A simple guide for couples planning an intimate ceremony
City Hall weddings have a quiet kind of magic.
No elaborate timelines.
No long guest lists.
Just the two of you, a small ceremony, and the city waiting outside.
No long guest lists.
Just the two of you, a small ceremony, and the city waiting outside.
If you're planning a City Hall wedding in Toronto, the process is actually quite simple once you know the steps. This guide walks you through everything you need to know; from getting your marriage licence to booking your ceremony.
Step 1: Apply for Your Marriage Licence
Before you can get married in Toronto, you need a marriage licence.
You can start the process online and then book an appointment to pick it up in person.
Couples must bring two pieces of government-issued identification each when attending their appointment.
You can apply for your licence here:
Marriage Licence Application
https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/venues-facilities-bookings/getting-married/
https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/venues-facilities-bookings/getting-married/
Appointments are usually available at:
• Toronto City Hall
• North York Civic Centre
• North York Civic Centre
The appointment itself is quick and typically takes about 15 minutes.
Good to know:
Your marriage licence is valid for 3 months, so plan your ceremony within that timeframe.
Your marriage licence is valid for 3 months, so plan your ceremony within that timeframe.
Step 2: Choose Where You Want to Get Married
In Toronto, couples typically choose between two iconic locations:
New City Hall - 100 Queen St West
This is the modern curved building at Nathan Phillips Square.
Inside, you'll find the Wedding Chambers, where many intimate civil ceremonies take place. The space is simple, bright, and perfect for small gatherings.
The ceremony space includes the officiant and costs approximately $325 + HST.
Guests are welcome, though seating is limited to around 15 people, making it ideal for a small celebration.
Old City Hall - 60 Queen St West
Just across the street from Nathan Phillips Square, Old City Hall offers a much more historic setting.
With its grand stone architecture, dramatic staircases, and beautiful arched windows, it’s one of the most photogenic civic buildings in Toronto.
Civil ceremonies are occasionally offered here as well, depending on availability through the City of Toronto.
If you're drawn to a more classic or historic atmosphere, this is a beautiful option.
Want to know more about the two locations?
New City Hall
Old City Hall
Step 3: Book Your Ceremony
Once you have your marriage licence, you can book your ceremony.
Ceremonies are typically short and intimate, often lasting around 15–20 minutes.
You’ll need:
• your marriage licence
• two witnesses
• rings (optional)
• any personal vows you may want to include
• two witnesses
• rings (optional)
• any personal vows you may want to include
Some couples keep things simple and head for a celebratory lunch afterward.
Others take the opportunity to explore the city together.
Step 4: Plan What Happens After
One of my favourite things about City Hall weddings is what happens after the ceremony.
This is when the day becomes truly yours.
Some couples:
• walk through Nathan Phillips Square
• take the subway in their wedding clothes
• visit the place where they had their first date
• grab coffee or champagne nearby
• take the subway in their wedding clothes
• visit the place where they had their first date
• grab coffee or champagne nearby
It’s often these quiet, spontaneous moments that make the photographs feel the most meaningful.
A Small Ceremony, A Big Memory
City Hall weddings may be small, but they are often incredibly emotional.
There’s something beautiful about focusing on what matters most — the moment you decide to begin your life together.
And sometimes, all it takes is a ceremony, a walk through the city, and a few photographs to remember it forever.
