The 2011 comedy Bridesmaids, directed by Paul Feig and produced by Judd Apatow, became a cultural phenomenon thanks to its clever humor, memorable performances, and heartfelt storytelling.
Although set in Milwaukee and Chicago, most of the film was shot in and around Los Angeles, California.
This guide provides detailed information about the film’s locations, cast, and trivia.
Bridesmaids Filming Locations
Milwaukee and Chicago
| Scene | Filming Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ted’s House | 3722 Sapphire Drive, Encino, CA | The luxurious home with the automated gate Annie (Kristen Wiig) gets stuck on. |
| Joni’s Bakery | Paramount Studios, Hollywood, CA | The bakery where Annie shares a laugh with Lillian; filmed on a soundstage. |
| Cholodecki’s Jewelry Store | 1009 Mitchell Street, Milwaukee, WI | Annie’s workplace in the film, digitally altered to fit the story. |
| Annie’s Apartment | 2501 South Kinnickinnic Avenue, Milwaukee, WI | The home Annie shares with her eccentric roommates Gil and Brynn. |
| Engagement Party | Sherwood Country Club, 320 West Stafford Road, Thousand Oaks, CA | The opulent location of Lillian’s bridal shower and engagement party. |
| Brazilian Restaurant Scene | Mariscos La Sirenita, 14032 Oxnard Street, Valley Glen, CA | A Mexican seafood restaurant doubling as a Brazilian steakhouse where the bridal party suffers food poisoning. |
| Helen’s Bridal Shower Estate | 380 South San Rafael Avenue, Pasadena, CA | The estate where Annie has a dramatic meltdown during the Paris-themed bridal shower. |
| Wedding Venue | Los Angeles County Arboretum, 301 North Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, CA | A picturesque botanical garden frequently used as a filming location. |
| Liquor Store Scene | Jay’s Liquor Market, 14627 Crenshaw Boulevard, Gardena, CA | Annie reconnects with Officer Rhodes at this humble corner shop. |
| Police Speed Gun Scene | West Gonzales Road, Oxnard, CA | Officer Rhodes (Chris O’Dowd) shows Annie how to use a radar gun in this scenic, flat area resembling the Midwest. |
| Karaoke Bar Scene | Redwood Bar & Grill, 316 West Second Street, Los Angeles, CA | Annie and Officer Rhodes share a moment at this cozy bar, also featured in 500 Days of Summer. |
Cast Highlights
- Kristen Wiig as Annie Walker: A struggling baker navigating friendship and her role as maid of honor.
- Maya Rudolph as Lillian Donovan: Annie’s best friend and bride-to-be.
- Melissa McCarthy as Megan Price: The hilariously unpredictable bridesmaid who steals the show.
- Rose Byrne as Helen Harris III: The wealthy, competitive bridesmaid.
- Chris O’Dowd as Officer Nathan Rhodes: Annie’s kindhearted love interest.
- Jon Hamm as Ted: Annie’s self-absorbed fling.
Filming Trivia & Fun Facts
- Milwaukee & Chicago as Inspirations: Although set in these Midwest cities, most scenes were filmed in Los Angeles. Only a few establishing shots were captured on location in Milwaukee and Chicago.
- Digital Alterations: The exterior of Cholodecki’s Jewelry Store in Milwaukee was created digitally, as the actual store location was an empty storefront.
- Iconic Set Pieces: The Los Angeles Arboretum, a key wedding venue, has been used in films like Anaconda and Fantasy Island.
- Improvised Comedy: Melissa McCarthy’s performance included significant improvisation, earning her an Academy Award nomination.
GEO Location Details for Fans
| Location | Address | Coordinates |
|---|---|---|
| Ted’s House | 3722 Sapphire Dr, Encino, CA | 34.1519° N, 118.4921° W |
| Sherwood Country Club | 320 W Stafford Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA | 34.1513° N, 118.8642° W |
| Cholodecki’s Jewelry | 1009 Mitchell St, Milwaukee, WI | 43.0034° N, 87.9218° W |
| Bridal Shower Estate | 380 S San Rafael Ave, Pasadena, CA | 34.1454° N, 118.1628° W |
| Redwood Bar & Grill | 316 W Second St, Los Angeles, CA | 34.0515° N, 118.2478° W |
Final Thoughts
Bridesmaids brilliantly combines relatable humor, heartfelt storytelling, and standout performances, redefining modern female-led comedies.
Its cleverly chosen filming locations in Los Angeles, doubling as Midwest cities, enhance the movie’s authenticity and charm.
Whether you’re a fan of romantic comedies or enjoy visiting iconic film sites, Bridesmaids offers plenty of memorable moments and destinations to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where was the movie Bridesmaids filmed?
The majority of Bridesmaids was filmed in Los Angeles, California, despite being set in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Chicago, Illinois. Some scenes were shot in authentic Milwaukee locations.
What are the key filming locations for Bridesmaids?
Sherwood Country Club, Thousand Oaks, CA: Engagement party and tennis court scenes.
3722 Sapphire Drive, Encino, CA: Ted’s home where Annie gets stuck on the gate.
1009 Mitchell Street, Milwaukee, WI: Jewelry store where Annie works.
Los Angeles State and County Arboretum, Arcadia, CA: Wedding venue.
Mariscos La Sirenita, Valley Glen, CA: Restaurant scene before food poisoning incident.
Was any part of Bridesmaids actually filmed in Milwaukee?
Yes, a few scenes were shot in Milwaukee, such as the exterior of the jewelry store on Mitchell Street and a bar scene at Norman One Step. Most interior shots were recreated in Los Angeles.
Is the Brazilian steakhouse in the movie real?
The restaurant depicted in the movie is actually Mariscos La Sirenita, a Mexican seafood restaurant located in Valley Glen, CA.
What is the Sherwood Country Club’s significance in the film?
Sherwood Country Club serves as the location for Lillian’s engagement party and several other key scenes, including the competitive tennis match.
Can I visit the filming locations of Bridesmaids?
Many of the locations, like Mariscos La Sirenita and the Los Angeles Arboretum, are open to the public. However, private residences like Ted’s home on Sapphire Drive and Sherwood Country Club require permission to access.
What makes Bridesmaids a memorable film?
The movie blends humor with heartfelt moments, features strong female leads, and highlights themes of friendship, competition, and self-discovery. It also became a box office success, grossing over $306 million worldwide.
Did the movie receive any awards or nominations?
Yes, Bridesmaids was critically acclaimed and received multiple nominations, including two Academy Award nods:
Best Supporting Actress: Melissa McCarthy.
Best Original Screenplay: Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo.
Why was Los Angeles chosen as the primary filming location?
Los Angeles offered versatile locations that could convincingly recreate Milwaukee and Chicago settings while also providing iconic backdrops and easier access to film studio resources.
What is the most iconic scene from Bridesmaids?
One of the most memorable scenes is the food poisoning incident at the bridal shop, showcasing the film’s unique blend of crude humor and emotional depth.