If you’re dreaming of an Iowa wedding surrounded by open fields, historic architecture, and old world charm, 1868 Farmhouse in Boone, Iowa is a venue is the perfect place. As a wedding photographer that has photographed over 100+ weddings, this is one of my favorites!
Just three miles north of Boone, this historic farmhouse sits on a picturesque stretch of Iowa farmland. It combines the character of a 150+ year-old home with the modern amenities couples want for a wedding day. It’s also conveniently located near Ames, Des Moines, and Fort Dodge, making it a beautiful option for couples planning a wedding in Central Iowa.
A Historic Iowa Farmhouse With Plenty of Character
Originally built in 1868, making it one of the oldest farmhouses in Boone County. The property became the current family’s home in 2000, and over the years, they restored and transformed it into the wedding venue it is today.
There’s something special about photographing a wedding at a historic property. The architecture, brick, wrap-around porch, mature trees, and surrounding farmland give you so many natural settings for photographs without needing to create a backdrop from scratch.
For couples who love an editorial and romantic wedding aesthetic, the Farmhouse offers plenty of visual variety throughout the property.
Getting Ready at 1868 Farmhouse
You have two dedicated getting-ready suites, giving both sides of the wedding party a comfortable place to spend the morning.
Having beautiful getting-ready spaces can make a surprisingly big difference in your wedding photos. Instead of rushing through the morning in a hotel room you can spend time with the people you love. This lets the morning unfold naturally.
Multiple Ceremony Locations
One of my favorite things about an Iowa venue like 1868 Farmhouse is the landscape.
There are multiple outdoor ceremony spaces, giving couples options when it comes to the look and feel of their ceremony. Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by the Iowa countryside, followed by portraits around the historic farmhouse and its brick courtyard.
And because Iowa weather can have a mind of its own, having options is important. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you aren’t left scrambling for a backup plan.
A Reception Space That Can Handle 280 Guests
Just steps from the historic farmhouse is the renovated wedding reception hall, which can accommodate up to 280 guests.
You can host your wedding any time of year. Whether you’re getting married during a hot Iowa summer or a chilly fall evening.
And once the formalities are over, it’s time to dance.
The combination of a beautiful countryside setting and a modern reception space gives couples the best of both worlds. A wedding that feels distinctly Iowa without sacrificing the comfort and functionality of a modern venue.
The Wedding Decor Is Included!
One of the biggest advantages of choosing 1868 Farmhouse is something that can have a major impact on your wedding budget: their extensive collection of tables, chairs, decor, and tableware is included with your venue rental.
The included inventory is valued at more than $20,000.
That can mean thousands of dollars that don’t have to be spent renting the basics for your wedding day and more room in your budget for the things that make your wedding uniquely yours.
Think beautiful florals, a live band or DJ, vintage furniture, incredible desserts, or those little details you’ve been saving on Pinterest.
Even better, the 1868 Farmhouse team handles the setup, teardown, and cleaning of the decor you choose to use.
An Iowa Wedding Venue Designed Around the Whole Experience
What stands out about 1868 Farmhouse is that it isn’t simply a ceremony site and reception hall. The property was designed to make the wedding experience easier from beginning to end.
With getting-ready suites, ceremony locations, reception space, overnight accommodations, included decor, and the historic farmhouse itself, couples can spend much of their wedding day in one beautiful location.
And from a photography perspective, having everything in one place is a huge advantage.
There isn’t as much time spent loading everyone into cars and driving from one location to another. Instead, more of your wedding day can actually be spent celebrating with the people you came to celebrate with.
That means more time for photographs, more candid moments, and less feeling like you’re constantly being pulled from one place to another.
Planning an Iowa Farmhouse Wedding?
If you’re searching for an Iowa wedding venue with historic character, beautiful outdoor spaces, and modern amenities, 1868 Farmhouse is definitely worth considering.
Located near Boone and within easy reach of Ames and Des Moines, it offers the charm of an Iowa farmhouse wedding without feeling too rustic or sacrificing the conveniences that make a wedding day comfortable.
And if you’re planning your wedding at 1868 Farmhouse, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for beautiful photographs. From quiet moments on the wrap-around porch to portraits around the historic property and candid moments with your favorite people throughout the day.
Your venue sets the stage for your wedding day. The photographs are what allow you to come back to it years later and remember how it actually felt.
Contact them through their website HERE
Looking for an Iowa Wedding Photographer? I’m Jessi, owner of Jessi Johnson Photography
I’m an Iowa wedding photographer who loves capturing the genuine, meaningful moments that make each couple’s story uniquely theirs. When I’m not behind my camera, you’ll usually find me traveling somewhere new, experimenting in the kitchen, getting lost in a good book, or spending time outdoors. My husband and I love camping and exploring together, usually with our two golden retrievers along for the adventure. I’m happiest when life feels a little slower—surrounded by the people, places, and experiences that inspire me—and I bring that same appreciation for connection and authenticity into every wedding I photograph.
If you’re planning an Iowa wedding at 1868 Farmhouse, I’d love to hear about your day.
I’ve photographed hundreds of weddings with a blend of editorial direction and documentary storytelling, giving you beautiful, intentional portraits while leaving plenty of room for the real moments to happen naturally. Lets chat! Contact me on my website HERE or schedule a free Zoom consultation HERE
leave a comment