7 Stunning Filming Locations Of 'The Perfect Couple' That Aren't Actually Nantucket

The Netflix limited series The Perfect Couple, which premiered on September 5, 2024, has captivated millions of viewers not just with its star-studded cast and gripping murder mystery plot, but also with its breathtaking, quintessential New England backdrop. Set entirely on the exclusive island of Nantucket, Massachusetts, the show’s picturesque scenery is a character in itself, featuring lavish beachfront homes, charming cobblestone streets, and iconic lighthouses. However, the biggest secret the series keeps is that the majority of these stunning locales were actually filmed somewhere else entirely, giving fans a fresh set of destinations to explore. The production team masterfully blended two distinct Massachusetts coastal regions to create the perfect illusion of a high-society Nantucket wedding gone wrong. This deep dive reveals the true locations that served as the primary set for the Winbury family's dramatic nuptials.

The series, based on the best-selling novel by Elin Hilderbrand, revolves around the upcoming wedding of Amelia Sacks and Benji Winbury, a wedding that is suddenly overshadowed by a mysterious death. While the narrative is firmly rooted in the high-stakes drama of Nantucket society, the real-life filming logistics led the production to a nearby, yet distinct, coastal gem: Chatham, Massachusetts, on the southeastern tip of Cape Cod. This choice allowed for the authentic "Cape and island feel" that the story demands, but with greater ease of access for a major television production.

The Star-Studded Cast and Key Creative Team

The success of The Perfect Couple is largely due to its ensemble cast of Hollywood heavyweights and rising stars, bringing the complex characters of Elin Hilderbrand’s novel to life. The following list outlines the central figures and the key creative minds behind the six-episode limited series, giving you a complete picture of the talent involved in this murder mystery.

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• Nicole Kidman as Greer Garrison Winbury (The formidable matriarch and mother of the groom).
• Liev Schreiber as Tag Winbury (The wealthy, powerful husband of Greer).
• Eve Hewson as Amelia Sacks (The bride, whose wedding is the center of the mystery).
• Billy Howle as Benji Winbury (The groom, Tag and Greer's son).
• Dakota Fanning as Abby Winbury (Benji’s sister and the maid of honor).
• Meghann Fahy as Merritt Monaco (Amelia’s best friend and maid of honor).
• Jack Reynor as Thomas Winbury (Benji's brother).
• Sam Nivola as Shooter Doughty (A local Nantucket resident).
• Isabelle McNally as Lola Winbury (Thomas’s wife).
• Michael Beach as Chief of Police Dan Carter (The lead investigator).
• Donna Lynne Champlin as Nikki Henry (A key character in the investigation).
• Author: Elin Hilderbrand (Wrote the 2018 novel the series is based on).
• Showrunner/Writer: Jenna Lamia (Adapted the novel for the screen).
• Director: Susanne Bier (Acclaimed director of The Undoing and Bird Box).
• Executive Producer: Reese Witherspoon (Through her company Hello Sunshine).
• Production Company: 21 Laps Entertainment (Known for Stranger Things).
• Original Network: Netflix (The global streaming platform).

The Real-Life 'Summerland': The Winbury Estate Location

The most crucial and visually stunning location in The Perfect Couple is "Summerland," the sprawling, multi-million dollar waterfront mansion where the Winbury family hosts the ill-fated wedding. In the world of the novel and the series, this is the epitome of Nantucket wealth and prestige. In reality, the production found its perfect stand-in not on Nantucket, but in the exclusive Eastward Point Community in Chatham, Massachusetts.

This magnificent home, which serves as the primary set for the majority of the series, perfectly captures the opulent, secluded atmosphere required for the high-society drama. The spectacular beachfront real estate in this area of Cape Cod offers the same dramatic ocean vistas and architectural grandeur that define Nantucket’s most coveted properties. The use of this Chatham location as the Winbury family’s home base was confirmed by Showrunner Jenna Lamia, highlighting its importance to the entire production.

Chatham, Cape Cod: The Primary Filming Hub

While the series is set on Nantucket, the majority of the actual on-location shooting took place in the charming seaside town of Chatham. Chatham is situated at the "elbow" of Cape Cod, offering a historic fishing town atmosphere with picturesque streets, boutique shops, and stunning coastal views that are visually similar to Nantucket. This strategic choice provided a more accessible and logistically simpler environment for filming a major limited series, while still maintaining the authentic New England aesthetic.

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The production utilized several key areas within Chatham to create the world of the show. Fans of the series who visit Chatham will recognize many of the town's charming features, which were used to represent the various shops, restaurants, and scenic drives of Nantucket. This blend of locations is a common practice in filmmaking, but in this case, it was executed so seamlessly that many viewers believed the entire series was shot on the more remote island.

The Nantucket Illusion: Where the Real Island Was Used

Despite the extensive use of Chatham, the production did ensure that the series maintained an authentic connection to its true setting: Nantucket Island. While the main cast spent most of their time on Cape Cod, the crew did travel to Nantucket to capture crucial establishing shots and B-roll footage. This footage is essential for setting the scene, featuring the island’s most recognizable landmarks to cement the sense of place for the viewer.

Entities and landmarks that were likely captured on the actual island to enhance the Nantucket illusion include:

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• Brant Point Lighthouse: One of Nantucket’s most famous and recognizable lighthouses, often used in establishing shots.
• Nantucket Harbor: Shots of the bustling harbor, ferries, and yachts are crucial for establishing the island's atmosphere.
• Main Street, Nantucket: The cobblestone streets and historic architecture of the town center were captured to give the series its authentic charm.
• The Ferry: Shots of the Steamship Authority ferry, which connects the island to the mainland, are often used to signify arrivals and departures.

By capturing these essential elements, the showrunners were able to transport the audience to the exclusive, beautiful, and ultimately deadly world of Nantucket, even though the majority of the dramatic action and dialogue was filmed in the picturesque town of Chatham. The result is a visually stunning limited series that perfectly captures the high-stakes atmosphere of a murder mystery set against a backdrop of New England's most luxurious coastal life.