceptionally close to hotels and other festivities to enjoy! Sep 9, 2017 - Explore A Thyme to Cook's board "Branford House Weddings", followed by 326 people on Pinterest. As youll see in the Branford House wedding photos later, this venue should definitely be at the top of your list. 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. A wedding in our impressive European Country Manor will reflect your personal vision. i'm sorry but it's a castle.. built in 1901 with gigantic marble fireplaces and wood walls carved by Italian artisans. Their tearful ceremony took place on the Branford House lawn overlooking the water with the breathtaking mansion in the background. WoodWinds was bought by award-winning chef Antonio . 1084 Shennecossett Rd, Groton, Connecticut 6340. visit their website. We had our wedding here in July, the ceremony was outside and the scenery is absolutely amazing. When we drove up to the Branford House, we knew right away it was the perfect location for our special day. Nothing felt cramped, but at the same time it was very cozy. Branford House Weddings | Brave Hearts Photography Images by wedding photographer Rachel Black of Rowanberry + Lavender. The amphitheater at Harkness Park is one of couples' favorites places to take wedding pictures in Connecticut. The Branford House Mansion is a historic mansion and wedding venue on the Avery Point Campus of the University of Connecticut in Groton, Connecticut. Overall would absolutely recommend the Branford House - you and your guests will without question have a day that you will never forget. The Branford House at Avery Point | Groton, Connecticut - YouTube Just outside the West Room is another smaller, brick patio. The day was magical! From the minute john and i met joe, we knew . . 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. They allowed me to customize the premium bar package to include additional brands of liquor and beer which was appreciated. Some other options that couples can avail of at The Branford House Mansion include: Wedding of our dreams at the Branford House! . The street address of UConn Avery Point is 1084 Shennocossett Road, Groton, CT 06340 USA. Despite breaking down the outside bar, they were easy to work with before the wedding day and I really didn't have any issues organizing the bar services. UConn can provide tent service, too, for additional fees. . They were troopers and made it through the 15-minute ceremony - AND THEN IT STOPPED RAINING. My family and guests were raving about the venue as well which makes me feel like I pulled off the best wedding most of my guests have ever been to! We had a wonderful winter wedding here and walking down the staircase to get married in front of the main fireplace was like something out of a fairytale. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our use of cookies. One of our favorite parts about helping brides prepare for winter weddings is helping keep them warm and stylish! It is a historic venue so you need to keep that in mind when booking as other br My husband and I got married at Branford House in April of 2022. The venue does absolutely nothing for you, except provide a person to be on hand to have the place open, direct traffic and close the place up at the end. The house, the lawn, the water view, the wrap around patio - everything at the Branford House is picturesque. 5.0. Hotels near Branford House include Hilton Garden Inn Mystic/Groton, Hilton Mystic, Holiday Inn Express Mystic-Groton, Mystic Marriott, and Inn at Mystic. One last item of note, if you are going to have your wedding at the Branford House, make sure you get a good photographer. With keeping our guest list to right around 100 people we were able to work with the space, having the guests eat in the center ballroom, dancing in the West Room and Food Service Stations in the East Room. It is a beautiful venue with breathtaking views and can fit over 100 gu Branford House was an absolutely beautiful venue that was perfect for our ceremony and reception. But they were very nice to work with and did an excellent job. Rachel Girouard Photography has been documenting love and creating timeless memories since she picked up a camera. Lastly is the West Room, an 860-square foot rectangle with several large windows. n vendors. Branford House Wedding CT wedding photographer Kevin Kelley The on-site coordinator was helpful and incredibly kind. In the previous photo, you can see two of the three lighthouses (Avery Point on the left and New London Ledge on right, way off in the distance) which are viewable from Avery Point. The space is gorgeous and speaks for itself. The low cost of the venue allowed us to use the remainder of our budget on dressing up the venue. Liane wore a gorgeous silk crepe Hayley Paige wedding gown. Branford House Wedding Tips. Excludes weddings.) Another interesting fact is that a Cartier store now resides in Mortons former New York City mansion on Fifth Avenue. Eolia is available for weddings, private parties, seminars, conferences, luncheons and teas. As mentioned before, the building itself is stunning so we just added pillar candles and loose florals in the nooks/fireplaces to really bring it to life. The Branford House Mansion comfortable accommodates for parties of no more than 200 guests. If you have a wedding larger than 100, I would recommend renting the tent out on the lawn. m for the bridal party to get dressed in, and the fireplaces are stunning. The two exchanged heartfelt vows and shared a first kiss under the . we got lucky with our amazing caterer, as we saw them in action when visiting the mansion. PDF THE BRANFORD HOUSE RENTAL AGREEMENT - University Of Connecticut From the timeless ballrooms to the exceptional cuisine, this manor is an ideal location for an event to remember. The state bought it for about $50,000; it cost $3 million to build. Whether you're looking to learn something new, solve a . 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. The house is open to the public on Saturdays between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. from June 1 until Oct. 31. Then we used the west wing for the dance floor and the east wing for the buffet and dessert tables. The Branford House Mansion chosen by Bridget and Thomas for their nuptials is a stunning location on the Connecticut shoreline which created the perfect ambience for a day to remember. A winter wedding is always beloved by us, so we wanted to highlight this special one from The Branford House Mansion in Groton, Connecticut. They moved out in 1967, leaving the land to the state, which allowed UConn to establish its campus there. White Traditions Bridal House on Instagram: "Long sleeves are the This regal house was built in the nineteenth century in the style of the famous Newport mansions. of the ocean and gives you various options for ceremony and picture spots. The Kartrite Resort & Indoor Waterpark - Yelp Jonathan Edwards is best known for its lush vineyard overlooking the idyllic Sperry Tent.