Last updated: April 2026
Planning a Toronto City Hall wedding? Here's exactly how it works — from getting your marriage licence to booking your ceremony, costs, guest limits, and the best spots for photos nearby. Whether you're planning an intimate Toronto elopement or a small City Hall wedding with your closest people, this guide covers everything you need to know about getting married at City Hall in Toronto.
As a Toronto wedding photographer who has documented multiple City Hall weddings and elopements, I've seen firsthand how meaningful these intimate celebrations can be. Here's everything I wish every couple knew before their big day.
Toronto City Hall wedding at a glance
- Cost: Approximately $547 total ($180 licence + $325 + HST ceremony fee)
- Guest limit: Up to 22 people total
- Ceremony length: Approximately 12–15 minutes plus signing of register
- Location: 100 Queen St W, Toronto — 3rd floor, East Tower
- Booking: By appointment only, Monday to Friday 9am–5pm
- Phone: 416-363-0316
- Licence validity: 90 days
- Days available: Monday to Saturday
How to get a marriage licence in Toronto
Getting a marriage licence is the first step to planning your Toronto City Hall wedding.
Here's exactly how the process works:
Complete the online application first. Go to toronto.ca and fill out the online marriage licence application. You'll receive an application number — keep this, you'll need it to book your in-person appointment.
Book your in-person appointment. At least one applicant must attend the appointment in person at Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. West, 1st Floor. Walk-in clients are not accepted. Book online at toronto.ca or call 416-392-7000.
What to bring:
- Two pieces of valid original government-issued identification for each applicant — photocopies or digital images are not accepted
- If either of you has been previously divorced, bring your original divorce certificate
- Your printed and signed marriage licence application form with both original signatures in ink
The cost. As of April 1, 2026 the marriage licence fee is $180.
How long is it valid? Your marriage licence is valid for three months from the date of issuance. Apply within 90 days of your intended wedding date.
One important note: You do not need your marriage licence in hand to book your ceremony date — but you must bring a valid licence on the day of the ceremony itself. The ceremony cannot take place without it.
How to book a Toronto City Hall wedding ceremony
Once you have your marriage licence sorted, it's time to book the actual ceremony. Here's how it works at Toronto City Hall specifically:
The Wedding Chambers is located on the 3rd floor of the East Tower at Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St W. The ceremony fee is $325 plus HST — this includes both the ceremony space and the marriage officiant, everything you need in one booking. The space accommodates up to 22 people total including the couple and their two witnesses, with seating for 15 and standing room for 5.
Ceremonies are performed Monday to Saturday by appointment only. To book call 416-363-0316 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. Book as far in advance as possible — Saturdays fill up fastest. Weekday ceremonies can often be accommodated on shorter notice.
What's included in the $325 + HST fee:
- The Wedding Chambers ceremony space
- A registered marriage officiant
- Classical music or Bluetooth speaker for your own music
- Record of Solemnization of Marriage after the ceremony
A note about Civic Centre Chambers: The City of Toronto also offers wedding ceremony spaces at the North York, Scarborough and York Civic Centres. These are a different experience from the iconic Toronto City Hall Wedding Chambers — room rental only with no officiant included, at $136.85 per 30-minute booking as of April 1, 2026.
For full official booking information visit toronto.ca
What to expect at a Toronto City Hall wedding
A City Hall ceremony in Toronto has a rhythm all its own — and once you know what to expect, you can plan around it beautifully.
The ceremony itself is intimate and typically 12 to 15 minutes. What happens before and after is entirely up to you, and this is where the day truly becomes yours.
Here's what the ceremony structure looks like:
- Welcome and address to the couple
- Expression of intent — are you free and willing to be married
- Exchange of vows
- Exchange of rings (optional)
- Pronouncement and signing of the marriage register
Many couples choose to get ready at a nearby hotel — for example; the Chelsea Hotel on Gerrard Street is steps away and makes a beautiful getting-ready location. After the ceremony, Nathan Phillips Square right outside City Hall offers iconic Toronto backdrops — the reflecting pool in summer, the skating rink in winter, and the Toronto sign year-round.
If you're planning a City Hall wedding or Toronto elopement and want it documented in a way that feels true to you, get in touch — I'd love to hear about your day.
Other favourite portrait locations within walking distance:
- St. James Park — beautiful tree-lined paths and architecture
- The financial district — dramatic glass and steel for a more editorial feel
- The waterfront — especially beautiful at golden hour
- Osgoode Hall gardens — lush and elegant, steps from City Hall *certainly my fav for family portraits
Where to celebrate after your Toronto City Hall wedding
After the ceremony, many couples extend their City Hall wedding day into an intimate dinner or celebration nearby — and Toronto's Queen West and downtown core have some genuinely exciting options for small group bookings:
- and/ore (Queen West) — two dramatically different rooms inside a restored Edwardian row house. Think eclectic garden party vibes and an intimate underground tasting menu. Perfect for non-traditional couples who want their celebration to feel like an experience
- Planta Queen (180 Queen St W — steps from City Hall) — a stunning private dining room with 100% plant-based Asian cuisine. One of the most inclusive and welcoming spaces in the city
- Bar Prima (Queen West) — Italian-American glamour with a semi-private Club Room and full buyout option under a gold ceiling. For couples who want something that feels like a proper celebration
- The Great Hall (Queen West) — a Victorian heritage building with four distinct event spaces blending historic character with modern energy. Unexpected and memorable
- Le Sélect (Queen West) — a Parisian bistro feel with warm wood, exposed brick, and a gorgeous patio. Classic, intimate, and effortlessly romantic
Each of these spaces can be booked privately for small groups — contact them directly to discuss availability and packages for intimate wedding celebrations.
Sample Toronto City Hall wedding day timeline
One of the most common questions I get from couples planning a City Hall wedding or elopement in Toronto is how to structure the day. Here's a sample timeline that works beautifully:
- 11:00 AM — Getting ready at nearby hotel
- 12:30 PM — Travel to City Hall
- 1:00 PM — First look at Nathan Phillips Square
- 1:30 PM — Ceremony at Toronto City Hall Wedding Chambers
- 2:00 PM — Family portraits outside City Hall
- 2:30 PM — Couple portraits — Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto sign, nearby streets
- 4:00 PM — Newlywed portraits at St. James Park or the waterfront
- 6:00 PM — Intimate dinner celebration with family and friends
Reminder that this is just a SAMPLE, your wedding should be about what feels right for you and your partner!
How to make your Toronto City Hall wedding feel special
One of the most common things couples worry about is whether a City Hall ceremony will feel meaningful enough. In my experience photographing these celebrations — it always does. City Hall is also one of the most popular spots in Toronto for elopements — just the two of you, the city as your witness, and a day entirely on your own terms. Here's how to make it completely yours:
Wear something that reflects you. A City Hall wedding is not a traditional wedding, so traditional attire is completely optional. I've photographed brides in white jumpsuits and turbans, grooms in traditional Filipino Barong Tagalog, and everything in between. Wear whatever makes you feel most like yourself — your photos will be infinitely more authentic for it.
Bring flowers, or something personal. Even a simple bouquet or a single stem adds a beautiful detail to your photos and makes the day feel intentional and celebratory.
Have a friend officiate. If you're using the Civic Centre Chambers option, you can arrange your own officiant — having a close friend lead your ceremony adds an incredibly personal layer that a stranger simply can't replicate.
Plan something special after. The ceremony is just the beginning. An intimate dinner with your closest people, a walk along the waterfront, or a celebration at a favourite spot — whatever feels most like you.
Bring a photographer who specializes in intimate weddings in Toronto. A City Hall ceremony moves quickly and the moments are fleeting. Having a photographer who understands intimate ceremonies means you'll have images that capture not just what happened, but how it felt.
Take a look at Amal and Noah's Toronto City Hall Wedding
What to wear to a Toronto City Hall wedding
City Hall weddings attract some of the most beautifully non-traditional outfits, and that freedom is one of the things I love most about them.
Since there's no traditional venue expectation to meet, couples feel free to wear what actually reflects their personality. Some ideas based on real couples I've photographed at Toronto City Hall:
- A white jumpsuit paired with a statement headpiece
- A traditional cultural garment like a Barong Tagalog or a saree
- A tailored suit in a bold or unexpected colour
- A midi dress in an unusual fabric or print
- A rad matching outfits that reflect your shared aesthetic
Whatever you choose, think about how it will photograph in both indoor and outdoor light — the Wedding Chambers have beautiful natural light, and you'll likely spend time outside in Nathan Phillips Square after the ceremony.
Is a Toronto City Hall wedding right for you?
A City Hall wedding in Toronto isn't for everyone — and that's completely fine. Here's an honest breakdown to help you decide:
Pros:
- Affordable — total cost approximately $547 including the marriage licence and ceremony
- Simple, streamlined process with no venue coordination stress
- Deeply intimate and meaningful — just the people who matter most
- Flexible day structure — the ceremony is just the beginning
- Inclusive and welcoming for all couples regardless of identity
- Beautiful architecture and iconic outdoor portrait locations steps away
Cons:
- Limited guest count — maximum 22 people in the Wedding Chambers
- Short ceremony — typically 15 to 30 minutes
- Less privacy than a private venue — Nathan Phillips Square is a public space
- No built-in reception space — dinner and celebrations need separate planning
If an intimate, meaningful, and affordable celebration sounds like you — a Toronto City Hall wedding might be exactly right. If you need a large guest list or a full reception in one location, a traditional venue may serve you better. Either way I'd love to help you document it.
Real Toronto City Hall weddings
Frequently asked questions about Toronto City Hall weddings
How much does it cost to get married at Toronto City Hall?
As of April 2026 the total cost for a Toronto City Hall wedding is approximately $547. This includes the $180 marriage licence fee plus the $325 + HST Wedding Chambers ceremony fee (approximately $367 including HST). The Wedding Chambers fee covers both the ceremony space and the marriage officiant. If you choose a Civic Centre Chamber instead, the room rental is $136.85 per 30 minutes as of April 1, 2026 and you will need to arrange your own officiant separately.
How many guests can attend a Toronto City Hall wedding?
The Wedding Chambers at Toronto City Hall can accommodate up to 22 people total including the couple and their two witnesses, with seating for 15 and standing room for 5.
Do I need a marriage licence before my City Hall ceremony?
Yes — a valid marriage licence is required before your ceremony can take place. Apply within 90 days of your wedding date as the licence is valid for three months. Complete the online application and book your appointment at toronto.ca.
How far in advance should I book a Toronto City Hall wedding?
Saturdays book up fastest so book as far in advance as possible for weekend dates. Weekday ceremonies can often be accommodated on shorter notice. Call 416-363-0316 to check availability.
Do you need witnesses for a Toronto City Hall wedding?
Yes — two witnesses are required at your ceremony. They can be friends or family members. If you don't have witnesses, some officiant services can arrange them for an additional fee.
Can you get a marriage licence and get married at Toronto City Hall on the same day?
No — you need to obtain your marriage licence before your ceremony can take place, and the licence appointment must be booked in advance. Same-day marriage is not possible in Toronto. Allow at least a few days between getting your licence and your ceremony date.
Can I hire my own photographer for a Toronto City Hall wedding?
Absolutely — and it's strongly recommended. The ceremony moves quickly and having a photographer who specializes in intimate City Hall weddings in Toronto means you'll have images that truly capture the emotion of your day, not just the logistics.
What are the best spots for photos near Toronto City Hall?
Nathan Phillips Square, the Toronto sign, St. James Park, Osgoode Hall gardens, and the waterfront are all within easy walking distance and offer beautiful backdrops for wedding portraits in every season.
Can same-sex and transgender couples get married at Toronto City Hall?
Absolutely — Ontario has performed same-sex marriages since 2003 and Toronto City Hall warmly welcomes all couples regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Getting married at City Hall in Toronto is an inclusive, affirming experience for every couple.
If you're planning an intimate wedding or elopement at Toronto City Hall and you're looking for a photographer who truly understands the beauty of a small, meaningful celebration — I'd love to hear about your day.
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