The 5 Best Wedding Photography Locations in Toronto (A Local Photographer’s Guide)
Planning a wedding in Toronto involves a million decisions, but few are as important as choosing where to take your photos. The backdrop sets the tone for your entire album.
As a Toronto wedding photographer, I’ve scouted the city extensively to find locations that offer the best light, architecture, and atmosphere. Whether you are planning a full-day luxury wedding or an intimate City Hall ceremony, the GTA has a spot that fits your vision.
Here are my top 5 favorite locations for wedding and engagement photography in Toronto, updated for the current wedding season.
1. The Distillery District
The Vibe: Industrial, Romantic, Textured.
The Distillery District is a staple of Toronto photography for a reason. The Victorian-era red brick, cobblestone streets, and industrial art installations create a warm, timeless look. It works beautifully in every season, even winter (thanks to the Christmas Market lights).
Photographer’s Tip: This area is very popular. I recommend scheduling your shoot for a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds and get cleaner shots of the architecture.
Permit Required: Yes.
2. Guild Park & Gardens
The Vibe: Artistic, Historic Ruins, Ethereal.
Located in Scarborough, Guild Park is a hidden gem that feels like an open-air museum. It is famous for its collection of architectural fragments from demolished Toronto buildings, including the stunning Greek Theatre arches. It offers a unique mix of forest greenery and white marble columns.
Photographer’s Tip: This is arguably the best spot in the city if you want a "European" feel without leaving Canada. The white stone acts as a natural reflector, making skin tones look amazing.
Permit Required: Yes.
3. Osgoode Hall
The Vibe: Classic, Elegant, Convenient.
Osgoode Hall is one of the most sophisticated outdoor locations in the downtown core. With its intricate iron gates, manicured lawns, and cobblestone paths, it offers a clean, high-end aesthetic.
Why it’s perfect for City Hall Weddings: If you are having your ceremony at Toronto City Hall, Osgoode Hall is the perfect photo spot. It is located right next door. It allows us to capture stunning, formal portraits immediately after your civil ceremony without needing to drive to a second location.
Photographer’s Tip: The "Cow Path" leading up to the building provides excellent leading lines for walking shots.
4. Knox College (University of Toronto)
The Vibe: Gothic, Moody, Cinematic.
If you are looking for drama, Knox College at U of T is unmatched. The gothic architecture, towering stone arches, and shadowed cloisters give photos a moody, Harry Potter-esque quality. It is incredibly romantic and offers beautiful indoor options if it rains.
Photographer’s Tip: The lighting here is dramatic and directional. It’s perfect for "moody" portraits where we play with shadow and light to create something artistic.
Permit Required: Yes (Strictly enforced).
5. Casa Loma
The Vibe: Fairytale, Luxury, Grandeur.
For the ultimate storybook wedding, Casa Loma is the place. As Toronto’s only castle, it offers a variety of backdrops ranging from the glass conservatory to the fountain gardens and the castle towers themselves.
Photographer’s Tip: While the castle itself is grand, don't ignore the gardens. The exterior stonework provides a texture that makes wedding dresses pop, and the wide angles available here are perfect for capturing the full scale of your train/veil.
Permit Required: Yes (Strictly enforced).
Capturing Your Toronto Love Story
Whether you choose the gothic drama of Knox College or the convenience of Osgoode Hall after your City Hall vows, the most important element of the photo is you.
I’m Rafael, a Toronto-based wedding photographer dedicated to capturing authentic moments in the city's most beautiful spaces.