The romantic comedy The Wedding Banquet (2025), directed by Andrew Ahn, has won hearts with its modern take on love and identity. A remake of Ang Lee’s 1993 classic, this film boasts a talented cast, including Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Han Gi-chan, Joan Chen, and Youn Yuh-jung. For fans and travelers, exploring The Wedding Banquet filming locations offers a chance to connect with the vibrant settings that shaped this story. At NetFilming, we uncover the three key locations—Vancouver, Seoul, and Seattle—where this heartfelt film was shot, sharing insights into their cinematic significance.
About The Wedding Banquet Movie
The Wedding Banquet (2025) is a romantic comedy that reimagines Ang Lee’s 1993 film for today’s audiences, focusing on queer identities and cultural intersections. Directed by Andrew Ahn and co-written by Ahn and James Schamus, it follows two LGBTQ+ couples in Seattle navigating a fake marriage to secure a green card and fund IVF treatment. The plan spirals when Min’s grandmother arrives from Korea, orchestrating a lavish traditional wedding banquet, leading to hilarious and heartfelt moments.
The cast, including Bowen Yang as Min, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Han Gi-chan, Joan Chen, and Youn Yuh-jung, delivers powerful performances, earning the film an 89% Rotten Tomatoes score. Premiering at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and released in theaters on April 18, 2025, it’s praised for its humor, emotional depth, and fresh perspective on family and love. The film’s blend of modern romance and Korean traditions, set against diverse urban backdrops, makes it a standout. Its exploration of chosen family and cultural heritage resonates globally, cementing its place as a must-watch rom-com.
Where was The Wedding Banquet Filmed?
The Wedding Banquet (2025) was filmed in Vancouver, Canada; Seoul, South Korea; and Seattle, Washington. These locations provided a mix of urban, cultural, and scenic backdrops for the romantic comedy.
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver, British Columbia, served as a primary filming location for The Wedding Banquet, with principal photography running from May 27, 2024, to June 28, 2024. Known for its robust film industry, Vancouver often doubles for other cities, including Seattle, the film’s narrative setting. Its mix of modern skyscrapers, cozy neighborhoods, and scenic coastal and mountain views likely framed the characters’ daily lives and romantic scenes. Vancouver’s production-friendly environment, with skilled crews and cost-effective resources, made it a smart choice. Visitors to Vancouver can explore areas like Gastown or Stanley Park, which may evoke the film’s urban and natural aesthetics, even if exact shooting locations aren’t specified.
Seoul, South Korea
To bring the story’s Korean heritage to life, filmmakers shot key scenes in Seoul, South Korea. This location lent authenticity to the traditional Korean wedding banquet, a central plot element. Seoul, a vibrant capital, blends historic sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village with modern hubs like Gangnam and Myeongdong.
These settings likely showcased the clash between tradition and contemporary life central to the story. The Han River and Seoul’s efficient transit system enhance its appeal as a filming destination. Travelers can visit these iconic spots to experience the cultural richness depicted in the film, from ancient palaces to bustling markets. Seoul’s growing cinematic prominence, seen in global hits like Parasite, makes it a fitting choice for this culturally rich story.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington, the film’s narrative home, was another filming location. While Vancouver stood in for many scenes, select shots were captured in Seattle for authenticity. Surrounded by Puget Sound, forests, and mountains, Seattle’s natural beauty complements the film’s emotional tone.
Landmarks like the Space Needle or Pike Place Market may have appeared in establishing shots, grounding the story’s setting. Seattle’s progressive, queer-friendly culture and vibrant arts scene align with the film’s themes of self-discovery and chosen family. As the birthplace of Starbucks and grunge music, Seattle adds a modern, creative energy. Visitors can explore Pike Place Market’s lively stalls or Chihuly Garden and Glass for inspiration, immersing themselves in the city’s cinematic charm.
Filming Timeline and Production Insights
Filming began on May 27, 2024, and wrapped on June 28, 2024, a concise five-week schedule reflecting the team’s efficiency. Coordinating three international locations required meticulous planning to balance creative vision and logistics. Vancouver’s film infrastructure, Seoul’s cinematic rise, and Seattle’s iconic settings ensured a smooth process. While specific shooting sites, like particular streets or venues, aren’t detailed publicly, the cities themselves shine as integral to the film’s visual and emotional impact. Collaboration with local film commissions likely streamlined production, making these locations both practical and inspiring.
Stay tuned for more film location insights!
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