Where was Big Fish filmed?

Will and his expectant wife, Josephine, journey to Ashton, Alabama. This is the hometown of Will where they reconnect with Sandra K. Bloom (Jessica Lange), the wife of Edward and mother to Will. Sandra is seen bringing Edward home from the hospital, preparing to care for him during what they suspect are his final days.

This significant moment occurs in the majestic Victorian residence of the elder Ed Bloom and his wife, Sandra. The house, recognized as the historic Collier House, is situated at 401 East Bridge Street. An additional story was added for the film, and it overlooks the downtown area of Wetumpka, resting on the banks of the Coosa River. It's situated on a hill amidst many of Wetumpka’s bustling businesses.

However, if you're planning a visit, be aware that this iconic location from Big Fish is a private residence. It's important not to arrive unannounced or try to create your own Big Fish tour. The owners may be open to visitors, but contacting them beforehand is crucial to ask for permission and arrange a suitable time.

The house stands on the opposite bank of the Coosa River, gazing upon downtown Wetumpka. You can conveniently catch a direct flight to Montgomery Regional Airport from numerous major cities to reach this enchanting location. From there, a 30-minute drive will transport you to the captivating town of Wetumpka.

Edward (Ewan McGregor) seeks out a melancholic but kind-hearted giant named Karl (Matthew McGrory). He convinces Karl to leave their small town of Ashton for a more significant city, suggesting that the town is too diminutive for men like Karl, with his stature, and Edward, with his ambition. Agreeing to Edward's proposition, Karl accompanies him as they depart the town. As a token of gratitude, the mayor hands Edward the key to Ashton.

This memorable scene was filmed near the Elmore County Courthouse in Wetumpka, Alabama. Built in 1931, the Elmore County Courthouse is a two-story building with Egyptian Art Deco influences. The courthouse's exterior can be easily accessed by fans and tourists who wish to visit this iconic filming location from Big Fish.

Wetumpka is located about 15 miles north of Montgomery, Alabama, and can be accessed via the US-231 N highway. It's a charming city filled with Southern hospitality, making it a delightful destination for Big Fish fans and general tourists alike.

Jenny (Hailey Anne Nelson) has a peculiar tradition—she takes Ed's shoes and tosses them onto a high rope at the town entrance. This is done with everyone's shoes upon arrival in Spectre, an effort to ensure they remain in this idyllic town. Spectre is depicted as a utopian place where comfort and happiness reign supreme.

The whimsical town of Spectre was actually filmed at Jackson Lake Island, a private island located in Elmore County, Alabama. After the production, the set was left abandoned, only to be partially renovated later and turned into a tourist attraction. Once there, visitors can pay a small fee for fishing access and boat entry to the freshwater lake, making it an ideal spot not just for film enthusiasts but also for those who enjoy outdoor activities like fishing.

If you're interested in visiting, you can reach Jackson Lake Island by driving from Montgomery, Alabama, which is approximately a 20-minute drive away. Although public transport is not accessible from Montgomery, you have the option to rent a car, allowing you to explore multiple film locations in one go conveniently.

There's a captivating scene where Edward uses his creativity to charm Sandra (Alison Lohman). One morning, Sandra is astounded to discover her lawn blanketed in daffodils, all courtesy of Edward. However, Don Price (David Denman) enters the scene and starts to savagely batter Edward, who had earlier vowed to Sandra not to retaliate. Witnessing Don's brutality, Sandra breaks off their engagement and ultimately chooses to marry Edward.

This iconic scene, often known as the "field of daffodils" scene, was filmed at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama. Founded in 1854 as a women's college, Huntingdon College is a private Methodist liberal arts institution. The campus, with its beautiful landscapes and historic buildings, provided the perfect backdrop for this memorable sequence.

As it is an operating educational institution, visitors are encouraged to respect the college's rules and regulations. While the exterior areas are generally open for observation, accessing certain parts of the campus may require prior agreement.

Getting to Montgomery is straightforward, with Montgomery Regional Airport offering direct flights from several major cities. Huntingdon College offers convenient accessibility from downtown Montgomery, with just a 30-minute bus ride. This ease of access makes it a favorable choice for students seeking a seamless commute.

Edward takes it upon himself to repair Jenny's (Helena Bonham Carter) dilapidated home, aided by Karl the Giant. In the modern day, Will asks Jenny, asking her directly if she had an affair with his father. Jenny admits that she harbored feelings for Edward and tells a tale of how she signed over her house deed to him one night after he had fixed everything around the house. She made advances toward him, but Edward halted everything as his heart belonged solely to his wife, Sandra.

The filming location for Jenny's house is the historical Dicksonia Plantation in Lowndesboro, Alabama. Situated on Highway 80, approximately 15 miles west of Montgomery, stands the plantation house, a remarkable example of antebellum architecture. Built in 1830 by David White, this exquisite structure was destroyed by fire twice.

To reach this location from Montgomery, take US-80 W towards Lowndesboro. The journey typically takes around 25 minutes by car. While it's no longer open for interior tours, fans of Big Fish can still view the historic property from a respectful distance.

Will, Josephine, and Sandra, along with Edward's doctor, gather for Edward's funeral. At first, it appears that they are the only attendees. However, a procession of cars, vans, and buses soon arrives, and Will is taken aback when he sees all the characters from Edward's tales come to pay their respects. Interestingly, each of these characters appears slightly less fantastical than how they were portrayed in Edward's stories.

The emotionally charged funeral scene was shot at the historic Pine Flat Presbyterian Church in Deatsville, Alabama. The church, founded as a congregation in 1829, boasts a single-room structure that was completed in 1871. This venerable church is located where a log school once stood, built following the arrival of white settlers around 1800. Today, the church remains standing, providing a unique opportunity for Big Fish enthusiasts to visit this somber yet important film location.

Getting to Pine Flat Presbyterian Church is quite straightforward. From Montgomery, Alabama, you can take I-65 N to Deatsville Highway. This journey typically takes around 30 minutes by car. Please remember to respect the sanctity of the church and its surroundings during your visit.