Louis Frederick was the son of Albert Anton of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt and his wife, the poet and pietist, Countess Emilie Juliane of Barby-Mühlingen.

He was received at the Palace of Versailles by King Louis XIV and in Vienna by Emperor Leopold I.

He was also received by Duke Frederick I of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg, whose daughter Anna Sophie he would marry on 15 October 1691 at Friedenstein Castle in Gotha.

Between 1697 and 1719, they added an Imperial Hall to the southern side of their Schwarzburg Castle, underlining the importance the princes attached to their elevation.

Inspired by the Sun King, Louis Frederick I toyed with the idea to move his residence to Schwarzburg.