On December 18th, we arrived at Old City Hall around 2 p.m. for Carly and Sean's wedding. It was one of those crisp winter days that feels clean and quiet, the kind that suits a City Hall wedding well.
We took the iconic staircase up to the chambers, arriving about thirty minutes early. There's something I love about that time before a ceremony. The space settles around you. You figure out where the light is, where to stand, how the room feels. The staff were kind and efficient, and that set the tone for the whole afternoon.
Keeping It Intimate
They kept it simple. No big guest list, just the two of them, plus me as a witness and one hired witness. Everything moved smoothly, even when the ceremony shifted slightly earlier due to a minor scheduling hiccup. The officiant kept it short and meaningful, about 15 minutes, and afterward they had a quiet moment exchanging vows on their own. Once the official part was done, the officiant and witness left, and we had the entire space to ourselves.
The Photos
We took some time for photos on the benches, in the chamber chairs, and just walking around. The natural light inside Old City Hall is beautiful and the whole vibe was relaxed. Right before we wrapped up, we stepped outside for a few final shots on the staircase and around Nathan Phillips Square.
Planning Your Own City Hall Wedding in Toronto
If you're planning a Toronto city hall wedding, Old City Hall is a stunning space. Just keep in mind that you need a photo permit if you're not booking a ceremony there, but since Carly and Sean were married there, it was included. For more photo spots around the area, I've linked to another post where I share some of my favourite locations, like Osgoode Station, the gardens, and the square, so you can plan your walk after the ceremony.
