If you're in the planning stages of your wedding or just got engaged (congrats!!) and are thinking about where your engagement shoot and wedding photos will be taking place, look no further. Whether you're a Torontonian or not, this vibrant, urban city offers endless choices for picture perfect scenery as well as the surrounding Greater Toronto Area. Depending on the location you prefer, permits may be mandatory and may have certain restrictions. There are also those locations that are free and do not require any permits. Always be mindful that some of these areas are public places and you cannot always guarantee your photos to be free from those lingering (sometimes gawking) people in the background.
Elva and Scott's Wedding - 2012 - LG Weddings
Distillery District - located on Mill St. (between Parliament St. & Cherry St.) walk hand in hand on the cobblestone pathway and say cheese! Permits are $225 + HST, for four hours of photography. Businesses inside The Distillery District are owned and operated independently and a selected few do sell photo permits separately.
Spadina Museum - located in the historic grounds and gardens of 285 Spadina Rd. A fully operated Museum also referred to as the Spadina House, is decorated to suit any Victorian vintage style of the 1920s and 1930s. For permit information visit the website here.
Osgoode Hall - located in the heart of the city at 130 Queen Street West. Photographs are not permitted indoors but this venue is surrounded by beautiful gardens and the building itself is a great option for your photo backdrop. Also Osgoode Hall is convenient for larger crowds. To find out more on photo permits contact The Law Society at (416) 947-3300.
Mary and Jose - October 2012 - Beyond Infiniti Photography
Black Creek Pioneer Village - located in the north west side of Toronto (Steeles Ave & Jane St) 1000 Murray Ross Parkway takes you back in time to the 19th century. Permits are $300 + HST (includes admission for up to 20 guests). Permit is non-refundable in case of rain and only exterior photos are permitted. Permits can simply be purchased online.
Perhaps you want your photographs to be less traditional and would rather have them be hip and trendy. There are some great locations that will give just this, check out these spots in and around the city of the T-Dot.
Front Street/Esplanade - is the home to many downtown historical buildings. Couples can choose to capture photos during the day or may enjoy getting that perfect shot in the evening while storefronts are lit up. No permit is required and is not suitable for large groups. Keep in mind that this area is quite busy over the weekends and there may be street closures for festivals.
Andrea and Dave - February 2015 - Arash Moellemi
Graffiti Alley - is approximately a kilometre stretch of street art running west of Spadina Avenue and Portland Street. There is no need for a permit and there is plenty of street parking. This is the perfect location for creative and artistic couples.
If you are looking for a more natural backdrop for your engagement and wedding photos and don’t mind traveling outside of Toronto take a look at these options.
Scarborough Bluffs - located east of Toronto in Scarborough (Kingston Rd. and Brimley Rd.) the Bluffs is made up of several different parks. Offering a variety of beach and cliffs, the Scarborough Bluffs is situated high above the water the park delivering beautiful views of sunrises and sunsets. Permits are $155 for two hours and no more than 20 people are allowed. For more information call (416) 392-8188.
Terre Bleu Lavender Farm - located in Milton, this is a family working farm that grow and harvest lavender. Imagine row after row of lavender blooms and the occasional horse. The fields of Terre Bleu is the perfect scenery for your engagement or wedding photos. However, this venue is only open during the early month of June to the end of August. Permits are required. For additional information all (905)-593-1459.
So no matter what you like there are many choices for wonderful photographs in and around the GTA. Take some time to pre-visit these areas and see what works for you.
Happy Planning!
- Andriea