A destination wedding literally requires going many extra miles to ensure the special celebration happens—which makes the nightmare scenario of a double booking even more chaotic. And that’s the exact predicament portrayed in You’re Cordially Invited. The new Prime Video flick, starring Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon, follows two conflicting weddings set on a remote island off of Georgia’s coast. In reality, the movie was actually filmed in the state. Ahead, we’ve laid out everything viewers should know about the charming location.
Where Was You're Cordially Invited Filmed?
For the movie's setting, writer-director Nicholas Stoller wanted the destination to be strikingly pretty and a place the audience would really want to visit. Lake Oconee—a reservoir located 75 miles east of Atlanta—provided the perfect setting thanks to its idyllic landscape made up of calm waters and lush greenery. Plus, it felt intimate. “I love weddings and I thought there would be something a little bit magical about doing a movie that is in a very beautiful place built around two weddings that are very different,” Stoller said in a press brief.
Peaceful and secluded, the hidden gem is ideal for a wedding. “At the same time, you get why it might not be able to accommodate a huge crowd,” producer Lauren Neustadter added in the brief. “It feels very authentic, yet it’s also the kind of place where comedy can unfold in the most natural way."
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee is the area’s luxury lakefront resort. The Reynolds Lake Oconee community also encompasses vacation rentals and nearly 150 real estate listings for eager travelers and potential buyers alike. "It’s this wonderful resort that has it all—beautiful architecture, a charming barn, and a stunning lakefront venue," Witherspoon said in the brief. "You’ve got pools, jet skis, boats, putt-putt golf—everything you’d want for a perfect, almost fairy-tale wedding.” And, of course, those are all desirable factors for a nice vacation, too!
Kelly Allen is the Associate Editor at House Beautiful, where she creates design, culture, and travel content online and in the magazine. She’s been on the team since 2019, writing features on dreamy TV sets and movie filming locations, in-depth city guides, and inspiring home tours. From researching ethereal estates to discovering can’t-miss set decoration details onscreen, she’s always eager to answer burning pop culture questions through a design lens. In her five-year career, she’s built a strong network of designers across disciplines to tap for their invaluable expertise. Her background includes honing reporting skills while tackling viral news for Delish and contributing to Cosmopolitan’s entertainment coverage. When she’s not watching every new film and TV show, she’s browsing vintage home stores, attending industry events, and wandering around New York City—highlighting it all on Instagram.
