Where was The Wedding Singer filmed?
1998
City Locations
Los Angeles, CA (USA)
Location Types
House, Clubs/Bars
Location Styles
Modern Building, Georgian/Southern, Building Dated/Retro, Colonial
About The Wedding Singer
Those who still have a soft spot for the '80s will adore The Wedding Singer (1998), an enchanting romantic comedy that will transport them back to a time of love and fun. Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Christina Pickles, and Christine Taylor feature in this Frank Coraci–directed masterpiece, which was produced by Robert Simonds and Jack Giarraputo.
In The Wedding Singer, you'll be whisked away to 1985 in Ridgefield, New Jersey. The plot revolves around the charismatic wedding vocalist Robbie Hart (Adam Sandler). After Robbie's wedding is called off, his life takes a dramatic turn when he falls for Julia Sullivan (Drew Barrymore), a lovely waitress engaged to a cunning businessman. Despite all the obstacles, Robbie finds love, companionship, and resilience as he works through his emotions and battles depression.
The picture made an incredible $123 million worldwide, essentially due to the warm reception it received from viewers. In 2006, the film was transformed into a stage musical and premiered on Broadway, taking its appeal beyond the realm of cinema.
The film garnered a blend of opinions, enjoying positive feedback from audiences. It has a 72% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, derived from 67 reviews and an average score of 6.3/10. Metacritic presents it with a weighted average of 59 out of 100, based on the assessments of 21 critics, suggesting "mixed or average reviews."
The Wedding Singer Locations
The Wedding Singer takes place in the prototypical American movie town of Ridgefield. The film's development was centered around locales rich in cinematic history and architectural attractiveness, which might make the voyage intriguing for viewers.
Located at 3400 Wilshire Boulevard in midtown Los Angeles, the historic Ambassador Hotel's ballroom served as the setting for Robbie's serenades. The Graduate, Se7en, and Rocky were just a few of the many films shot within its walls, even if the hotel is no longer standing. It was the end of an era when, in 2006, this landmark structure was demolished despite protests.
In North Pasadena, near Altadena, Robbie lives in his sister's basement at 1075 East Topeka Street, and Julia lives in the Tucker House in Sierra Madre. Near the world-famous Halloween houses sits the lovely Rosie's house, where Robbie trades singing lessons for meatballs. It's right in the middle of West Hollywood. The magnificent Huntington Library & Gardens in San Marino, Avignon's pub in Montrose, and the old Bank of America skyscraper in downtown Los Angeles are just a few of the other numerous locations that play an essential role in the film.
These locations serve as the setting for this delightful story and offer a glimpse into LA's diverse architectural landscape. A visit to these sites would not only satisfy the curiosity of film enthusiasts but also provide a deeper appreciation for the city's historical and cultural tapestry, making it a worthwhile adventure for fans of The Wedding Singer and cinema alike.
Robbie entertains guests scene in The Wedding Singer
3400 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010, USA
In the opening scene, viewers are immediately drawn into the vibrant and nostalgic world of the 1980s as Robbie captivates the wedding guests with his energetic rendition of "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)."
Amidst the festivities, a comedic yet touching moment unfolds when Robbie steps in to save the wedding toast, which is on the verge of disaster due to the groom's alcoholic brother (Steve Buscemi). During these early moments at the wedding, Robbie catches the eye of Julia, a sweet and endearing waitress, sparking the beginning of their heartwarming journey.
The setting for this memorable scene, the Ridgefield Banquet Hall, is none other than the ballroom of the historic Ambassador Hotel, which was located at 3400 Wilshire Boulevard in LA. The Ambassador Hotel, designed by the renowned architect Myron Hunt, officially opened its doors in 1921.
Renovated by architect Paul Williams in the late 1940s, the hotel transformed into a Los Angeles icon, housing the famous Cocoanut Grove nightclub, hosting six Oscars ceremonies, and receiving every U.S. President from Herbert Hoover to Richard Nixon. Despite its significant history and preservation efforts, the hotel was demolished in 2005 after legal disputes, with demolition concluding in 2006.
Today, visiting the exact location where these scenes were filmed requires a bit of imagination. However, the site is now part of the Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools complex, which pays homage to the historical significance of the Ambassador Hotel.
For those interested in exploring this cinematic history, this location is found in the Wilshire Center area of Los Angeles. Visitors can reach this location via public transportation by taking the Metro Purple Line to the Wilshire/Vermont station, just a 15-minute walk from the former hotel site.
Robbie and Linda's wedding day scene in The Wedding Singer
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108, USA
Robbie faces a heart-wrenching moment early in the film. The scene is set on what is supposed to be one of the happiest days of Robbie's life, his wedding to Linda (Angela Featherstone). However, the joyous occasion takes a devastating turn when it becomes evident that Linda has chosen not to proceed with the marriage.
This emotionally charged scene unfolds at the stunning Huntington Library & Gardens, 1151 Oxford Road in San Marino. The venue, known for its breathtaking beauty, has been a favored location for various films, including American Wedding, Memoirs of a Geisha, Indecent Proposal, The Nutty Professor, and Serenity. As the story progresses, it's revealed that the film will significantly return to Huntington, further solidifying its importance within the narrative.
For fans wishing to explore the location where this memorable scene was filmed, The Huntington Library & Gardens remains an accessible and enriching destination. Still fully operational, The Huntington offers a vast library and houses an impressive collection of art, focusing on 18th and 19th-century European art and 17th to mid-20th-century American art.
To reach The Huntington Library & Gardens in San Marino, visitors can easily travel by car or public transportation from Los Angeles, taking the CA-110 N/Arroyo Seco Parkway.
Linda arrives at Robbie's house scene in The Wedding Singer
1075 E Topeka St, Pasadena, CA 91104, USA
In a pivotal moment, the audience finds Robbie grappling with the aftermath of his wedding that never was. Following the heartbreak of being left at the altar by Linda, Robbie retreats to the modest comfort of his living situation—living in the basement of his sister's house.
On the staircase in front of the house, Robbie confronts the physical embodiment of his dashed hopes and dreams when Linda shows up, confessing her inability to go through with their marriage.
The exterior of Robbie's sister's house is located at 1075 East Topeka Street in North Pasadena, edging toward Altadena. The address used in the film, 1075 1/2, points to Robbie's humble abode in the basement. Situated on the north side of the street, this area of Pasadena, provides a picturesque and quintessentially suburban backdrop that complements the film's setting.
For fans eager to catch a glimpse of this iconic location, it's important to remember that the house is privately owned. While the exteriors remain unchanged from the movie, allowing for a nostalgic visual experience, visitors should ensure they respect the privacy and property of the residents.
Reaching 1075 East Topeka Street is straightforward for those traveling within the Los Angeles area. By car, navigate towards North Pasadena via CA-110 N. Public transportation options are also available for those looking to make their way from different parts of the city, with bus routes and metro lines serving the Pasadena area.
Robbie goes to a job interview at a bank scene in The Wedding Singer
A.G. Bartlett Building, 650 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014, USA
Amidst his quest to win over his fiancée with financial stability, Robbie goes to an amusing job interview at a bank. With his characteristic blend of earnestness and humor, Robbie declares his admiration for money as the primary reason he should be working there.
The setting for this memorable job interview is none other than the historic building at 650 South Spring Street in downtown Los Angeles. Initially serving as a Bank of America branch, this architectural gem has been a popular location for filmmakers, featuring in a variety of movies such as Ghost, The Mask, Marathon Man, Spider-Man 2, The Prestige, Prizzi’s Honor, and St Elmo’s Fire. Its versatility as a filming location extends to more recent productions, where it was used as the exterior for the upscale bridal store Belle en Blanc in Bridesmaids and as an archive in Star Trek Into Darkness.
Constructed in 1911, it proudly stood as the tallest building in Los Angeles for five years. In 2002, the building transformed into 130 residential loft condominium units, with retail spaces occupying the ground floor. It's important to note that direct public access may be limited because it houses residential units. Prospective visitors should contact the building's administration for information on visiting hours or any potential guidelines.
Located in downtown Los Angeles, the building is conveniently accessible by car or public transit, including the LA Metro. It's just a 20-minute walk from the city center along N Spring St. Public transit routes from the LA city center are also available
Julia's house scene in The Wedding Singer
43 Sierra Pl, Sierra Madre, CA 91024, USA
Robbie is ready to confess his feelings to Julia. He approaches Julia's residence, only to see her through a window, dressed in a wedding gown and seemingly practicing her vows. Unbeknownst to Robbie, Julia is imagining herself as Mrs. Robbie Hart, highlighting the depth of her feelings for him.
Julia's quaint and charming home is the Tucker House, a historic building that once served as a schoolhouse at 43 Sierra Place in Sierra Madre. Nestled just south of Sierra Madre Boulevard, on the west side of the street, this location provides a picturesque backdrop for the unfolding drama. Sierra Madre, a serene town northeast of Pasadena and close to landmarks like the Santa Anita race track and the L.A. Arboretum, offers a glimpse into a quieter, more idyllic lifestyle within the bustling Greater Los Angeles area.
The town is easily accessible from Pasadena and the surrounding Los Angeles area, with options for travel by car or public transportation. If you’re driving, you can take the I-210 freeway.
Conclusion
With its throwback plot and signature Hollywood romance comedy style, The Wedding Singer transports audiences back to the '80s. Despite following the tried-and-true formula of love stories derailed by a string of unfortunate timings and misunderstandings, the story manages to provide a surprising and enjoyable dose of novelty.
Directed by Frank Coraci and written by Tim Herlihy, the film deftly incorporates pop culture allusions and famous fashion from the 1980s into the story, making it more compelling and entertaining. As the iconic drunken best man, Steve Buscemi shows off his remarkable comic timing and dominates the show.
Los Angeles stands in for Ridgefield, NJ, and the film transports us to a wide variety of locales, including the Ambassador Hotel, charming neighborhoods, and beautiful places like the Huntington Library & Gardens. These settings showcase the cultural and architectural diversity of Los Angeles while also setting the stage for the developing relationship.
Despite its predictable plot, The Wedding Singer succeeds in reviving the allure of traditional romantic comedies while also making innovative strides. With genuine and funny performances, the film takes viewers on a loving trip through time. Seeing the real-life settings used in the movie is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Los Angeles while also feeling an authentic connection to the film.