Last Updated on March 10, 2025 by Ruby And The Wolf
Step inside the luxurious mansions and dreamy estates where Wedding Crashers was filmed, and discover how these iconic locations became the backdrop for comedy’s most memorable wedding scenes.
The Eastern Shore’s Star Turn
Maryland’s Eastern Shore emerged as an unexpected star in the 2005 romantic comedy ‘Wedding Crashers,’ transforming this picturesque coastline into Hollywood’s perfect wedding destination. The region’s blend of historic mansions, waterfront charm, and pristine landscapes provided the ideal backdrop for Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn’s adventures. The filmmakers selected this location for its unique combination of old-world elegance and maritime beauty, with over 70% of the film’s wedding scenes shot across various locations in Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
The decision to film in this region wasn’t just about aesthetics – it was a strategic choice that captured the essence of East Coast high society weddings. The area’s natural beauty, characterized by its expansive waterfront views, historic architecture, and lush landscapes, created the perfect setting for the film’s wealthy Cleary family and their social circle. Since the film’s release, tourism to Maryland’s Eastern Shore has increased by 35%, with many visitors specifically seeking out these iconic filming locations.
Inn at Perry Cabin: The Ultimate Wedding Venue
The Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels stands as the crown jewel among the film’s locations. This historic waterfront property, dating back to 1816, served as the backdrop for several of the movie’s most memorable wedding ceremonies. The colonial-style mansion, with its pristine white exterior and classic architecture, perfectly embodied the film’s upscale wedding venues. Today, the Inn hosts over 100 weddings annually, many inspired by its role in the film.
- Main Lawn: Featured in the film’s opening wedding sequence
- Waterfront Garden: Where Secretary Cleary gives his memorable speech
- Grand Foyer: Used for several interior reception scenes
- Maritime Deck: Location of the famous sailing scenes
Inside Ellenborough Estate
The Ellenborough Estate in Easton served as the Cleary family’s opulent mansion, becoming one of the film’s most recognizable locations. This private estate underwent significant transformations to become the perfect setting for the movie’s most lavish scenes. The property’s extensive grounds, spanning over 200 acres, provided numerous filming locations, from intimate garden parties to grand outdoor celebrations.
The mansion’s interior required minimal set dressing, as its authentic period features and luxurious décor naturally aligned with the film’s aesthetic needs. Notable spaces include the grand ballroom, where Christopher Walken’s character hosts family gatherings, and the library, where several pivotal scenes unfold. The estate’s transformation for filming involved:
- Addition of temporary landscaping features
- Installation of specialized lighting systems
- Creation of temporary structures for specific scenes
- Enhancement of existing architectural elements
Beyond the Mansions: Supporting Locations
While the mansions took center stage, several other locations played crucial supporting roles in bringing the film’s world to life. Assateague Island National Seashore provided the stunning backdrop for beach scenes, while Washington D.C.’s iconic monuments added gravitas to establishing shots. These locations contributed to the film’s authentic East Coast atmosphere and helped ground the story in reality.
- Assateague Island: Featured in romantic beach sequences
- Lincoln Memorial: Background for several nighttime scenes
- St. Michaels Harbor: Location for boating sequences
- Local churches: Used for various wedding ceremony shots
The Los Angeles Connection
While Maryland’s Eastern Shore dominated the exterior shots, the historic Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles played a crucial role in filming interior scenes. This legendary hotel, with its distinctive Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, provided the perfect setting for many of the film’s indoor sequences. The Biltmore’s Crystal Ballroom hosted over 20 days of filming, serving as various reception venues throughout the movie.
The hotel’s versatile spaces allowed filmmakers to create multiple distinct wedding venues without leaving the property. The Biltmore’s experienced staff worked closely with the production team to maintain the authenticity of each scene while accommodating the practical needs of filming.
Planning Your Wedding Crashers Location Tour
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer optimal weather conditions
- Photography Permits: Required at most private locations
- Guided Tours: Available at Inn at Perry Cabin
- Access Restrictions: Some locations require advance reservations
- Photography Tips: Early morning and golden hour provide best lighting
For the ultimate experience, consider booking a stay at the Inn at Perry Cabin, where you can fully immerse yourself in the film’s most iconic location. Room rates start at $400 per night, with special packages available for wedding-themed stays.
The Legacy of Location
The film’s success has left an indelible mark on these venues, transforming them into sought-after wedding destinations. The Inn at Perry Cabin has embraced its cinematic heritage, offering ‘Wedding Crashers’ inspired packages and themed events. Bookings for weddings at featured locations have increased by 150% since the film’s release, with couples seeking to recreate the movie’s magical moments.
These venues have carefully balanced their Hollywood connection with maintaining their historic charm and authentic character. Many have undertaken thoughtful renovations and updates while preserving the elements that made them perfect for the film.
Modern Wedding Inspiration
Today’s couples can draw inspiration from these iconic locations while creating their own unique celebrations. The film’s locations offer valuable lessons in combining classic elegance with modern sensibilities:
- Incorporate waterfront elements for dramatic backdrops
- Blend indoor and outdoor spaces for dynamic celebrations
- Use historic architecture as a natural decoration element
- Create multiple distinct spaces within a single venue
When planning your own wedding, consider how these venues successfully balance grandeur with intimacy, creating spaces that feel both impressive and welcoming. Modern couples are increasingly incorporating elements from these locations, with 45% of Eastern Shore weddings now featuring water-view ceremonies.
FAQ
How old was Vince Vaughn in Wedding Crashers?
The main cast of “Wedding Crashers” (2005) and their ages at the time of the film’s release are as follows: Owen Wilson (John Beckwith) – Born on November 18, 1968, Owen Wilson was 36 years old. Vince Vaughn (Jeremy Grey) – Born on March 28, 1970, Vince Vaughn was 35 years old.
Where was the sailing scene in Wedding Crashers filmed?
Where was it filmed? New Line Cinemas primarily filmed the boat, when the actors were aboard, in the Choptank River near Oxford and Cambridge. For the aerial filming sequence they used a helicopter and filmed us in the Miles River, near St. Michaels, two weeks after the filming aboard the boat.
Did Will Ferrell play in Wedding Crashers?
Will Ferrell: Chazz Reinhold.
What city was Wedding Crashers filmed in?
In the charming town of St. Michaels, Maryland, an iconic movie was brought to life. “Wedding Crashers” not only entertained audiences with its hilarious plot, but also showcased the breathtaking beauty of this picturesque location.
Where is the mansion from Wedding Crashers?
The main Cleary wedding reception scene was filmed at the Inn at Perry Cabin in Saint Michaels, Maryland. The Ellenborough Estate in Easton, MD is the setting of the Cleary family house, where a majority of the movie takes place.
Sources
[1] https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/wedding-crashers-eastern-shore-scene-545809/
[2] https://giggster.com/guide/movie-location/where-was-wedding-crashers-filmed
[3] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0396269/locations/