The Old City Hall Photo Cheat Sheet:
4 Secrets for Romanesque Revival Photography
Photographing an Old City Hall wedding is an exercise in symmetry and civic history. The challenge lies in utilizing the massive stone arches and deep-set window light to create a sense of monumental importance. These four secrets are designed to help you master the venue’s iconic Romanesque features for a photography collection filled with architectural gravity.
Secret 01: The Grand Symmetrical Staircase
Monumental Scale & Formal Perfection
An Old City Hall wedding is defined by its massive stone staircase. The secret is to shoot from the very center of the hall to capture the perfect symmetry. It creates a powerful, graphic image where the architecture frames the couple, emphasizing the gravity and history of the location.
Secret 02: The Arched Window Light
Dramatic Shadows & Historic Mood
The deep-set arched windows provide a very specific kind of "directional" light. The secret is to place the couple in the "pocket" of the window. This creates a high-contrast look with deep shadows, mimicking the feel of a classic noir film or a master's painting.
Secret 03: The Side Staircase & Vintage Elevators
Industrial Heritage & Cinematic Architectural Depth
While the main staircase is for grand scale, the side staircase near the original brass elevators is where you find the building’s grit and character. The secret is to capture the couple framed by the ornate metalwork of the elevator cages. The mix of dark iron, polished brass, and aged stone provides a cinematic, "Old World" texture that creates a moody, editorial contrast to the bright white of a wedding gown.
Secret 04: Portals Dramatic Light & Historic Wood Textures
The Grand Foyer
Old City Hall is defined by its towering architecture, but the most cinematic light is found right at the entrance. The secret is to utilize the massive wooden front doors in the front foyer to create a sense of monumental scale. By capturing the dramatic light as it spills through the entryway, we highlight the rich, dark textures of the historic wood and the intricate stonework. This high-contrast, "portal" shot frames the couple perfectly, creating a timeless and powerful portrait that showcases the building's Classical Revival grandeur.
Old City Hall Wedding Photography Highlights
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.
Old City Hall Wedding Photography Package
The Old City Hall Collection Details
Coverage: 10 Hours of Continuous Coverage (Essential for documenting the grand downtown narrative—from morning preparations in a luxury city-center suite to the historic ceremony and extended architectural portraits across the Romanesque grounds).
Team: 2 Lead Photographers (Crucial for mastering the massive scale of the grand staircases and for securing dual perspectives within the high-ceiling corridors, ensuring we capture both the monumental Romanesque architecture and the intimate candid moments).
Deliverables: High-Resolution Digital Gallery & Full Print Rights.
Investment: $4,000
Explore more Toronto Venues with a Similar Style
Casa Loma
Hart House - Great Hall
