Hi Leann -- The grand ballroom could be a lovely place to have your wedding. I have lived in Joliet for the past 17 years and am very familiar with the area. The downtown area has a number of restaurants and bars and is a safe area. There is always a police presence and the downtown is very well lit. I believe that if the wedding is during the weekend, most of your guests would be parking in the lot by the courthouse or in a nearby parking garage, both of these have security present. Best of luck in finding a great place for your wedding, feel free to contact me with any questions.
If you are open to another option, there is an amazing historic mansion called the Patrick Staley mansion. It is available for weddings as well and has georgeous landscaped grounds and on site parking. It is very near downtown and might be another possibility for you. Good Luck! - Wed Jul 30 2008, 18:45