Old City Hall Wedding Ceremony in Toronto

Samantha and Ian got married inside Toronto’s Old City Hall on the very first day of its revival.

If you’ve ever walked past Toronto’s Old City Hall and wondered what it would be like to have your wedding there—well, now you can.

On a bright summer morning in downtown Toronto, Samantha and Ian made history as one of the first couples in decades to be married inside the Old City Hall Chamber Room.

This wasn’t just a personal milestone for them. It also marked the return of civil ceremonies to this historic courtroom-turned-wedding venue—and it’s making headlines. Their celebration is being featured on Global News, spotlighting the revival of this one-of-a-kind space for weddings.

From Courthouse to Ceremony (and the Big Screen)

Toronto’s Old City Hall is one of the city’s most iconic buildings, known for its Romanesque architecture and deep civic history. Until recently, it was home to the provincial courts. Now, for the first time in decades, the Chamber Room is open again—for love instead of legal arguments.

The room itself isn’t just historic—it’s famous. Over the years, it’s appeared in TV shows and movies like Suits, Murdoch Mysteries, The Handmaid’s Tale, and even Chicago. If you’re standing in that space, you’re literally stepping onto a set that’s been part of Hollywood North’s legacy.

The City of Toronto has now made this cinematic room available for civil marriage ceremonies, held by appointment on weekdays. You can find all the booking details on the City of Toronto's website—but here’s the short version: 30-minute time slots, city staff officiants, and a backdrop with serious film-worthy charm.

Samantha & Ian’s Elegant, Intimate Ceremony

Samantha and Ian’s ceremony was the first of its kind in decades—and the energy in the room reflected that. The morning light filtered through the tall arched windows, brushing across oak paneling and vintage chandeliers. It felt quiet, reverent, and timeless.

With just a few close family members in attendance, they exchanged vows in a space steeped in both civic history and cinematic magic. We kept the photos relaxed and candid, letting the space do most of the talking. After the ceremony, we headed out into the city for some portraits that blended the old-world elegance of Old City Hall with the lively pulse of downtown.

A Space With History—and a Future

For couples looking for a unique Toronto wedding venue, the newly reopened Old City Hall Chamber Room is truly something special. It blends formal architecture with a relaxed intimacy you won’t find in most city-run spaces.

As a Downtown Toronto wedding photographer, I couldn’t be more excited to see a venue like this back in action—not just because it’s historic, but because it’s also surprisingly cinematic.

Samantha and Ian’s wedding might have been the first in this space, but it’s just the beginning. And with all the attention it’s receiving—including from Global News—this little courtroom-turned-wedding venue is about to get a whole new chapter.

If you're planning a city hall wedding or an intimate downtown ceremony, and you want it captured with style and heart, I’d love to hear about it. You can learn more about my approach as a wedding photographer based in Toronto and see if we’d be a good fit.

Thinking of booking Old City Hall for your own civil ceremony?

The City of Toronto now offers weekday time slots inside the Chamber Room for couples who want a simple, elegant ceremony in a landmark location. The cost is $290 (tax included), and that includes the officiant and a 30-minute time slot in the room. Max capacity is 60 guests.

You’ll need to book in advance through the city’s website, and spots will likely fill up fast now that the space is open again. Here’s the official info page with full details.

And if you’re looking for someone to quietly capture every real, unfiltered moment—

here’s a bit more about what I do as a Toronto wedding photographer.