Take a peek at some Real 1868 farmhouse weddings
About The Venue
As the name would suggest, the Farmhouse was built in 1868 and is one of the oldest farmhouses in Boone County. It became our family's home in 2000 and over the past 20+ years, we've fallen in love with the house, its historic charm and picturesque farmscape on which it sits. As we were planning a wedding of our own, we realized it was the perfect location for a wedding ceremony and reception, and are confident others will love it as much as we do.
Located just three miles north of Boone, Iowa, The 1868 Farmhouse is a modern wedding venue convenienty located near Ames, Des Moines and Fort Dodge. The property has been fully restored and features two getting ready suites, brick courtyard, wrap around porch and multiple outdoor wedding ceremony spaces. Just steps away from the Farmhouse, the property features a completely renovated, modern wedding reception hall with seating for up to 280. And because we know the weather in Iowa is all sorts o' crazy, the wedding venue is climate-controlled, meaning you and your guests can dance the night away no matter how hot or cold it is outside.
In the fall of 2020 we completed our massive, but oh-so-exciting renovations including a renovated wedding reception venue, bridal and groom getting ready suites, overnight accommodations and more. We may be biased, but we think it's the absolute perfect space for your perfect day.
About Our Family
Hi friends! I’m Allyson. If you’ve ever interacted with our family’s wedding venue, it’s most likely me you’ve been chatting with (the excessive emoji use should always be a dead giveaway). From venue tours to final event planning meetings, I am the lucky one that gets to work alongside our couples as they plan their dream wedding. Outside of events, I do life alongside my husband Jordan and our sweet babies, Lewis and Riley. Prior to helping run our family’s wedding venue, I worked in agriculture communications. It’s been quite the career shift, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I can’t wait to meet you and hear all about the vision for your special day!
Allyson Ladd-Mathisen
venue and wedding coordinator
Although she would never admit it, Debbie is the real work horse behind The 1868 Farmhouse. We hear other vendors say, “No other wedding venue provides service like this!” and that’s all because of Debbie. On any given day, you’ll find Debbie at the venue setting up for a wedding, putting the finishing touches on gorgeous table decor or managing the gardens (a full-time job in and of itself). Prior to opening the wedding venue, Debbie worked as a Nurse Practitioner and the majority of her career was spent serving Veterans. As a farm girl from southwest Iowa who married a career Marine, she is no stranger to hard work and goes above and beyond to make your wedding celebration an absolute dream.
Debbie Ladd
Venue Owner
When turning an old building on our family’s farm into a wedding venue was just an idea, Rick was the one to bring that vision to life. Alongside his sons, Scott and Kevin, Wailes Carpentry completely overhauled the machine shed that is now a gorgeous wedding and event venue. They also custom-built our wooden farmhouse tables and have been known to build an arch (or seven!) for our couples. Rick helps with the day-to-day operations at the venue and will most likely be the friendly face that greets you upon arrival, asking what he can help unload from your vehicle.
Rick Wailes
Property Manager
"Our wedding at 1868 Farmhouse was a wonderful experience. The venue's peaceful atmosphere and well-maintained grounds provided a perfect setting for our special day.
We highly recommend 1868 Farmhouse to anyone looking for a beautiful and memorable wedding venue."
JT Crowley
"The 1868 Farmhouse made the planning process so easy & handled the little things so we could all just enjoy the day. They were ready for every question and request. I truly felt like they cared about our wedding and our experience."
Gwen Gustafson
"If you want a beautiful, smooth wedding day- look no further! Allyson, Debbie & all the staff from the bartenders to the bus driver were excellent. This place IS the total package."
Kaitlyn Olson
What our wedding clients are saying...
Stacey Rector Freiberg
AMAZING PLACE AND EVEN MORE AMAZING PEOPLE! They truly go above and beyond to make the bride and grooms day stress free and beautiful.
Hunter and Kindra Lane
My husband and I got married here January 15, 2022. From the first visit, I fell absolutely in love with the venue! Not to mention, Allyson and her family were so easy and great to work with. They really thought through every little detail and made everything run smoothly.
Maggy and Austin Zylstra
