Jacob Henry Mansion — Attraction in Joliet

The Mansion is a beautiful venue that is both grand and comfortable. The buildings and grounds are a real look into gilded age architecture. Many details found in the buildings and grounds are a work of art.

That said, a portion of the facilities within the Victorian Ballroom seemed to not be as well maintained as they should for a wedding venue of this scale. There were noticeable cobwebs/dust through the chapel, lighting fixtures that did not work in multiple locations, and some decor choices that felt like a cheap patch in such a grand facility.

Despite those negatives, I found most of the staff to be extremely friendly and accommodating. The servers and bartenders really stood out compared to many other event hosts.

The largest issues with the venue seemed to tied to the management. These individuals came across as very unhelpful. They were also difficult to locate for assistance and had very rude responses when people tried to solve problems themselves. I've attended many large events in similar venues, but had never seen anyone talk to the bridal party the way they did, even going as far as inappropriately addressing the bride immediately before her...

We hosted our wedding recently at the Jacob Henry Mansion. We had nothing but a positive experience from start to finish. As a queer couple it was so reassuring to see representation on their social media and website. Even at our very first meeting with Anna she took the time to ask us our pronouns and talk about how we were using wedding language to describe ourselves. Anna was very responsive to my emails and never made me feel like I was asking too many questions. They were always available if I felt like I needed to see the space again through the planning process. Sue ran our rehearsal like a well oiled machine and made everyone feel prepared for the next day. Everything was set up when I arrived and even got all the decor together for us so it was ready to go by the end of the reception. People could not stop raving about the food and I couldn't agree more! They had a lot of varying options and will work with you if you have something particular in mind. Sue and Anna were absolutely delightful to work with and the whole staff at JHM went above and beyond. I cannot recommend them enough to anyone looking to...

As a luxury photographer, I can honestly say this historic mansion in the heart of downtown Joliet is a total dream. It’s so spacious and stunning—inside and out—that you really don’t need to leave the property for photos. BUT... if you do decide to wander, you’re just steps away from iconic Joliet backdrops that add even more charm to your gallery.

The mansion itself is pure Victorian-era magic: dark, moody, dreamy, and a true step back in time. And it's "spooky" in all the best ways. Every inch has been immaculately restored and cared for—it feels like walking into a living piece of history that just so happens to be in pristine, picture-perfect condition.

And then there’s Sue, the owner. She’s the heart of this place. Not only is she attentive and kind to couples, but she’s also incredibly thoughtful with vendors, always lending us a hand and unique ideas! You can tell this mansion is her baby, and she genuinely pours love into every detail. For couples who want timeless romance, rich history, and an unforgettable experience, this venue checks every box.

-Mikayla + Capture the Canvas...