Armour House Lake Forest Wedding Cost Explained: Fast-Track Guide to Understanding Your Wedding BudgetSarah ThompsonJan 17, 2026Table of ContentsTips 1FAQFree Smart Home PlannerAI-Powered smart home design software 2025Home Design for FreeArmour House in Lake Forest, Illinois, is a renowned wedding venue celebrated for its elegant Italianate architecture, grand ballroom, and breathtaking gardens. Couples drawn to its historic charm often wonder about the true cost of hosting a wedding at Armour House. Pricing varies depending on several factors such as season, guest count, day of the week, menu selections, and additional services. As of 2024, rental fees for Armour House typically range from $8,500 to $15,000 for venue-only use on weekends, while off-peak or weekday dates may cost less. Catering and bar packages are offered through the venue, with per-guest minimums generally beginning at around $175–$225, often including a cocktail hour, plated dinner, and open bar service. Additional costs may arise for premium menu upgrades, specialty rentals, and extended hours.Expect a minimum spend, which often combines the venue fee with food and beverage costs, to land around $25,000–$35,000 for a Saturday evening celebration with 100–150 guests. This does not include extras such as décor, florals, photography, or entertainment. Taxes, service charges (commonly 22%+), and gratuities can push the final bill higher. Armour House provides a dedicated planning team to assist couples throughout the process, ensuring a seamless experience and a luxurious event tailored to your vision.Speaking from a designer’s perspective, maximizing the visual impact of a venue as stately as Armour House starts with smart, balanced space planning—strategically arranging seating, floral installations, and lighting can highlight original architectural features while making the most of the grand-scale rooms. To visualize and experiment with different receptions layouts before the big day, tools like room planner apps empower couples to collaboratively design their dream event environment with confidence.Tips 1:Book well in advance—prime dates at Armour House fill quickly, often over a year out. Off-season or Friday/Sunday weddings can offer meaningful savings while preserving the venue’s signature ambiance.FAQQ: What is included in the Armour House wedding rental fee?A: The venue fee generally covers exclusive use of designated event spaces, tables, chairs, standard linens, and access to the expansive gardens for photos and ceremonies. Catering and bar packages are separate.Q: Are there required vendors or can I bring my own team?A: Armour House has a list of preferred vendors, especially for catering, but allows some flexibility for other services such as florals, music, and photography, pending approval.Q: How many guests can Armour House accommodate?A: The venue comfortably fits 200–225 guests for a seated dinner with dancing, though larger parties may be possible with creative layouts or tented extensions.Q: Is there on-site parking for guests?A: Yes, ample on-site parking is available for wedding guests, along with easy ride-share and shuttle drop-off access.Q: Can we host both ceremony and reception at Armour House?A: Absolutely—many couples choose to hold both events on-site, utilizing the stunning gardens for ceremonies and the ballroom for receptions.Home Design for FreePlease check with customer service before testing new feature.