Your Guide To Getting Married In Toronto
Are you considering getting married in Toronto? Toronto is a city that effortlessly combines historic charm with modern elegance, making it a dream destination for couples planning their wedding.
As a photographer, I can’t get enough of the sleek sophistication of the downtown skyline, the serene beauty of Toronto’s leafy parks, or the lovely waterfronts — all of which transform this vibrant city into the ultimate canvas for any love story. Add in its diverse culinary scene and world-class hospitality, and your Toronto wedding will be nothing short of extraordinary.
If a Toronto wedding feels like the perfect place to celebrate this incredible milestone in your lives together, you’ve come to the right place.
Join me as I lead you through the city’s finest offerings to help you create an unforgettable celebration you’ll cherish for years to come.
Why Weddings In Toronto Are So Spectacular
Blending cosmopolitan energy, enchanting history, and breathtaking natural beauty, Toronto is an extraordinary wedding destination that offers an incomparable backdrop for any type of celebration. With its diverse mix of venues, vibrant cultural scenes, and stunning natural landscapes, Toronto is a place where every couple can create their dream wedding.
Toronto’s variety of settings makes it an ideal choice for all types of couples. Those who envision an intimate wedding can say their vows in cozy boutique spaces, like art galleries, rooftop terraces, or upscale restaurants with private dining rooms — perfect for elopements or micro-weddings that emphasize connection and personal touches.
On the other hand, couples dreaming of grandeur can host lavish celebrations in Toronto’s iconic ballrooms, elegant hotels, or heritage estates, steeped in timeless sophistication and luxury.
For those seeking adventure, Toronto’s incredible natural beauty provides the perfect setting for outdoor weddings. Couples can exchange vows in one of the city’s stunning parks or escape to the Toronto Islands for a serene, nature-filled day.
A ceremony alongside the manicured lawns of Graydon Hall Manor or inside the aged walls of Spadina House are just a few of the many unique and stunning settings Toronto offers to bring your wedding vision to life.
Toronto is also a fantastic choice for destination weddings, with its multicultural charm and proximity to international airports making it easy for guests from around the world to join in your celebration.
The city’s rich diversity allows couples to incorporate unique cultural traditions into their weddings, adding layers of meaning to their special day.
And, for those looking to integrate intimacy with splendor, Toronto’s versatility makes it an ideal spot for a hybrid celebration like a micro-wedding in Toronto, combining the intimacy of a small gathering with the beauty of a larger event.
Sold? I thought you might be. With that noted, let’s discuss the steps you must take to get married in Toronto.
How To Get Married In Toronto
What do you need to get married in Toronto? Luckily, getting married in Toronto is as seamless as it is exciting, but it’s essential to take care of the legalities to make your day official. Here’s what you need to know to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Obtaining A Marriage License In Toronto
First, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license, which can be done online or in person at Toronto City Hall or any designated municipal office. Both you and your partner must have valid photo identification, such as a passport or driver’s license, and pay the required fee.
The cost of a marriage license in Toronto is typically around $160, though it may vary slightly depending on the office.
Once you have your marriage license, it’s valid for 90 days, giving you plenty of time to plan your ceremony and ensure everything is in place for your special day. Remember that you don’t need to be a resident of Toronto to apply for a marriage license, so couples traveling from other areas can still marry here.
It’s also best to check the licensing office’s hours and any other local requirements in advance to avoid delays.
Hiring A Registered Officiant or Celebrant
To make your vows official, you’ll need a registered officiant or celebrant to perform the ceremony. You’ll also need two witnesses to sign your marriage documents. This is a non-negotiable step, whether you’re hosting a Toronto City Hall wedding or a grand celebration at a different venue.
After the ceremony, your officiant will submit the paperwork, and you can apply for your marriage certificate.
The Cost To Get Married In Toronto
The current average cost to get married in Toronto is roughly $40,000 — but there’ll be nothing average about your day. This is a time when you can truly celebrate your love in the most authentic way possible. Whether that means grabbing 50 classic cars for a parade, going completely overboard on the florals (is there really such a thing?) or hiring out your number one dream venue, now is the time to give yourself permission. Celebrate everything that makes you happy.
This means aside from the marriage license fee, (approximately $160), other costs to consider may include officiant fees, wedding venue costs, wedding vendor costs, and any additional details you’d like to include to make your ceremony memorable.
Getting Married At City Hall Toronto
For couples seeking simplicity, getting married at a city hall offers a quick, intimate, and beautiful setting. A civil marriage in Toronto is easy to arrange, with a marriage license required in advance and an officiant to lead the ceremony.
Its historic charm and modern setting make a City Hall wedding the perfect location for couples looking for a flexible, no-fuss, legally binding celebration that’s still romantic and elegant.
Considering Personal Touches
Beyond the legalities, there are numerous ways to make your wedding day in Toronto uniquely yours. Toronto’s wealth of resources and experienced vendors, including your wedding photographer, can help you bring your vision to life.
The Best Time Of Year To Get Married In Toronto
Toronto is lovely year-round, though each season has its pros and cons. It’s important to factor in weather, venue availability, travel costs, and your desired aesthetic when choosing your wedding date.
The best time to get married in Toronto depends on the kind of atmosphere you want for your big day. Summer is the peak wedding season, with warm weather, longer days, and outdoor ceremony possibilities, but it also brings higher demand for venues and services.
As a result, booking well in advance is essential, and venue prices tend to be higher during these months. Travel can also be more expensive due to peak tourism during the summer.
Spring and fall offer incredible natural beauty — lush greenery in spring and magical autumn colors in fall — but Toronto’s spring weather can be unpredictable. Spring can bring occasional rain showers, and fall may be cooler, especially later in the season. That said, these months tend to be less busy, making venues more affordable and easier to book.
Winter weddings, while less common, offer a cozy, intimate feel and take advantage of the city’s festive holiday decor. However, Toronto winters can be cold, with temperatures often dipping below freezing, which can limit outdoor activities and make travel more difficult.
Wedding Locations In Toronto
If you’re looking for truly one-of-a-kind places to get married in Toronto, you’ll have an abundance to choose from in this city.
Toronto offers an impressive variety of wedding venues and locations, catering to every couple’s distinctive style and vision. For couples who prefer a sophisticated and luxurious setting, there are lavish hotels offering unparalleled service and dazzling views of the city skyline.
Intimate chapels also provide a serene and romantic backdrop for your vows, while historical buildings add a timeless elegance that will make your wedding day unforgettable. If you would prefer a more intimate or relaxed wedding experience, Airbnb properties offer exceptional, intimate settings that can be easily tweaked or decorated to perfectly capture your style.
For couples who are drawn to nature, Toronto is home to some beautiful venues that blend the best of outdoor Toronto with timeless heritage charm. The cozy Edwardian charm of the Spadina House is beautifully complimented by pristine grounds, local flora, and a greenhouse, making for a one of a kind wedding backdrop. If you’re looking for something even cozier, the dark wooden beams, historic architecture, and storybook-worthy gardens blend together seamlessly at Old Mill Toronto.
If you want to include a bit of nature in your big day, these spots let you enjoy the beauty of what Toronto has to offer, with a convenient location and the vintage charm of the main estate. It’s all about doing what feels right for you, and these heritage estates provide so many options for you as the married couple and me as the photographer. If you’re after a set of timeless photos at the end of your big day, this is where you’ll find them.
My Top Toronto Wedding Venues, Vendors & More
Toronto is full of options when it comes to wedding venues and vendors, and it can feel overwhelming to choose the right ones for your special day. After doing some thorough research, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite venues and vendors to help make your wedding journey a little easier.
The Best Wedding Venues In Toronto
Toronto is an urban sanctuary, offering a perfect blend of bustling city life and serene green spaces. The city’s diverse venues provide an incredible backdrop for your wedding photos, with captivating architecture and luxurious parks.
From contemporary spaces to European-inspired estates, below are some of the best venues the city has to offer:
- Gradon Hall
- Lune 1860
- The Aga Khan Museum
- Hart House
- Harding Waterfront Estate
- Hacienda Sereda
- Butternut Ridge Estates
- Parkwood Estate
- Windsor Arms Hotel
- Fairmont Royal York
- Langdon Hall
Toronto Wedding Planners
Planning a wedding in a city as diverse as Toronto can be both exciting and overwhelming. The right wedding planner can help you navigate the countless options, manage the details, and bring your vision to life with ease.
Below is my list of go-to wedding coordinators and event planners in Toronto who are experts at creating seamless, personalized experiences.
- Ashley Pigott Events
- August In Bloom
- Blue Lavender Events
- Blush + Bowties
- JOY By Janice
- Lexy Marie Weddings
- Lexington and Co. Events
- Muse Event Co.
- Narelle Janine Events
- Nicole Blair Events
- Rainbow Chan Weddings
- STORI Events
- Duet Events
Best Wedding Florists In Toronto
Flowers have the power to transform any wedding, adding beauty, elegance, and a personal touch to your celebration. Toronto is home to some incredibly talented wedding florists who can design everything from exquisite bridal bouquets to stunning floral installations. Here is my curated list of my top floral designers in the city.
- Rachel A. Clingen Wedding & Event Design
- VintageBASH
- Bushel and Bloom
- Sweet Pea Events
- Botany Flowers
- Quince Flowers
Toronto Event Design Companies
The right event design can turn your wedding into a sensational celebration that reflects your unique personality and taste. Here are some of the top companies for event design in Toronto that will make your wedding truly extraordinary!
Bridal Hair Stylists in Toronto
Your wedding day is the perfect occasion to feel your absolute best, and your hairstyle plays a key part in achieving that. Below are some of Toronto’s most talented hairstylists.
Wedding Makeup Artists In Toronto
Below is a selection of talented bridal makeup artists in Toronto who can create everything from natural, glowing beauty to bold, dramatic looks.
Let’s Make Your Wedding Unforgettable
Toronto offers a wonderful blend of beautiful venues, talented vendors, and a cityscape that makes for unforgettable wedding photos. If you’re dreaming of a chic urban celebration, a cozy garden ceremony, or something entirely out of the ordinary, the options are unlimited.
Are you ready to bring your dream wedding to life? You’ll want an experienced Toronto wedding photographer by your side to ensure every shot is effortless, exquisite, and elegant.
I’m always here to discuss the details and help you plan your Toronto wedding, ensuring we capture every special moment through photographs that reflect your specific love and style. Get in touch to start planning!
