FAQ

There is a facility rental fee to host an event, separate from standard package food and beverage costs, upgraded linens or other rental fees. All dates must be submitted, approved and released by Lake Forest Academy. The Armour House is a private venue and no other events will be scheduled during your event time frame.

Our standard packages are five (5) hours in length, separate from the ceremony. The typical wedding package will consist of a cocktail hour with five passed hors d’ oeuvres and premium bar, followed by four course dinner of salad, sorbet intermezzo, entrée and dessert or wedding cake with coffee and tea service. If you need to extend the five hours, there is an additional fees associated of $1,000 per hour.

Besides the facility fee, there is 21% service fee and City of Lake Forest charges of 7.5% sales tax.

There is a 10% discount on food and beverages for booking either an off season date (November – April), Friday or a Sunday (except for holiday weekend).

Standard packages include basic, elegance or classic linens, china, glass, silver table settings, votive candles, white wooden padded chairs, 60” or 72”, sweetheart or oval style dining tables and six foot service tables, as needed. Any upgrades of linens, tableware accessories or dining tables will be at an additional charge.

Depending on the day of the event the customer will guarantee a minimum Food and Beverage requirement during the primary season (May - October): Saturday, (150), Friday and Sunday may be negotiated (call for details).

Our Maximum is 260 guests which will encompass two adjoining rooms for dinner. Click here to review the Indoor and Outdoor Spaces specifications.

Yes, all ceremonies may be held on site, either inside or outside, but only if the wedding reception is also held at the facility. There is a $1,000 fee associated with set-up, whether inside or outside.

There are several options for an inside ceremony, depending on the number of guests, including the Great Hall, Little Theater, or the Garden Room. Click here to review photos of Indoor Spaces.

Yes, dressing rooms are available for the bride and groom as needed as part of the facility rental. However, times of entry may vary depending on the day of the event, more so during weekdays.

Any florist, band, photographer, videographer or DJ is welcome. Upon request, we can provide a list of vendor referrals who are familiar with the set-up and layout. Any vendors not included, can ask for a tour or briefed prior to the event but will need to follow all rules regarding load-in and load-out. Hotel recommendations are also included in our referral list.

A coordinator or planner is not necessary to plan an event the Armour House. We have several wedding and event specialists on hand to assist in concept creativity, culinary design and tabletop design who will be familiar with every aspect of an event to ensure a smooth, unforgettable experience for every guest on the day of as well as the months leading up to an event.

There is ample parking available on the campus of Lake Forest Academy to host an event, with no fees associated. The hiring of a valet service would be a separate expense to the host and optional. The facility does have a 24-7 security and if needed, cars may remain parked overnight upon request.

Any photograph or video taken would be part of the rental fees but anything taken prior to an event would need to be approved and coordinated. For anyone not hosting an event, photography is not allowed unless under special circumstances.

We are the primary caterer. The Armour House has an exclusive executive chef and event management team on-site which will work with each client to design a menu in accordance with our standard event packages. In some cases, outside catering might be needed (religious). If we do not provide the food service, the cost of the facility rental and other services (linens, china, glass, tables, chairs) will be priced a la carte, but we must retain any bar services.