Toronto Photography Permits & Locations: Your Complete Guide
- Lucas T Photography
- Dec 15, 2017
- 6 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Being a wedding photographer in Toronto means knowing the city inside and out, especially its most picturesque locations. For couples planning engagement, wedding, or bridal photos, finding the perfect backdrop is key. Here's a list of recommended Toronto photography locations, based on my experience capturing moments across the city.
If you're looking for a photographer to bring these locations to life for your own special day, Learn more about my wedding photography services here. Now, let's explore some fantastic spots.
Osgoode Hall
Osgoode Hall offers a truly breathtaking and historically rich backdrop, making it an exceptional choice for Toronto engagement photography. This stunning 1800s building features colourful manicured gardens, charming cobblestone pathways, and ornate iron fencing, creating a timeless and elegant atmosphere.
Located at Queen and University Streets, it's easily accessible. Permits are not required, but always check for scheduled events or filming
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Knox College
Knox College is renowned for its charming old architecture and beautifully landscaped campus, including a stunning chapel. While wedding ceremonies are limited to certain areas, the chapel and surrounding grounds offer exceptional settings for breathtaking Toronto wedding ceremony photography.
Location: College and University. Permit: $120 for non-alumni / $60 for alumni, Phone: 416.978.2187.
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Casa Loma
For a Casa Loma wedding, the iconic castle is undeniably famous as a spectacular setting. It provides access to the stunning conservatory, elegant terrace, and expansive gardens – all incredible spaces to view Toronto weddings
Location: 1 Austin Terrace. Permit: $800 for 2hrs depending on time of day. Phone: 416.923.1171. Check out our 3D interactive model of Casa Loma.
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Distillery District
Dreaming of a unique and romantic wedding venue? Consider Toronto wedding venue at Cluny's Restaurant, nestled in the heart of the historic Distillery District. Built in 1832, the Distillery's cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways, and old brick buildings create an unforgettable backdrop for your special day. Discover more about hosting your wedding in this stunning location!
Location: Mill St. (Between Parliament St. and Cherry St.)
Permit: $250.00 and picked up at PIKTO Phone: 416.364.4793
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The Old Mill Toronto
Features: Historic building with a beautiful waterfall and landscaped gardens.
Location: 21 Old Mill Road
Permit: Phone: 416-236-2641.
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Union Station
Elevate your engagement photos with the grandeur of a Canadian architectural masterpiece. Let a Toronto engagement photographer capture your session at this opulent train station, boasting stunning architecture inside and out. View Toronto engagement photographer portfolios featuring this incredible train station.
Features: One of the largest and most opulent train stations in Canada, with fascinatingold architecture, both inside and out. Great for engagement photography!
Location: 65 Front Street West
Permit: $150 Phone: 416-392-8188
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Edwards Gardens
Edwards Gardens is a true horticultural gem in Toronto, offering beautifully manicured gardens, stunning floral displays, and charming bridges. For couples seeking Toronto creative wedding photography, Edwards Gardens provides an abundance of picturesque and romantic backdrops. It's a location where creativity truly flourishes. Features: Manicured gardens, floral displays, bridges, greenhouses (seasonal).
Location: 75 Edwards Gardens. Permit: Required for wedding photography, starting at $300/hr. Phone: 416.392.8188
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Cherry Beach
Cherry Beach offers a unique blend of urban and natural elements, making it a versatile location for photography. Its sandy beaches, stunning lake views, and backdrop of the Toronto skyline create a dynamic and memorable setting, well-suited for Toronto wedding photography. For couples seeking a location that combines city and nature, Cherry Beach is a great choice.
Features: Sandy beach, lake views, Toronto skyline backdrop, natural light. Location: Cherry Street at the foot of Polson Street. Permit: No permit generally required, caution advised for large groups/commercial shoots.
Location: at the south end of Cherry St.
Permit: None required
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Alexander Muir Gardens
Features: Situated next to a ravine, beautiful sunken gardens, treed walkways, benches, stone wall & grand stairs
Location: Yonge St. & Lawrence Ave.
Permit: $164 for 2.5h
Phone: 416-392-8188
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The Guild Inn Estate
Features: Situated near the Scarborough Bluffs, Guild Park (Guildwood Park) is right behind The Guild Inn Estate which has come online as a wedding venue a few years back. Features one of a kind statues and columns taken from downtown Toronto at the turn of the century.
Call for permit
information Phone: 416-392-8188
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Hart House Photography
Hart House at the University of Toronto exudes a timeless elegance and intellectual atmosphere, making it a unique choice for weddings. Its Collegiate Gothic architecture, grand halls, and picturesque quadrangle provide a sophisticated and refined backdrop, ideal for Toronto editorial wedding photography. For a wedding with a sense of classic style and understated elegance, Hart House is unparalleled.
Features: Collegiate Gothic architecture, grand halls, picturesque quadrangle, historic ambiance.
Location: 7 Hart
House Circle (U of T Campus)
Permit: $400 for a 2 hour photography session.
No permit required if wedding is held at Hart
House. Phone: 416.978.2187
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Glendon College
Features: Beautiful Rose gardens, treed pathways, an old manor, and stone
walkways
Location: Bayview Ave.& Lawrence Ave.
Permit: permit required Phone: 416-
487-6798
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Mint Room Studios
Mint Room Studios is a photography studio in Toronto featuring 6 different studios: Ballroom, Conservatory, Library, Lounge, White Loft, and Nest. Each room is unique in its own way, has different interior design and decor suitable for all types of photoshoots including family photography
Rates: 8:00 am –8:00 pm $95/per hour
8:00 pm – 8:00 am $195/per hour
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Sunnyside Pavillion
Features: Situated on Lake Ontario, featuring beaches, Late 1800’s architecture, iron gates, Courtyard with fountain, treed areas and a boardwalk.
Location: Lakeshore Blvd.
and Colborne Lodge Drive Permit: $246 2.5h (for up to 20 people)
Phone: 416-392-8188
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Harbourfront Toronto
Features: Toronto’s newest waterfront park.
Location: South side of Queen’s Quay Blvd.West
Permit: No permit required for
outdoors; please call to inquire about indoor permits. Phone: 416.392.1111
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Scarborough Bluffs
For dramatic and unforgettable Toronto engagement photography, few locations in the city can rival the Scarborough Bluffs. These stunning natural cliffs offer breathtaking views of Lake Ontario, along with beautiful beaches and winding trails. Imagine your engagement photos at Scarborough Bluffs capturing the raw beauty of nature so close to the city. Features: Dramatic cliffs, stunning lake views, beaches, trails. Location: Eastern Toronto waterfront.
Permit: No permit generally required, however, caution advised for large groups or commercial shoots.
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Eaton Hall Photography
Permit Fee: $550/4hours or $275/2hours
905-833-4500 x231
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Fairmount Royal York Hotel
The Fairmont Royal York Hotel is a Toronto landmark synonymous with luxury and grandeur, making it an unparalleled choice for wedding receptions. Its opulent ballrooms, elegant décor, and impeccable service create a truly unforgettable atmosphere for Toronto wedding reception photography. For a reception that embodies classic sophistication, the Royal York is iconic.
Features: Opulent ballrooms, historic landmark, luxurious décor, impeccable service. Location: 100 Front Street West. Permit: Contact venue for wedding bookings and photography policies. Phone: 416.368.2511
$500 without the booking of a hotel room, price can differ if you are a guest
Address: 100 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E3
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Unionville Village
All along the quaint street are structures virtually unchanged since its founding in 1794.Renowned for its art galleries, restaurants and shops, all through a historic European view, Main Street hosts numerous festivals drawing thousands of tourists throughout the year.
Permit Fee: $103.50/2hrs
Phone: 905-477-7000 x4744
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The McMichael Art Gallery
10365 Islington Avenue Kleinburg, Ontario L0J 1C0 Canada Tel: 905.893.1121 or toll
free 1.888.213.1121 Fax: 905.893.0692 General email: info@mcmichael.com
Permit: $142/2hours
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Aga Khan Museum
The Aga Khan Museum offers a uniquely modern and elegant setting, distinct from Toronto's more traditional locations. Its striking contemporary architecture, serene courtyards, and reflecting pools provide a sophisticated and refined backdrop, perfect for Toronto bridal photography. For a bride seeking a modern and stylish aesthetic, the Aga Khan Museum is exceptional.
The permit form can be directly obtained by clicking here.
The Esplanade Engagement
Looking for a great urban setting that costs no money? You just found one!
The Esplanade in Toronto provides a picturesque backdrop for engagement photography, offering a blend of urban charm and natural beauty. With its scenic waterfront views, charming cobblestone streets, and iconic landmarks like the Gooderham Building, also known as the Flatiron, the Esplanade offers a diverse range of settings for capturing romantic moments.
The area's historic architecture adds a timeless elegance to photographs, while the lush greenery of nearby parks provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
High Park Engagement
Address: 1873 Bloor St. West
For couples seeking a permit-free photography location in Toronto, High Park offers an idyllic setting. I've found, as a Toronto wedding photographer, that the park's lush vegetation, particularly during the blooming season, adds a vibrant burst of color to photographs, creating a romantic and whimsical atmosphere. From the iconic cherry blossom groves to the enchanting beauty of Grenadier Pond, High Park provides a multitude of captivating backdrops for engagement photos, each with its own unique charm and character. Whether sharing a quiet moment beneath the canopy of trees or frolicking amidst the fields of wildflowers, couples are sure to find endless opportunities for creating timeless and captivating images in High Park
Check out the high park proposal blog!
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