Lothar Friedrich von Metternich-Burscheid was born on 29 September 1617 in Bourscheid Castle, a member of the House of Metternich.

As it was a custom in all great houses of the time, the younger son was almost always destined for ecclesiastical career.

At the age of eight, Lothar Friedrich von Metternich-Burscheid became a canon (Domizellar) in Trier.

The cathedral chapter of Mainz Cathedral elected Lothar Friedrich von Metternich-Burscheid Coadjutor Archbishop of Mainz on 15 December 1670, with the understanding that he would succeed as Archbishop upon the death of Johann Philipp von Schönborn.

As such, Lothar Friedrich von Metternich-Burscheid succeeded as Archbishop of Mainz on 12 February 1673.