About this venue
Shauna Bigelow
DIRECTOR
Typically responds within 24h
Located just south of York, NE, near Interstate 80 (Exit 353 on Highway 81), Wessels Living History Farm is a wedding venue and nonprofit educational farm dedicated to preserving and sharing Nebraska’s agricultural heritage. Set on a working 1920s farmstead, the property offers an authentic rural backdrop for those seeking a warm, rustic setting for their wedding day. There are also a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces that allow couples to create a wedding day that feels personal, relaxed, and rooted in tradition.
At the heart of the property is the historic post-and-beam barn, relocated from a farm near Surprise, Nebraska. The east side retains much of its original stall structure and is often used for a bar, photo booth, or staging area. The west side provides an open layout ideal for buffet service, guest seating, or dancing. A concrete floor and ample electrical access make the space practical and flexible, while preserved tools and tack add character and charm. The main gathering space offers approximately 667 square feet, with an additional 546 square feet on the east side. The loft overlooks the main level and may be decorated for added visual impact.
Outdoor ceremonies are frequently held on the lawn, surrounded by classic farm buildings and open Nebraska skies. While the farm’s permanent tent was lost in a recent storm, couples are welcome to bring in their own tent rentals if desired. A highlight of the property is the beautifully restored 1905 church, formerly Zion Lutheran Church of Thayer, Nebraska. After three years of careful renovations, the church is once again open and ready to host intimate wedding ceremonies filled with history and timeless charm.
Also on the grounds is a furnished 1925 farmhouse, relocated from York, Nebraska, offering a cozy and photogenic setting for gatherings, preparation, or portraits.
For availability, tours, and additional details, please contact the Wessels team directly.
Meet the team
Shauna Bigelow
Director
As Director of Wessels Living History Farm, Shauna Bigelow brings heart, organization, and a deep respect for tradition to every event hosted on the farm. Nestled in historic York County, Wessels offers a timeless rural backdrop where couples can celebrate their love surrounded by Nebraska history and wide open skies.
Shauna works closely with each couple to ensure their day runs smoothly while preserving the charm and character of the historic property. From logistics and layout planning to vendor coordination and day-of support, she is committed to creating a seamless experience so couples can focus on what matters most — celebrating with the people they love.
With a passion for community and meaningful gatherings, Shauna believes weddings at Wessels aren’t just events — they’re memories rooted in heritage.
Reviews
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4/14/25
The Easter egg drop is always a fun way to enjoy the farm!
8/21/17
Experienced the 2017 eclipse at Wessels - it was a great time - the facilities were well kept and the farm was a great location to enjoy while waiting for the event. They were well organized, and the food booths provided an abundance of tasty f...
ood. We will be back!
8/31/17
Daughter and new son in law married on the farm June of 2017. Outdoor barn wedding was gorgeous and freedoms to make wishes/budgets come true were supported by Wessels and every volunteer on site! Brides to-be wanting a rustic theme should che...
ck this out! The director and our hosts along with all the businesses in the community welcomed us with open arms, accommodated every request and got this couple off to a wonderful start! Thank you Hillary, Barb, Dale, John and everyone else who supported the effort! PS- the hospitality was just the same for the eclipse event. Thanks for having us back!
7/21/24
Wessels Living History Farm was an excellent stop for our young family on a cross country road trip. When we arrived, we were invited to start our tour at the 1920s era house saved from York, the nearby town. The home was wonderfully hands-on, ...
and the curator who was in the house explaining things to us allowed us to touch many of the implements, play the organ, try the kids’ toys, open the oven. He played a 78 record for us, taught us about life in the ‘20s, and had a wealth of historical and personal information to share.
Outside the home, there are multiple outbuildings and a barn with various generations/makes/models of tractors and other farm equipment. One of the outbuildings has an impressive collection of carpenters’ tools, and another is an old one-room school house complete with teacher’s and pupils’ desks, slates and chalk, hooks on the walls, a wood stove, and some old books. Another outbuilding has a functional corn sheller and corn grinder, plus a ton of information about how corn farming has changed over the past 100+ years.
The curator mentioned classes and demonstrations quite a few times during our house tour. They seem to make it a priority there to teach about life in the 1920s through workshops, like making old-fashioned toys, baking bread and popcorn in the old oven, and other programs. On July 27, 2024, they will have a living history reenactment! Would’ve enjoyed that a lot.
There are chickens and miniature horses and a sheep, and you can feed the horses and sheep with some alfalfa pellets. There’s also a sand box with toy trucks, a swing set, and an awesome seesaw.
There is so much to learn from the past, and the museum curator has done a fantastic job making it engaging, entertaining, exciting, and educational.
Stop in!! It’s a great break from a day of driving! But make sure to leave yourself a few hours to enjoy it all.
7/18/17
A great place to experience Nebraska rural history. A beautiful preservation of an original home, tractors and farm equipment, a church, a barn and livestock, and school house, gift shop, and more... Convenient location, easy to find, and f...
riendly staff.
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Wessels Living History Farm
Shauna Bigelow
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Director
Typically responds within 24h
Wedding vendors in York
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