When it comes to cinematic, fairytale-style weddings near Chicago, few venues can compete with the timeless beauty of Armour House at Lake Forest Academy. Its Italian Renaissance architecture, grand staircase, and romantic gardens make it a dream setting — not only for couples — but also for creating breathtaking wedding films.
At EverAfter Wedding Films, we’ve been fortunate to film weddings at Armour House, and every time, it feels like stepping into a movie. If you’re considering Armour House for your wedding venue, or you’re simply curious why so many couples fall in love with this location, this guide will walk you through everything from the venue’s unique beauty to how it elevates your wedding videography.
📍 Where Is Armour House?
Armour House is located in Lake Forest, Illinois — just about 30 miles north of downtown Chicago. Its secluded estate feel offers an incredible blend of historic charm and intimate privacy, while still being easily accessible for Chicago-based couples.
- Venue Name: Armour House at Lake Forest Academy
- Address: 1500 W Kennedy Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
- Website: https://www.lfanet.org/armour-house
🌿 Why Armour House Is Perfect for Wedding Videography
Armour House isn’t just beautiful — it’s cinematic. As wedding videographers, we look for venues that offer:
- Variety of scenic backdrops
- Natural light and architecture that elevate video composition
- Space for drone footage
- Unique visual storytelling opportunities
👉 Armour House offers all of the above.
1️⃣ The Grand Staircase
When brides dream of a cinematic entrance, few compare to Armour House’s iconic marble staircase. Whether it’s the first look, bridal portraits, or dramatic ceremony entrances, this staircase has been the backdrop of countless love stories we’ve filmed.
🎥 Videographer Tip:
We often film slow-motion shots here for our highlight films to add drama and elegance.
2️⃣ Lush Outdoor Gardens
The Italian gardens feature:
- Manicured hedges
- Reflecting pools
- Classical fountains
- Romantic stone walkways
Perfect for capturing first looks, sunset portraits, and intimate moments away from the crowd.
🎥 Videographer Tip:
Golden hour here is magical. We always coordinate with your planner to pull you aside for a 15-minute golden hour shoot.
3️⃣ Elegant Ballroom
The interior reception space offers a neutral color palette, ornate ceilings, and soft natural light that looks beautiful on film. Candlelight receptions here create an intimate ambiance that translates perfectly to wedding films.
4️⃣ Drone-Friendly Open Space
Unlike many Chicago venues that have strict drone restrictions, Armour House allows us space to fly safely and capture sweeping estate shots for your wedding film intro and closing sequences.
🎞 Real Client Wedding Films at Armour House
At EverAfter Wedding Films, we’ve filmed multiple weddings at Armour House — each unique, but all equally stunning.
“When we arrived at Armour House, we immediately knew we were filming something special. The sunlit gardens, elegant ballroom, and romantic vows all came together for a wedding film that truly feels like a love story set in a European estate.” — Sofiia, EverAfter Wedding Films
💍 What Makes Armour House Unique for Chicago Couples?
| Feature | Why It Matters for Videography |
|---|---|
| Historic Architecture | Timeless backdrops; cinematic compositions |
| Private Estate Feel | No competing events to interrupt filming |
| Multiple Outdoor Spaces | Allows diverse visual storytelling |
| Accessible Location | Easy for Chicago-based guests |
| Exclusive Vendor List | High-end planners and decorators elevate design |
| Full-Day Rental | Allows us full creative flexibility to capture every moment |
🎤 The Sound of Armour House: Capturing Perfect Audio
One of the often-overlooked aspects of wedding videography is audio — and Armour House presents ideal conditions:
- Outdoor gardens are generally quiet with minimal traffic noise.
- Indoor ceremony options have good acoustics for vows and speeches.
- The venue’s layout allows discreet placement of lapel mics and audio recorders for professional-grade sound.
👉 High-quality audio makes your vows, speeches, and reactions feel intimate and alive every time you rewatch your film.
🎯 Why Couples Choose EverAfter Wedding Films for Armour House
Capturing weddings at Armour House is part art, part science. Every angle, lighting change, and emotional moment matters. Our team at EverAfter brings:
✅ Venue Expertise — We know the best shot locations, lighting windows, and drone paths.
✅ Cinematic Storytelling — We don’t just record; we craft a narrative that feels like your personal movie.
✅ Full Audio Capture — Crystal-clear vows, speeches, and ceremony sounds.
✅ Dual Shooter Team — We always film with multiple cameras to ensure nothing is missed.
✅ Drone Footage — Included in your package for cinematic aerials of the estate.
🎞 See more films ➔ EverAfter Wedding Films Portfolio
💰 Armour House Wedding Videography Pricing
If you’re budgeting for videography at Armour House, here’s a realistic Chicago-based guide for 2025:
| Package Type | Estimated Investment |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level Videographer | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Mid-Tier | $5,000 – $7,000 |
| Luxury Cinematic (EverAfter Films) | $7,500 – $12,000 |
👉 EverAfter Wedding Films provides customized packages depending on your coverage needs, length of film, and final deliverables.
🌦 When’s the Best Season to Get Married at Armour House?
| Season | Pros | Things to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Blooming gardens, vibrant greens | Unpredictable rain |
| Summer | Peak garden beauty | Hot temperatures |
| Fall | Stunning foliage colors | Earlier sunsets |
| Winter | Cozy indoor elegance | Limited outdoor shots |
🎥 Videographer Tip:
Fall weddings often give us the richest colors for outdoor drone and garden footage.
📊 Quick Armour House FAQ for Couples
Is Armour House expensive?
It’s considered a luxury Chicago wedding venue, but compared to downtown hotel ballrooms, many couples find it offers better value for its exclusivity and scenery.
Do I need both a photographer and videographer at Armour House?
Yes — photography captures still memories, while videography preserves movement, voices, and emotions you’ll relive forever.
(Read our blog: Do You Really Need Both a Wedding Photographer & Videographer?)
How far in advance should I book videography for Armour House?
We recommend booking your wedding videographer 12–18 months in advance — especially for peak summer & fall dates.
