How to Get Married at Toronto City Hall: A Step‑by‑Step Guide

A friendly, photographer‑approved guide for couples planning a simple, beautiful, stress‑free City Hall wedding.

Getting married at Toronto City Hall is one of the easiest, most affordable, and surprisingly beautiful ways to tie the knot in the city. Whether you’re planning a small, intimate ceremony with just your closest people or a simple elopement for two, Toronto City Hall weddings offer a perfect blend of convenience, charm, and timeless photo opportunities.

As someone who photographs City Hall weddings regularly — and who works just a 15‑minute walk from Osgoode Hall Gardens — I’ve learned exactly how to make the experience smooth, stress‑free, and genuinely beautiful. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, including insider tips, photo locations, what to expect, and how to make your day feel elevated even with a small budget.

1. Why Choose a Toronto City Hall Wedding?

City Hall weddings are perfect for couples who want:

• A simple, meaningful ceremony

• A small guest list (or no guests at all)

• Beautiful photos without the cost of a full wedding

• A stress‑free experience

• A quick, affordable way to get legally married

The best part? You’re surrounded by some of the most photogenic spots in downtown Toronto — from historic architecture to modern city backdrops.

2. Old City Hall vs. New City Hall: Which Should You Choose?

This is one of the biggest decisions couples make, and here’s my honest, experience‑based take.

Old City Hall (Highly Recommended)

If you want your photos to feel timeless, elegant, and luxurious, Old City Hall is the clear winner.

Why I recommend it:

• Stunning historic architecture

• Beautiful stone staircases and arches

• Warm, traditional interiors

• Perfect for large family photos

• Works beautifully in both rain and sunshine

• Feels like a classic Canadian heritage building

If you want your wedding photos to look like they belong in a magazine, Old City Hall is the place.

New City Hall (Modern + Minimalist)

The new building is clean, modern, and efficient — but it has a more corporate feel. It’s functional, but it doesn’t offer the same charm or warmth for photos.

If photography is important to you, Old City Hall is the better choice every time.

3. How to Book Your Toronto City Hall Wedding

Here’s the simple step‑by‑step process:

Step 1 — Get Your Marriage Licence

You can apply online and pick it up in person. Both partners must bring valid ID.

Step 2 — Book Your Ceremony Appointment

Choose Old City Hall or New City Hall. Appointments fill up fast, especially Fridays and Saturdays.

Step 3 — Bring Your Witnesses

You need two witnesses. If you’re eloping, I can help you arrange one.

Step 4 — Arrive Early (Very Important)

City Hall runs weddings back‑to‑back, and they do not wait for late arrivals.

I always recommend couples arrive at least 1 hour early.

Why?

• Downtown traffic can be unpredictable

• Protests and festivals often close streets

• Parking can be extremely difficult

• Security lines can take time

• You’ll feel calmer and more present

Arriving early is the easiest way to keep your day stress‑free.

4. What to Expect on the Day of Your Ceremony

Most couples book 2–3 hours of photography, which is the perfect amount of time for:

• Ceremony coverage

• Family photos

• Couple portraits

• Osgoode Hall Gardens session

• Optional downtown photos

City Hall ceremonies are short — usually around 10 minutes — but they’re intimate, meaningful, and perfect for couples who want something simple and heartfelt.

5. Best Photo Locations Near Toronto City Hall

This is where your day becomes truly beautiful. You’re surrounded by some of the most iconic and photogenic spots in the city.

1. Osgoode Hall Gardens (My Signature Location)

This is where I take most of my couples after their ceremony — and for good reason.

Why it’s perfect:

• Works beautifully in all seasons

• Elegant stone architecture

• Lush gardens in spring/summer

• Romantic pathways

• Classic iron fences

• A luxurious, timeless look

It’s also just a 15‑minute walk from my office, so I know every corner, every angle, and every lighting condition. It’s my go‑to spot for creating elegant, editorial‑style wedding portraits.

2. Old City Hall Exterior

Perfect for:

• Grand staircase photos

• Architectural portraits

• Family group photos

• Rain‑friendly covered areas

3. Old City Hall Interior (Rain Plan)

If it rains, don’t worry — the inside of Old City Hall is stunning.

• Warm lighting

• Historic details

• Beautiful hallways

• Perfect for intimate portraits

4. Nathan Phillips Square

Great for:

• Iconic Toronto sign

• Modern city vibes

• Wide, open backgrounds

5. Downtown Toronto Streets

For couples who want a modern, editorial look, we can take a short walk and capture:

• Street‑style portraits

• Crosswalk shots

• Urban architecture

• Candid walking photos

6. Dundas Square

Energetic, colourful, and perfect for couples who want something fun and lively.

6. What to Wear for a City Hall Wedding (Photographer Tips)

Your outfits make a huge difference in how luxurious your photos look.

Here’s what I recommend:

For Brides

• Elegant dresses (short or long)

• White, ivory, champagne, or soft pastels

• Simple bouquets

• Comfortable shoes for walking

For Grooms

• A well‑fitted suit

• Neutral or classic colours

• Polished shoes

• Pocket square or boutonnière for a refined touch

For Winter Weddings

• Long coats

• Gloves

• Neutral scarves

• Stylish boots

Winter photos at Osgoode Hall are absolutely beautiful — the architecture looks even more dramatic in the cold months.

7. How to Make Your City Hall Wedding Feel Luxurious

Even with a small budget, you can elevate your day:

• Dress up — elegant outfits instantly elevate the photos

• Bring a bouquet or boutonnière

• Choose Old City Hall for the ceremony

• Take photos at Osgoode Hall Gardens

• Add a mini‑reception at a nearby restaurant

• Book 2–3 hours of photography for a complete story

Small weddings can feel incredibly meaningful and beautiful when the details are thoughtful.

8. Sample Timeline for a 2–3 Hour City Hall Wedding

Here’s a typical flow:

1:00 PM — Couple arrives early

1:30 PM — Guests arrive

2:00 PM — Ceremony at Old City Hall

2:15 PM — Family photos outside

2:45 PM — Walk to Osgoode Hall Gardens

3:00 PM — Couple portraits

3:45 PM — Optional downtown photos

4:00 PM — Wrap up

This gives you a relaxed, enjoyable experience without rushing.

9. Final Tips for a Smooth City Hall Wedding

• Arrive 1 hour early

• Bring all required IDs

• Double‑check your appointment time

• Plan for traffic and parking delays

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking

• Have a rain plan (Old City Hall interior is perfect)

10. Ready to Plan Your Toronto City Hall Wedding?

If you’re looking for a friendly, experienced photographer who knows the area inside and out — and who can guide you through every step — I’d love to help.

Visit my website and fill out the contact form for availability and pricing, and to check out our recent work.

Your City Hall wedding may be small, but it can still be beautiful, meaningful, and unforgettable. Let’s create something timeless together.

BOOK A PHOTOGRAPHER