Getting married at toronto city hall: what to know + photo locations nearby
Toronto City Hall weddings have a reputation for being quick or “no-frills.”
But in reality? They’re intimate, meaningful, and full of quiet magic.
But in reality? They’re intimate, meaningful, and full of quiet magic.
If you’re planning a City Hall wedding, especially at Old City Hall. Here’s what to know, plus some of my favourite nearby photo spots within walking distance.
Old city hall vs new city hall: What’s the difference?
Toronto actually has two City Halls, and they feel completely different.
Old City Hall
Located at the corner of Queen Street West and Bay Street, Old City Hall is a historic landmark built in the Romanesque style with stone arches, warm sandstone textures, and timeless architecture. If you are drawn to a more classic, documentary feel, this is your space.
Exterior The facade, steps, and clock tower are always accessible and free to photograph. The heavy stone arches and ornate details make for genuinely beautiful portraits in every season.
Interior Ceremonies take place in the former Council Chamber, a room with soaring ceilings and ornate wood panelling that has appeared in productions like Suits, Murdoch Mysteries, and The Handmaid's Tale. Ceremonies are currently available on select Thursdays by appointment only. Availability is subject to change. For full pricing and booking details, visit How to Book Your City Hall Wedding in Toronto.
Photo opportunities inside The grand staircase, the Council Chamber itself, and the ornate architectural details throughout. If you are getting married here, your ceremony photos will carry the weight of the space.
New City Hall
Just across Nathan Phillips Square, New City Hall is modern and bright with clean lines and lots of natural light. It feels more minimal and contemporary, and the square outside gives you a lot of room to move after the ceremony.
Exterior Nathan Phillips Square is one of the most iconic public spaces in Toronto. The Toronto sign, the arches, the reflecting pool in summer, the skating rink in winter. You are already in a great spot the moment you walk out the door.
Interior The Wedding Chambers are on the 3rd floor of the East Tower, available Monday to Saturday by appointment. The space accommodates up to 22 people including the couple and their two witnesses. For full pricing and booking details, visit How to Book Your City Hall Wedding in Toronto. Inside, the lobby offers some nice moments, and the elevators are a surprisingly good spot for a quick portrait, clean lines and interesting light. Beyond that, indoor photo opportunities are limited, so most of the photography happens outside in the square and on the photo walk that follows.
Both are beautiful. It really comes down to the atmosphere you are drawn to.
New City Hall Toronto
New City Hall Toronto
New City Hall Toronto
New City Hall Toronto
New City Hall Toronto
New City Hall Toronto
Old City Hall Toronto
Old City Hall Toronto
Old City Hall Toronto
Old City Hall Toronto
Old City Hall Toronto
Best photo locations near toronto city hall (all within ~7 minutes)
One of the best things about a City Hall wedding is what comes after. The ceremony is short and intentional, which leaves the rest of the day open for a relaxed photo walk through some of the most photogenic streets in the city. All of the spots below are within a short walk and most require no permit at all.
Nathan Phillips SquareThis is the square with the Toronto sign and skating rink. It’s iconic, open, and energetic — great for wide shots and city context.
Osgoode Hall & Gardens
A calm, elegant contrast to City Hall. The gardens feel romantic and timeless, especially for portraits that feel a little more removed from the city buzz.
A calm, elegant contrast to City Hall. The gardens feel romantic and timeless, especially for portraits that feel a little more removed from the city buzz.
Osgoode Subway Station
For couples who love a bit of edge and movement, the station offers graphic lines, interesting light, and a more editorial feel.
For couples who love a bit of edge and movement, the station offers graphic lines, interesting light, and a more editorial feel.
After the ceremony, the city is yours. I have put together a full guide to the best photo spots within walking distance, including a Google Maps you can save for the day. See the photo locations guide here."
A gentle tip for city hall weddings
Plan a little breathing room after your ceremony. Even 20–30 minutes makes a difference it allows you to settle, connect, and enjoy the moment instead of rushing through it.
Some of the most meaningful photos happen after the paperwork is done.
If you are planning a Toronto City Hall wedding and want your photos to feel honest and real, get in touch and we can talk through your day together.
