Branford House Weddings [CT’s Best Venue on the Water]

History and Other Info

So, first things first: Branford House was built in 1903 by Morton Freeman Plant. This gentleman was apparently born into wealth, the son of Connecticut native rail and steamboat tycoon Henry Bradley Plant. Morton’s architect wife, Nellie, designed the mansion, which was actually named after Branford, Connecticut.

The property originally included Shennecossett Golf Course about a mile away (interesting tidbit: Shennecossett Yacht Club is right next door to Branford House and also hosts weddings). Another interesting fact is that a Cartier store now resides in Morton’s former New York City mansion on Fifth Avenue.

And like Inn at Mystic’s Haley Mansion at one time, Branford House is currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Branford House and UConn

So, what’s the relationship between Branford House and the University of Connecticut? After Morton’s death in 1918, the mansion passed through his children to the State of Connecticut. The state bought it for about $50,000; it cost $3 million to build.

Then in the 1940s, when Avery Point Lighthouse was built, the United States Coast Guard used the property. They moved out in 1967, leaving the land to the state, which allowed UConn to establish its campus there.

The Branford House wedding era began in 2001 when UConn renovated this CT mansion wedding venue and started renting it out as an event space. As you’ll see in the Branford House wedding photos later, this venue should definitely be at the top of your list.

Venue Vibe and Features

Mansion Layout

The First Floor

The interior of Branford House consists of three rooms (PDF warning) on the first floor. As you’ll see in the linked floor plan, the L-shaped Main Room is about 1000 square feet. This ballroom-type area is super unique and fancy.

Next is the East Room, which is just about 850 square feet. Lastly is the West Room, an 860-square foot rectangle with several large windows. These areas of the mansion are reminiscent of the old-school stylings of Lion Rock Farm in the opposite corner of the state.

Parking is plentiful. Keep in mind that you’re technically on one of UConn’s campuses, which helps with accessibility. Just behind the mansion is a long patio which is great for mingling or even dancing. Just outside the West Room is another smaller, brick patio. This one is partially covered, making it a great location to exchange vows for more intimate weddings.

The Second Floor

The mansion’s second floor contains an art gallery and small seating area. This is a nice area for a few couple’s portraits on your wedding day.

Branford House Rear Grounds

In addition to the beautiful architecture, the reason you’d probably want an wedding at Branford House is to get outside. Traditionally, ceremonies are held outdoors. Smaller gatherings can take place on the aforementioned west wing patio, which is covered.

Larger wedding ceremonies take place on the lawn behind the mansion, looking towards Long Island Sound.

Mansion Backyard and Lighthouses Galore

Speaking of being outside, the waterscape views of Long Island Sound are epic. Branford House is reminiscent of The Towers in nearby Narragansett for this reason.

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 third is New London Harbor, off to the right/west in this view.)

One thing to stress here is this: the Branford House “backyard” is huge. Like a couple of acres huge, just wide open to water views directly behind the mansion. Take advantage of this space during your wedding! For example, your guests could have plenty of room to spread out during cocktail hour or after dinner.

Other Branford House Considerations

Here are some more factors to consider about your potential Branford House wedding:

High-level Factors

• As it’s owned by the State of Connecticut, Branford House’s 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
• Weddings can run until midnight
• The property is suitable for small and big weddings, with a maximum of about 500 people (that’s not a typo; Bethany Lagenbach, Branford House’s event space manager, let me know that they’ve hosted that many guests for an all-outdoor wedding in the past)
• If you’re 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 mansion’s first floor for a Branford House wedding reception (it’s a good idea to speak with your wedding or event planner about seating logistics)

Branford House Catering

• Choose your own caterer, subject to the venue’s rules
• This includes a tasting for the two of you to check things out before you decide on food
• Current policy dictates that you’re locked into UConn’s Department of Dining Services for your bar/alcohol service

Other Things to Think About

• 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 don’t forget nearby Mystic for hotel options)
• Branford House isn’t technically in Mystic, it’s 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

Branford House Wedding Costs

While planning your wedding, here are some Branford House financial factors to consider:

1. Despite how glamorous your Branford House wedding can be, it’s actually an affordable CT wedding venue. During prime wedding season (i.e. spring through fall), weekend weddings start from about $5000. This rental fee drops to about $3000 for weddings after Thanksgiving up to spring.
2. UConn can provide tent service, too, for additional fees. Indoor use of furniture is included, but extra and/or outdoor use of furniture costs extra.
3. There’s also a small rehearsal fee, if you elect to have one.
4. Oh, and don’t forget to choose your caterer. The mansion has rules for them, too, as well as a kitchen for them to use.

Hotels Near Branford House

Groton, Connecticut is a great town with plenty of nearby hotels for visitors. Therefore, Branford House is a convenient destination wedding venue. Hotels near Branford House include Hilton Garden Inn Mystic/Groton, Hilton Mystic, Holiday Inn Express Mystic-Groton, Mystic Marriott, and Inn at Mystic.