The Grand Ballroom at Joliet Union Station

We went to a wedding reception here this past weekend.  I didn’t know this was a wedding reception destination. 

 The ballroom is absolutely beautiful – big white pillars, shiny marble walls and floor.  The style and architecture is similar to that of the Grand Hall at Union Station in downtown Chicago (think the baby carriage going down the stairs scene in “The Untouchables) minus the benches and plus big chandeliers.  The room is echo-y, but the sound bouncing is tolerable.  The noise was not overwhelming once the DJ started playing.

There is an outdoor terrace that is also beautiful.  There were a few tables set up out there.  The terrace overlooks a cute area of Joliet with many old buildings.  This area looks like a charming small town from the 1800s.

We were served hor d’oeuvres while waiting in the receiving line.  These consisted of crab tartlets, spicy stuffed mushrooms and rumaki (bacon-wrapped water chestnuts, one of my faves).

 The tables were set with thick damask ivory tablecloths and napkins and good quality plates and silver (for a banquet facility). 

 Our salad came with strawberries and walnuts and was pre-dressed with a fruity vinaigrette.  Dinner was served family-style:  Roast beef, chicken Marsala (awesome sauce), broccoli, boiled potatoes and pasta with a creamy red sauce (so pink, I guess).  Basic banquet fare, but done well.

 Dessert was wedding cake, as well as a lovely sweets table set up near the entrance, complete with chocolate fountain.

 I loved the quirkiness that here we were at this elegant event and through the glass you could see people coming and going from their Metra trains. 

 The Grand Ballroom at Joliet Union Station is located at 50 East Jefferson Street in Joliet.