In Joliet, Illinois, among lush trees and tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life, rests a historically romantic wedding estate, a literal “Castle on the Hill.” Built-in 1889, The Haley Mansion, with its limestone rough-faced walls, castle-like architecture, authentic Victorian décor has quickly become a favorite wedding day location for couples and one of our favorite wedding day destinations in all of Chicagoland. There are so many amazing features in this property, including six fireplaces, brilliant stained-glass windows, and meticulously maintained gardens. It’s really a photographer’s paradise!

From the five limestone archways which are home to Gaelic insignias etched into the stone, to the grandiose interior, we are in love with the curved walls, lace curtains, and antique loves seats. Coupled with high ceilings and carefully draped windows with tons of natural light means we don’t have to go anywhere off the property to get the romantic, signature portraits Lauren Ashley Photography is known for. One of our favorite rooms at The Haley Mansion is the private bridal suite, which is the perfect marriage of romantic ambiance and modern-day amenities making the getting ready process fun and relaxed.

At The Haley Mansion couples don’t have to compromise their vision due to our fickle Midwestern weather. Have your wedding ceremony in the enchanting garden underneath the pergola situated between trickling waterfalls where a mature pine forest and vibrant flowers serve as the backdrop to your garden wedding ceremony. For that extra wow factor after the ceremony cocktails on the patio are served by butlers!

In intimate indoor ceremony can also be held in the glass conservatory where guests are protected from the elements while still feeling connected to outdoors. Say I do surrounded by 12-foot French windows and a glorious skylight. We love the natural light that floods the room and the ethereal feeling created by the white flooring.  Custom-designed signature drinks can be served in this intimate setting, or from the outdoor bar, while we capture the love, connection, and excitement among friends and family who have come to share this important day.

Following your ceremony guests are met in the grand foyer by The Haley Mansion Hosts dressed in black-tie and are directed to the Grand Ballroom. This elegant ballroom with soaring ceilings has billowing fabric, stunning crystal chandeliers, and lighting that creates a starry sky above a high-gloss white tile floor. The grand décor of The Haley Mansion is matched by outstanding cuisine as you take to the dance floor while up to 360 of your closest friends and family enjoy the historical elegance of the ballroom.

Every couple needs a team of wedding experts on hand to make sure that the vision of their day comes together. We have found the planners and event coordinators at The Haley Mansion to be outstanding!  They provide advice and assistance from first appointments all to the last kiss of the night. Their knowledge, professionalism, and attention to detail impressed us, and we are so excited to work there more often and to create innovative and beautiful images for our clients in this stunning, historic jewel of a wedding venue in Joliet.