Do we need a specific photography permit for Old City Hall?

Yes, the City of Toronto requires a permit for commercial photography. As of the 2025 season, the cost is typically around $300–$350 + HST for a 2-hour slot. While I can guide you to the booking portal, couples are responsible for securing this permit to ensure the space is reserved exclusively for us.

What are the costs for a civil ceremony at Toronto City Hall?

A civil ceremony takes place at the Toronto Wedding Chambers (100 Queen St W, across from Old City Hall). As of 2025, you should budget approximately $160 for your Marriage Licence and roughly $300–$350 for the ceremony fee, depending on the day of the week.

What is the best time of day for photos at Old City Hall?

While 'Golden Hour' creates a warm glow, Old City Hall is actually fantastic during midday as well. The massive stone arches create natural open shade, allowing us to get soft, flattering portraits even when the sun is harsh.

What happens if it rains on our wedding day?

The deep entry arches and overhangs of Old City Hall provide excellent cover from rain while still allowing natural light to hit your faces. We can stay completely dry while still capturing the grandeur of the Romanesque architecture behind you.

It’s a public space—how do you handle tourists and crowds?

I utilize specific angles and longer lenses to compress the background, effectively hiding bystanders. We also know the quieter corners of the exterior where we can step away from foot traffic to create intimate moments that look like you have the city to yourselves.

old city hall toronto wedding ceremony bride walking up stairs front lobby

Old City Hall Wedding Photography in Toronto

The Civil Ceremony, Reimagined.

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Monumental Romance at Toronto’s Old City Hall

Distinguished by its rich red sandstone and intricate Romanesque carvings, Old City Hall offers a cinematic backdrop that feels distinctively European in the heart of downtown. The massive entry arches aren't just architecturally stunning—they act as giant soft-boxes, creating deep pockets of "open shade" that guarantee flattering skin tones even during the harsh midday sun. My approach here is to play with contrast: pitting the warmth of the historic stone against the cool, modern glass of the financial district to create a truly iconic Toronto look.

My Favorite Spots to Shoot at Old City Hall:

The Main Arches: Incredible scale that frames the couple perfectly while blocking distracting city traffic

The Main Lobby: Stained Glass, marble walls, huge staircase, whats not to like?

The Bay Street Steps:Ideal for dramatic, fashion-inspired portraits that showcase the flow of a veil or long train.

The Old Elevators: I love using the textured walls for tight, intimate close-ups that feel timeless and gritty.

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The Ceremony Approach: Silent, Cinematic Storytelling

We believe the exchange of vows is a sacred moment, not a photoshoot. My approach during the ceremony is purely documentary and intentionally low-profile. By utilizing long telephoto lenses and available ambient light, I capture the intimate expressions and the soaring architecture from a distance. This ensures the solemnity of the occasion is preserved, allowing you and your guests to remain fully immersed in the moment without distraction

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Wedding Photography Review

We had such a wonderful experience working with Lucas T Photography! Lucas and Josh were absolutely amazing on our wedding day professional, kind, and so easy to work with. They captured every important moment while making us feel completely at ease throughout the entire day. Lucas also did our engagement shoot, and from that moment, we knew we were in great hands. His creativity, attention to detail, and ability to capture natural, beautiful moments really stood out to us. Both he and Josh brought such positive energy. The photos turned out beautifully, emotional, and full of love.

Tori McDonald