Where was Bridesmaids filmed?
2011
City Locations
Milwaukee, WI; Los Angeles, CA
Location Types
Film Studio, Restaurant, Retail, House
Location Styles
Limo, Luxury Hotel, Luxury, Modern Building, Modern Car
About Bridesmaids
In 2011, comedy film Bridesmaids was released, which tells the story of Annie (played by Kristen Wiig), who is chosen to be the maid of honor for her best friend Lillian (played by Maya Rudolph). To make matters worse, she finds herself in a competition with another bridesmaid, Helen (Rose Byrne). Along the way, Annie encounters various mishaps and misadventures. With the help of her fellow bridesmaids—Megan (Melissa McCarthy), Rita (Wendi McLendon-Covey), and Becca (Ellie Kemper)—Annie must somehow find a way to get through all of the wedding ceremony planning and drama.
One unique fact about Bridesmaids is that it was a box office success with an impressive opening weekend, making over $26 million in the United States and Canada. It eventually earned over $306 million worldwide and became the highest-grossing Apatow production to date. In addition to its success at the box office, Bridesmaids was critically acclaimed for its humor and performances, and for being one of the first modern films to feature strong female leads in major comedic roles. The film has become a touchstone for discussion about women in comedy and has since been cited among some of the best films released in 2011.
Upon its release, Bridesmaids received positive reviews for its screenplay written by Wiig and Annie Mumolo, with McCarthy's performance also praised. According to Rotten Tomatoes, 89% of the 294 reviews for the film were positive, with an average score of 7.50 out of 10. According to the critical consensus on the website, Bridesmaids is a comedy led by female characters that combine real, relatable people, crude humor, and emotional moments. Kristen Wiig is highlighted as a standout performer, establishing herself as a true star. According to 39 critics whose reviews were used by Metacritic, the film received a score of 75 out of 100, which suggests that the reviews were generally in favor of the movie. The film received a B+ grade on a scale of A+ to F, based on audience polls conducted by CinemaScore.
Bridesmaids Locations
Bridesmaids is a romantic comedy film that takes place in Milwaukee and Chicago. While the majority of the film was set in these cities, principal photography for Bridesmaids actually took place in Los Angeles, California. Although it was not filmed on-site, the city of Los Angeles provided a great backdrop for recreations of both Milwaukee and Chicago. In order to create a realistic atmosphere, many iconic locations were used as backdrops, such as Universal Studios Hollywood to depict Milwaukee, and parts of downtown LA were transformed into Chicago.
The beauty and versatility of Los Angeles enabled filmmakers to create an atmosphere that could easily be mistaken for the Midwest cities featured in Bridesmaids. With well-known landmarks transforming into locations like Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport and O'Hare International Airport, viewers may find it hard to tell if the scenes were filmed in either region or Los Angeles.
Visiting these locations is highly recommended for any fan looking to relive their favorite moments from the film. Along with being able to recreate some iconic scenes from the movie, visitors can also experience all that LA has to offer, including a multitude of different attractions ranging from theme parks to museums. Not only will fans get a chance to revisit some classic moments from Bridesmaids, but they will also be able to explore many other aspects of this great city at the same time.
Annie's workplace scene in Bridesmaids
1009 W Mitchell St, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA
Annie Walker, a woman in her mid-thirties residing in Milwaukee, is struggling to make ends meet. She is single, has not been able to achieve much in life, and is currently going through a rough patch. The recession caused her bakery to shut down, and this wiped out her savings and resulted in her boyfriend breaking up with her. As a result, Annie no longer finds joy in baking and is now stuck working an underpaid and demanding role at a jewelry store.
This store location was filmed at 1009 West Mitchell Street in Milwaukee. The commercial district in this area is bustling and lined with numerous locally-owned shops, restaurants, and businesses that showcase the area's unique character. With an eclectic mix of old and new structures, historic buildings stand alongside modern storefronts and trendy cafes.
To get to 1009 W Mitchell Street, you’ll need to head south from the heart of Milwaukee. It’s a journey of a little over three miles and should take around 10 minutes.
Lilian's bridal party scene in Bridesmaids
Sherwood Country Club, 320 W Stafford Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361, United States
During the engagement party, Annie is introduced to Lillian's bridesmaids: Rita , Lillian's cousin who has been married for a long time and is cynical; Becca, Lillian's inexperienced coworker who is newly married; Megan, Doug's (Tim Heidecker) friendly but crude sister; and Helen, the snobbish and wealthy wife of Doug's boss. From the very start, Annie and Helen feel envious of each other's close relationship with Lillian, and their competitiveness to gain her attention intensifies as the film progresses.
These scenes were filmed at Sherwood Country Club, a private, members-only golf and country club located in Thousand Oaks, California. It was founded by David H. Murdock in 1987 and designed by Jack Nicklaus, the legendary golf course architect. The club features an 18-hole championship golf course that offers breathtaking views of the Santa Monica Mountains and surrounding picturesque landscapes.
To get to 320 W Stafford Rd, Thousand Oaks, from Los Angeles, you’ll need to take US-101 N. It’s a journey of a little over 40 miles and should take approximately one hour.
Annie climbing over gate scene in Bridesmaids
3722 Sapphire Dr, Encino, CA 91436, USA
Annie leaves the bridal shower feeling down and out and retreats to her car, only to find that it has been repossessed. She then tries to walk home but comes across a fence that blocks her way. Trying to climb over it, she gets stuck on top when it suddenly starts to rise automatically. As she tries to climb down, she ends up getting her foot caught in the fence and is left dangling upside down with her dress over her head and her underwear showing, in full view of passing traffic.
This scene was filmed on Sapphire Drive in Encino. This exclusive street is a haven of high-end homes in a beautiful neighborhood. The properties on Sapphire Drive boast stunning architecture, manicured lawns, and scenic views that stretch out for miles.
To get to 3722 Sapphire Dr, Encino, you’ll need to take US-101 N from Los Angeles and head northwest. The drive is about 20 miles and should take less than half an hour if traffic is light.
Bridal party scene in Bridesmaids
Mariscos La Sirenita, 14032 Oxnard St, Valley Glen, CA 91401, United States
Annie leads the bridal party to a Brazilian steak restaurant for a meal before they head to an upscale bridal shop. While trying on gowns, the group (excluding Helen who refrained from eating) suffers from food poisoning and starts vomiting and experiencing severe diarrhea. Lillian, still in her wedding dress, has a bowel movement in public as a result of the uncontrollable symptoms.
The restaurant scenes were filmed at Mariscos La Sirenita, a popular restaurant located in Valley Glen, California. The restaurant specializes in serving Mexican-style seafood, utilizing fresh ingredients that are expertly prepared. The atmosphere at Mariscos La Sirenita is lively and welcoming, making it an ideal spot for social gatherings and family dinners.
To get to this restaurant, you’re looking at a half an hour drive northwest from downtown LA. The total distance you’ll need to cover is approximately 16 miles.
Gil and Brynn kicking Annie out of the apartment scene in Bridesmaids
2501 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207, USA
Annie's roommates confront her about her inability to pay rent and the general messiness of the apartment. Despite Annie's attempts to plead her case, her roommates kick her out, leaving her stranded on the street with all her belongings.
The apartment can be found on South Kinnickinnic Avenue, a bustling street that runs through the heart of Milwaukee. Visitors and locals alike flock to this vibrant area, which boasts a plethora of fantastic shops, restaurants, and bars. Whether you're looking to indulge in some retail therapy, enjoy a delicious meal, or sip on a refreshing cocktail, South Kinnickinnic Avenue has something for everyone.
To get to this location, you’ll need to head about three miles south of the Milwaukee city center. If you’re driving, the trip should take around 10 minutes in light traffic.
Bridal shop scene in Bridesmaids
650 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
Helen receives a phone call from Lillian, who asks her to join them for a bridal dress fitting at the store. As Helen hangs up the phone, Annie expresses frustration that Lillian invited her without consulting her first. As they walk towards the store, Annie and Helen engage in a passive-aggressive argument, with Helen subtly putting down Annie's financial situation and status as a maid of honor.
This scene was filmed on North Spring Street, a bustling hub of activity in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Its vibrant atmosphere is brought to life by a diverse mix of historic buildings, stylish cafes, and unique artisanal shops. The ornate City Hall building and iconic Bradbury Building are just some of the architectural highlights that can be found in the local area.
To get to 650 N Spring St in Los Angeles, you won’t have to travel far. This location can be found less than a mile north of City Hall.
Conclusion
The hit movie Bridesmaids, which follows the story of out-of-work pastry chef Annie and her relationships with the bridal party at her best friend’s wedding, was filmed in three different locations. Primary photography took place in Los Angeles, California, but it also included shots from both Milwaukee and Chicago.
Though the movie is mainly focused on the friendship between Annie and her best friend Lillian, an interesting dynamic is added when a competing bridesmaid enters the picture. The tension between them leads to many hilarious moments throughout the movie.
Happily, several of the film’s most memorable locations are easily accessible in and around LA. Be sure to add them to your itinerary the next time you’re exploring some of the area’s most iconic filming locations.