Hilliard Mansion Wedding Photography Guide
A photographer's guide to Nassau County's charming vintage mansion venue
About Hilliard Mansion
Hilliard Mansion
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Hilliard Mansion is a vintage country venue with over 100 years of history, located in the heart of Nassau County. The historic mansion features a grand staircase, period details throughout, and that authentic Southern charm that modern venues simply cannot replicate.
Set on expansive country grounds with mature oaks and a dedicated ceremony pavilion, Hilliard Mansion offers the best of both worlds - vintage elegance inside and pastoral beauty outside. With capacity for up to 200 guests, it's sized right for celebrations that feel both intimate and grand.
Event Spaces
- The Mansion: Historic interior with grand staircase and vintage details (reception for 200)
- Ceremony Pavilion: Covered outdoor ceremony space
- Country Grounds: Expansive property with oaks and open fields
- Bridal Suite: Dedicated getting-ready space with period décor
- Wraparound Porch: Classic Southern veranda for portraits and gathering
Venue Features
- 100+ years of history and authentic character
- Grand interior staircase
- Period furnishings and vintage details
- On-site parking for all guests
- Pet friendly
- BYO catering and bar
What's Included
Venue rental includes exclusive use of the mansion, pavilion, and grounds, bridal suite access, basic tables and chairs, and setup/breakdown time. Catering, bar, and additional rentals are arranged separately.
Best Photo Locations
The Grand Staircase
A sweeping interior staircase that's perfect for bridal portraits and dramatic entrances. The vintage details and natural light create elegant, timeless images.
The Ceremony Pavilion
Covered outdoor ceremony space surrounded by mature trees and country landscaping. The structure provides shelter while maintaining an outdoor feel.
The Mansion Interior
Over 100 years of history in these walls. Period details, vintage furnishings, and architectural character throughout create refined portrait backdrops.
The Country Grounds
Expansive property with mature oaks, open fields, and country charm. The pastoral setting offers variety and that authentic Florida country aesthetic.
The Bridal Suite
Dedicated getting-ready space with vintage décor and natural light. Much more character than a typical hotel room.
The Porch & Veranda
Classic Southern wraparound porch with columns and period details. Perfect for relaxed portraits with architectural framing.
Photographer Tips
100+ Years of History
This mansion has over a century of stories in its walls. The authentic vintage character can't be faked - it shows in every portrait taken here.
The Grand Staircase is a Must
The sweeping staircase is one of the best portrait locations in the region. Plan time for bridal portraits here - the results are always stunning.
Country Setting, City Convenience
While it feels like you're deep in the country, Hilliard is accessible from Jacksonville. Your guests get the pastoral escape without an unreasonable drive.
BYO Flexibility
Bring your own caterer and bar, which gives you full control over menu and budget. The venue provides the setting; you customize everything else.
Weather Backup Built In
With both the covered pavilion and mansion interior, you have solid options regardless of weather. No need for a separate tent rental.
Golden Hour is Magic Here
The open country setting means unobstructed sunset light. The golden hour portraits on these grounds have that warm, romantic Southern feel.
Planning Your Timeline at Hilliard Mansion
We don't publish generic sample timelines because they're useless without knowing your wedding date. Here's why:
A 5pm ceremony works beautifully in summer but means portraits in the dark in winter. Your timeline needs to be built around your actual date and what matters most to you.
Light at Hilliard Mansion
Natural light varies throughout the day. We recommend discussing specific timing based on your ceremony location and time of year.
Time for Photos
We recommend 45-60 minutes for portraits at Hilliard Mansion, covering the ceremony area, reception space, and grounds.
Timeline Strategies
Sunset Portraits
Want that golden hour magic? We work backwards from sunset. Ceremony ends 60-90 minutes before, giving time for family photos, couple portraits, and catching the best light.
Brunch or Daytime
Morning ceremonies and daytime receptions mean lots of beautiful natural light all day. Great for summer when afternoons can get pretty warm.
Venue Timing Notes
- Music curfew at Midnight (Fri/Sat), 11pm (Sun)
Get a Timeline Built for Your Day
Tell us your wedding date, ceremony time preferences, and what moments matter most. We'll send you a custom timeline that accounts for sunset, this venue's best light, and your priorities.
Request Your Custom TimelineHilliard Mansion Wedding Cost
Wedding packages at Hilliard Mansion typically range from $2,650 to $3,350 depending on day of week, season, and guest count. This provides excellent value for a historic mansion venue.
What to Expect
- Exclusive venue rental (mansion, pavilion, grounds)
- Bridal suite access
- Ceremony and reception spaces
- Basic tables and chairs
- On-site parking
- Setup and breakdown time
BYO Advantage
Bringing your own caterer and bar service gives you complete control over your menu and often provides better overall value than all-inclusive venues. Work with your favorite vendors and customize every detail.
For current pricing and to schedule a tour, contact Hilliard Mansion at (904) 845-7747 or visit hilliardmansion.com.
Planning a Wedding at Hilliard Mansion?
We love photographing at vintage venues with authentic history and character. Hilliard Mansion's grand staircase, country grounds, and Southern charm create images with timeless appeal. We've been capturing weddings throughout Northeast Florida since 2010 and know how to bring out the romance of a historic celebration.
Get in TouchReal Weddings at Hilliard Mansion
Browse galleries from weddings we've photographed at this beautiful venue
