Romanesque Revival
Old City Hall Planning & Permit Details
CAPACITY
60 (Chamber)
CEREMONY
Council Chamber
PERMIT
$340 (Chamber)
PARKING
Paid On-site
AESTHETIC
Boutique & Specialty Venues
PEAK LIGHT
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Top Wedding Photography Opportunities at Old City Hall Toronto
01
The Romanesque Grand Stone Steps
The Romanesque stone steps are the ultimate landmark backdrop. We time the session to avoid crowds, utilizing the grand arches to frame timeless, iconic city portraits.
02
The Grand Symmetrical Staircase
The Clock Tower perspective is the "hero" of this landmark. We utilize the vertical lines of the Romanesque architecture to create grand-scale city portraits that feel truly timeless.
03
The Chamber Room
The high-contrast stone arches act as natural frames. We utilize the dramatic shadows to create edgy, high-fashion portraits with a historic Toronto landmark edge.
04
The Arched Portals:
The metropolitan energy of Bay Street offers a high-fashion city backdrop. We utilize the bustling downtown vibes to create iconic, "life-in-the-city" wedding portraits as you exit the landmark.
Old City Hall Wedding Photography
The Old City Hall Experience: From Our Couples
"Lucas was fantastic to work with. 10/10 guy! Would easily work with him again in the future.."
Feaured In
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Old City Hall FAQ
Do we need a specific photography permit for Old City Hall?
Yes, the City of Toronto requires a permit for commercial photography at Old City Hall. I highly recommend booking this as soon as your date is set, as spots fill up quickly during peak wedding season. While I can guide you to the booking portal, couples are responsible for securing the permit to ensure the space is reserved exclusively for us.
What is the best time of day for photos at this location?
While "Golden Hour" (one hour before sunset) creates that classic 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. I will work with you to build your timeline so we hit the best light for your specific date.
What happens if it rains on our wedding day?
One of the reasons I love shooting here is the architecture. The deep entry arches and overhangs 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 building behind you.
It’s a public space—how do you handle tourists and crowds?
This is where my experience comes in. 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 the foot traffic to create intimate moments that look like you have the city to yourselves.
What are the costs for a civil ceremony at Toronto City Hall?
A civil ceremony at the Toronto Wedding Chambers (located at 100 Queen St. W, directly across from Old City Hall) is one of the most cost-effective ways to marry in the city. As of the 2025 season, you should budget approximately $300 for the ceremony fee, depending on the day of the week.
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