Toronto City Hall Wedding Guide
Ceremony, Photos & Tips
Toronto City Hall weddings have a reputation for being quick or "no-frills." That undersells them. 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. Haven't booked your ceremony yet? How to Book a City Hall Wedding in Toronto walks through getting your marriage licence, choosing your venue, and reserving your date, step by step.
Old City Hall vs New City Hall: What's the Difference?
Toronto 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.
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. 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. The lobby offers some nice moments, and the elevators are a surprisingly good spot for a quick portrait. Beyond that, most of the photography happens outside in the square and on the photo walk that follows.
Want to see what each one actually looks like? Old City Hall vs New City Hall has real examples from both.
Both are beautiful. It really comes down to the atmosphere you are drawn to.
Which one is right for you?
Old City Hall: history over modern. Stone arches, one grand room, Thursdays only.
New City Hall: light over weight. Glass and open sky, more days to choose from.
Neither is the better choice. Just the one that feels like you.
Tied to a specific date that isn't a Thursday? New City Hall is your pick. Old City Hall's ceremonies only run on select Thursdays, so if your date matters more than the room, that decides it for you.
What the Day Actually Looks Like
Arrive fifteen minutes early. Bring valid ID and your marriage licence. Ontario requires two witnesses, though both chambers can hold a few more if you're bringing family along.
The ceremony itself runs ten to fifteen minutes. Short by design, not by accident.
Then you're married. And the day is still yours.
How Do We Get Couple Portraits With Family There Too?
A lot of City Hall weddings aren't just the two of you. Parents come, a sibling comes, maybe a few close friends. You still get portraits that are just the two of you.
It depends on your timeline and how long we have. Often the easiest way is to let family peel off first. A drink at the cafe under New City Hall. A few quiet minutes in the Osgoode Gardens. Or straight to your lunch or dinner reservation, if that's next on the day.
You get your portraits without an audience. Everyone meets back up after.
Best Photo Locations Near Toronto City Hall
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 Square: The square with the Toronto sign and skating rink. Iconic, open, and energetic. Great for wide shots and city context.
Osgoode Hall & Gardens: A calm, elegant contrast to City Hall. The gardens feel 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.
Want the full list? The Best Photo Spots Near Toronto City Hallcovers more spots within walking distance, plus a saved map you can use on the day.
After the ceremony, the city is yours.
A Gentle Tip for City Hall Weddings
Plan a little breathing room after your ceremony. Even 20 to 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.