Here is our list of the best photo locations in Toronto
We often receive questions asking for suggestions or ideas for wedding photography locations in Toronto. Our city has many beautiful places for wedding or engagement photography including great architecture, enchanting parks and beautiful waterfront.
Unfortunately most of the places require wedding photo permits that have to be obtain either from the city or from private owners. Permits for wedding photography vary depending on the location and length of time requested, and are charged by an hourly rate.
Here is our list of locations that allow outdoor marriage ceremonies:
- Edwards Gardens
- Rosetta McClain Gardens
- Guildwood Park (at Guild Inn)
- St. James Gardens
- Sunnyside Pavilion
- Allen Gardens Conservatory
- Centennial Gardens Conservatory
- The Music Garden (Very small ceremonies up to 20 people only )
Here is a list of our favorite wedding photography locations in Toronto:
Yorkville Toronto
Address: Yorkville is part of the area of Toronto known as the Annex. Yorkville is bound by Bloor street to the South, Davenport Road to the north, Yonge street to the east and Avenue Road to the west.
Interesting and Unique Features: With Yorkville being considered one of Canada’s most exclusive shopping districts, Yorkville has many unique storefronts and shops which add a modern touch to your photos! Aside from shops and restaurants, Yorkville features some interesting sculptures and several small parks which add a touch of greenery. Close distance to ROM and University of Toronto.
Indoor wedding photography availability? No.
Suitable for large groups? No. Best for bride and groom only or for engagement photos.
Permit Information: Free.
Downtown Unionville
Address: Main Street, Unionville (Markham)
Interesting and Unique Features: Main Street Unionville features a plethora of storefronts, doors and steps as well as a variety of benches and greenery. Close proximity to Unionville GO station. There is a nice park at the other end of this town. Good location for general wedding photography.
Indoor wedding photography availability? Some.
Suitable for large groups? Yes.
Permit Information: $110.00 for 2 hours of photography.
Mel Lastman Square
Address: 5100 Yonge Street (just north of Sheppard Ave.) North York
Interesting and Unique Features: An urban location with stairs, fountain and artificial streams, planters and trees.
Indoor wedding photography availability? Some.
Suitable for large groups? Possibly.
Permit Information: Please call (416) 338-3343 for more info.
Osgoode Hall
Address: 130 Queen Street West Toronto
Interesting and Unique Features: Stunning architecture! Features a variety of staircases and columns. Surrounded by greenery and trees. Nearby to Nathan Philips Square and Osgoode Subway station.
Indoor wedding photography availability? No.
Suitable for large groups? Yes.
Permit Information: Free.
Alexander Muir Gardens
Address: East side of Yonge Street, just north of Lawrence Avenue.
Interesting and Unique Features: Beautiful walkways, iron gates, benches and trees. Also features stone walls and stairs to add a lovely architectural component to the background of your photographs.
Indoor wedding photography availability? No.
Suitable for large groups? Yes. Maximum occupancy of 30 people per group.
Permit Information: Approximately $103 (+HST) for 2 hours. See the City of Toronto website for more details.
Guildwood Park (aka Guild Inn Gardens)
Address: South side of Guildwood Parkway between Morningside Avenue and Kingston Road.
Interesting and Unique Features: Amazing architecture and breathtaking pillars and molded arches.
Indoor wedding photography availability? No.
Suitable for large groups? Yes. Maximum occupancy of 30 people per group.
Permit Information: Approximately $290 (+HST) for 2 hours. See the City of Toronto website for more details.
Newmarket Tannery (aka Old Davis Tannery)
Address: 465 Davis Drive, Newmarket
Interesting and Unique Features: Lovely indoor location featuring roman architecture, various balconies, pillars and iron gates.
Indoor wedding photography availability? YES! Perfect location for rainy day wedding photography.
Suitable for large groups? Somewhat. Although the Tannery itself is large, there are not many locations within the tannery where groups larger than about 12 would fit comfortably. Not sure if it suits your needs? Go see it in person before booking!
Permit Information: Approximately $120 (+HST).
Front Street and The Esplanade
Address: Front Street (Pretty self explanatory, eh?)
Interesting and Unique Features: Shops, cafes, architecture and some green-space. Very modern.
Indoor wedding photography availability? No.
Suitable for large groups? No.
Permit Information: Free.
Toronto Botanical Gardens
Address: 777 Lawrence Ave E
Interesting and Unique Features: Beautiful park with a fountain, staircase and bridge.
Indoor wedding photography availability? No
Suitable for large groups? Yes.
Permit Information: A permit is required for any photography taking place in the Toronto Botanical Gardens. Although the Botanical Garden is adjacent to Edwards Gardens; if you wish to also photograph in Edwards Gardens you need to purchase a separate permit for that location. A permit for the Toronto Botanical Gardens is approximately $275 plus taxes.
Allan Gardens
Address: Carlton Street between Jarvis and Sherbourne Street
Interesting and Unique Features: One of the oldest parks in Toronto. Features beautiful greenery and a lovely greenhouse with colorful and exotic flowers.
Indoor wedding photography availability? Yes; in the green house. Limited number of people allowed.
Suitable for large groups? Outside: Yes. A maximum group of 40 people.
Indoor wedding photography availability? No.
Permit Information: Yes, permit required. $154.50 plus taxes. Open for photographs between 10am and 5pm.
High Park
If you do a search for High Park Wedding Photography online, you’ll notice that there are many websites out there that will tell you various stories about whether or not photography is available at High Park.
Long story short: The City of Toronto will not, under any circumstances, provide a permit for formal photography at High Park. Formal photography includes wedding photography, engagement photography, family photography, anniversary, prom, etc.
Distillery District
Address: Along Mill Street, in between Parliament St. and Cherry St.
Interesting and Unique Features: Stunning old distillery buildings, vintage trucks, cobblestone walkways.
Indoor wedding photography availability? Some.
Suitable for large groups? Yes.
Permit Information: A permit is required. They are approximately $300 plus tax.
The Old Mill
Address: 21 Old Mill Road, Toronto
Interesting and Unique Features: Historic building with a beautiful waterfall and landscaped gardens.
Indoor wedding photography availability? Yes.
Suitable for large groups? Yes.
Permit Information: Typically only available for those who are having their wedding there. Special permission may be able to be arranged through the manager. Call to inquire.
Union Station
Address: 65 Front Street West, Toronto
Interesting and Unique Features: Interesting architecture, steps and pillars.
Indoor wedding photography availability? Yes.
Suitable for large groups? Up to 20 people.
Permit Information: Approximately $225.
Special note: While Union Station is still undergoing renovations, photos are limited to the Great Hall (indoors) only.
Cherry Beach
Address: At the foot of Cherry Street, Toronto
Interesting and Unique Features: Situated on lake Ontario. Features wooded areas and some greenery, beaches and a waterfront view.
Indoor wedding photography availability? No. Outdoors only.
Suitable for large groups? Yes.
Permit Information: Free.
BCE Center (aka Brookfield Place)
Address: 181 Bay St.
Interesting and Unique Features: Stunning skylight; interesting indoor accents including stairs and sculptures
Indoor wedding photography availability? Yes
Suitable for large groups? No.
Permit Information: If you call ahead of time, they will most certainly say NO. They have; however, been known to say YES on the spot for just a few quick shots with the bride and groom only.
Humber Bridge, Etobicoke
Address: Lakeshore Rd. and South Kingsway
Interesting and Unique Features: Situated on Lake Ontario (West end of Toronto), featuring sandy beach, parkland & trees, walkways and, of course, a beautiful bridge!
Indoor wedding photography availability? No.
Suitable for large groups? No.
Permit Information: Free.
University of Toronto – General Information
Address: Different locations at UofT
Interesting and Unique Features: Beautiful buildings, each with their own unique features including stairs, archways and doors.
Indoor wedding photography availability? In general, no. If you are having your entire wedding at Hart House or Trinity College; it is then possible to access the inside.
Suitable for large groups? Yes.
Permit Information: Permits must be purchased for each building you want to use; permits are in 1-hour blocks of time. The building available for permit purchase are: University College South, University College West, Simcoe Hall, Sanford Flemming Building, Sigmund Samuel Building, Canadiana Building, McMurrich Building, Tanz Building, Sigmund Samuel Walkway. Permit costs are $65/hour for Alumni, Faculty and Staff and $130/hr for non-alumni.
University of Toronto – Trinity College
Address: 6 Hoskin Avenue
Interesting and Unique Features: Similar architecture to the other buildings at U of T. Trinity College features a gorgeous centre courtyard and iron gates.
Indoor wedding photography availability? Yes; when you have your wedding at Trinity College.
Suitable for large groups? Yes.
Permit Information: Generally only available to those who are having their wedding ceremony (or entire wedding) at Trinity College. If you wish to have photos taken there but are not having your wedding there, under certain circumstances (ie: if you are a Trinity College graduate or are just a very lucky person) they may be able to grant you a permit. Call to negotiate and inquire.
University of Toronto – Hart House
Address: 7 Hart House Circle on the U of T Campus
Interesting and Unique Features: Beautiful courtyard, grounds and Gothic style architecture
Indoor wedding photography availability? Yes.
Suitable for large groups? Yes.
Permit Information: Permits must be purchased for each building you want to use; permits are in 1-hour blocks of time. The building available for permit purchase are: University College South, University College West, Simcoe Hall, Sanford Flemming Building, Sigmund Samuel Building, Canadiana Building, McMurrich Building, Tanz Building, Sigmund Samuel Walkway. Permit costs are $65/hour for Alumni, Faculty and Staff and $130/hr for non-alumni.
St. Lawrence Market
Interesting and Unique Features:
Indoor wedding photography availability? Some.
Suitable for large groups? No.
Permit Information: Free.
Ashbridges Bay
Address: Lakeshore Blvd & Coxwell
Interesting and Unique Features: Expansive beaches, a harbor & marina, and boardwalk cafe
Indoor wedding photography availability? No.
Suitable for large groups? Yes. Maximum occupancy of 30 people per group.
Permit Information: $103.00 (plus tax) per 2 hour booking.
Don Valley Brickworks (Evergreen Brick Work)
Address: It is easiest to access Bayview Avenue from River Street, which runs north from King Street and joins Bayview just north of Gerrard Street.
Interesting and Unique Features:
Indoor wedding photography availability? Some
Suitable for large groups? Yes.
Permit Information: Permit required. Call to inquire.
Black Creek Pioneer Village
Address: 1000 Murray Ross Parkway Toronto
Interesting and Unique Features: Black Creek Pioneer Village is more than a collection of buildings and artifacts. Here, you will become immersed in the lifestyles, customs, and surroundings of early residents who built the foundations for modern Toronto and Ontario at the typical crossroads community village found in the Toronto area during the 1800’s.
Indoor wedding photography availability? No.
Suitable for large groups? Yes.
Permit Information: weddings@trca.on.ca or 416-667-6286.
Sunnyside Pavillion
Address: 1755 Lake Shore Blvd West, Toronto
Interesting and Unique Features: Sunnyside Pavilion offers an elegant and unique setting for all occasions. Steeped in history, our venues range from magnificent beachfront locales, beautiful manicured botanical gardens, and the Sunnyside.
Indoor wedding photography availability? Some.
Suitable for large groups? Yes. Maximum occupancy of 30 people per group.
Permit Information: Permit required. Call (416) 531-2233 to inquire.
North York Rose Garden
Address: Yonge St. & Parklawn
Interesting and Unique Features: In the heart of North York, the Rose Garden has winding pathways, mature trees and a lovely array of greenery and flowers.
Indoor wedding photography availability? No.
Suitable for large groups? Yes. Maximum occupancy of 30 people per group.
Permit Information: Free.
Toronto Music Garden
Address: 475 Queen’s Quay West
Interesting and Unique Features: Interesting design, close to Lakeshore and marinas
Indoor wedding photography availability? No.
Suitable for large groups? Yes. Maximum occupancy of 20 people per group.
Permit Information: Permit required. Call to inquire.
Edwards Gardens
Address: Southwest corner of Leslie Street and Lawrence Avenue East
Interesting and Unique Features: Beautiful greenery, large and mature trees, walking paths and small bridge.
Indoor wedding photography availability? No.
Suitable for large groups? Yes. Maximum occupancy of 30 people per group.
Permit Information: $288.40 (plus tax) per 2 hour booking.
Kew Gardens
Address: 2075 Queen Street E
Interesting and Unique Features: Walking paths and greenery. Especially beautiful in the fall.
Indoor wedding photography availability? No.
Suitable for large groups? Yes. Maximum occupancy of 30 people per group.
Permit Information: $103.00 (plus tax) per 2 hour booking.
Millenium Gardens
Address: Lakeshore and Coxwell Avenue, across from the old Woodbine Racetrack
Interesting and Unique Features:
Indoor wedding photography availability? No.
Suitable for large groups? Yes. Maximum occupancy of 30 people per group.
Permit Information: Permit required. Call to inquire.
Rosetta McClain Gardens
Address: South side of Kingston Rd, east of Birchmount Rd.
Interesting and Unique Features: Variety of garden features as well as several stone walls for added texture.
Indoor wedding photography availability? No.
Suitable for large groups? Yes. Maximum occupancy of 30 people per group.
Permit Information: $288.40 (plus tax) per 2 hour booking.
St. James Garden
Address: South Side of King Street East, east of Church St.
Interesting and Unique Features: Standard garden features, small walking bridges.
Indoor wedding photography availability? No.
Suitable for large groups? Yes. Maximum occupancy of 30 people per group.
Permit Information: 103.00 (plus tax) per 2 hour booking.
Allan Gardens Conservatory
Address: Carlton Street between Jarvis and Sherbourne Street
Interesting and Unique Features: Stunning greenhouse with a variety of unique greenery.
Indoor wedding photography availability? Yes – but only suitable for bride and groom.
Suitable for large groups? Yes. Maximum group size of 20 people.
Permit Information: 412.00 plus tax (per 2 hour booking (min booking 2 hr).
Centennial Park Conservatory
Address: West off Renforth Road, just north of Rathburn Avenue
Interesting and Unique Features: Similar to Allan Gardens, a beautiful greenhouse is available for indoor photos.
Indoor wedding photography availability? Yes, suitable for bride and grooms only.
Suitable for large groups? Yes. Maximum occupancy is 20 people.
Permit Information: 412.00 plus tax (per 2 hour booking (min booking 2 hr).
Fantasy Fair Mall
Address: 500 Rexdale Blvd, Etobicoke, ON
Interesting and Unique Features: An indoor mall featuring a variety of fun rides. Perfect for the kid in all of us!
Indoor wedding photography availability? Yes.
Suitable for large groups? Somewhat. Ideally for bride and groom and/or smaller wedding parties.
Permit Information: $60 fee + additional for use of rides.
The Harbourfront
Address: South side of Queen’s Quay Blvd. West (between Spadina Avenue and Bathurst Street)
Interesting and Unique Features: Toronto’s newest waterfront park.
Indoor wedding photography availability? No.
Suitable for large groups? Yes.
Permit Information: Free.
Spadina House
Address: 285 Spadina Rd.
Interesting and Unique Features: Victorian mansion surrounded by restored Victorian gardens
Indoor wedding photography availability? Yes
Suitable for large groups? No
Permit Information: Permit required. Call to inquire.
Humber Arboretum
Address: Nestled in north-west Toronto at Hwy 27 and Humber College Blvd
Interesting and Unique Features: There are a variety of gardens, including ponds, forests, waterfalls, mature trees, wooden walkways, bridges and stone paths.
Indoor wedding photography availability? No.
Suitable for large groups? Yes.
Permit Information: Call at 416-675-5009.
Royal York Hotel
Address: 100 Front Street West Toronto
Interesting and Unique Features: Great architecture
Indoor wedding photography availability? Yes.
Suitable for large groups? No.
Permit Information: Permit required. Call to inquire.
Estates of Sunnybrook (McLean House & Vaughn Estates)
Address: 2075 Bayview Avenue Toronto
Indoor wedding photography availability? Some.
Suitable for large groups? Yes.
Permit Information: Permit required. Call to inquire.
Kleinburg Railway Station
Address: Islington Ave
Interesting and Unique Features: Small historic trains station. As of 2015 there is a large school building which partially blocks the view. We would recommend to check out the MacMichaeals Gallery instead.
Indoor wedding photography availability? No.
Suitable for large groups? Yes.
Permit Information: Free.
Bob Rumball Manor
Address: The Manor 2395 Bayview Avenue, Toronto
Indoor wedding photography availability? Yes.
Suitable for large groups? Yes.
Permit Information: Permit required. Call to inquire.
Parkwood Estates
Address: 270 Simcoe Street N. , Oshawa
Interesting and Unique Features: Attractive grounds in any season. The estate is beautiful with or without flowers and features an abundance of mature evergreens, architectural elements and statuary that combine to create the perfect backdrop for exquisite wedding pictures.
Indoor wedding photography availability? Yes. If you have purchased a permit specifically for indoor photography. Indoor only available from October to April.
Suitable for large groups? For outdoor photography and groups of up to 20 permitted. For indoor photography, groups of 10 are permitted.
Permit Information: $250 per 2 hours for an “outdoor†permit. $375 per hour for indoor photography.
Last updated May 2024