About Bill Miller's Castle
A Connecticut Wedding Venue
A Storied Legacy of Love and Elegance
Bill Miller’s Castle is more than just a castle wedding venue — it’s a piece of Connecticut’s rich history, lovingly preserved and family-operated for over six decades. Located in picturesque Branford near the Connecticut shoreline, our venue’s story began in the late 1800s when it was originally built as a horse barn. In 1965, Bill Miller envisioned a grand transformation, and with passion and perseverance, he turned the humble barn into the breathtaking castle it is today.
With intricate natural stonework, exposed reclaimed beams, crystal chandeliers, and ornate stained glass windows. Bill Miller’s Castle stands as a testament to craftsmanship, imagination, and family dedication.
Where Rustic Charm Meets Castle Grandeur
At Bill Miller’s Castle, we believe every celebration deserves a setting as unique as the people it honors. Our castle event space seamlessly blends rustic charm with timeless elegance, offering soaring three-story cathedral ceilings, grand fieldstone fireplaces, crystal chandeliers, and a spacious dance floor that invites unforgettable memories.
As a family-owned wedding venue and Connecticut landmark, we take pride in offering a welcoming, personalized experience. Our licensed and insured venue is committed to delivering excellence and exceeding expectations for weddings, corporate events, galas, and special celebrations.
Castle History
For the past 60 years, Bill Miller’s Castle has been a family-run business. The Castle hosts numerous private and public functions for people to come and enjoy all year long. The building has become a Branford landmark due to its unique architecture and design. The original structure was a horse barn, dated back to the 1800’s, which was then converted into a restaurant in the early 1900’s. The Miller family purchased the property to expand their New Haven-based dance studio. Once partially renovated, Bill Miller’s Dance Barn began operations in Branford and offered a variety of dance classes, weekend events, and even a Friday night disco-tech. The “Cheri Shack” was the first disco-tech in the state, hosting live bands and Go-Go girls. In the 90s, weddings and parties began to take precedence over dance classes. Bill Miller began enlarging and designing the venue with his many acquired treasures, and eventually turned it into his castle.
The original barn still stands in the center of the building, along with the original fireplace. The rest of the building is built out of mostly reclaimed material. The wood beams, all of the arches, and two lights outside were once lampposts on the Merritt Parkway. Throughout the building, there is wood from old tobacco barns, windows and gates from Yale, chandeliers from the Taft Hotel, and a bank in Manhattan. The railings lining the balcony are from the old Providence Opera House, while the railings in our bridal suite and around the courtyard are from the old PT Barnum estate in Bridgeport. The Castle has been enhanced by the numerous antiques from estates that have been collected over the years to give it the ultimate rustic elegance & charm.
Our Commitment to Your Story
Every love story, milestone, and special moment deserves a venue that amplifies its magic. At Bill Miller’s Castle, we:
- Deliver exceptional planning and budgeting assistance
- Offer versatile indoor and outdoor event spaces
- Curate customized packages tailored to your vision
Whether you dream of a romantic castle wedding, an intimate rustic gathering, or an elegant celebration, our experienced team is here to turn your vision into reality.
Contact Us to Begin Your Journey
Are you ready to celebrate your special day at a historic Connecticut castle venue? Schedule your private tour of Bill Miller’s Castle and discover why generations have trusted us with their most important moments.
