Top Wedding Venues in Toronto: A Photographer’s Guide to the Best Spots for Your Wedding Day
Top Wedding Venues in Toronto: A Photographer’s Guide to the Best Spots for Your Big Day
As a wedding photographer in Toronto, I have had the privilege of shooting at some of the city’s most stunning and diverse wedding venues. From sleek modern spaces to classic historical estates, each location has its own unique vibe and style. If you’re planning your wedding and wondering where to say "I do," here are my top picks for Toronto wedding venues, each offering something special for couples and photographers alike.
1. Archeo - Distillery District
If you're dreaming of an industrial-chic wedding with a dash of history, Archeo in the Distillery District is an exceptional choice. This venue blends exposed brick, wooden beams, and vintage lighting to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Its rustic charm makes it a perfect backdrop for both elegant and casual weddings.
Historic atmosphere: The Distillery District offers a rich, vintage feel, making it an ideal location for candid, documentary-style wedding photography. As a wedding photographer, I love the cobblestone streets and old-world charm that frame the perfect shot.
Unique indoor/outdoor spaces: Archeo provides a variety of settings, from its intimate indoor space to an outdoor courtyard. Both locations offer countless photography opportunities.
Location perks: The Distillery District itself is a photographer’s dream. From chic cafés to cobblestone streets, you’ll find a wealth of locations for stunning wedding portraits.
Wedding photographer tip: The Distillery District’s narrow alleys and charming streets make it easy to capture natural, romantic moments without distractions.
2. Hotel X Toronto
For couples who want a modern, luxurious wedding with panoramic views, Hotel X Toronto offers an unmatched experience. Located on the waterfront, this venue boasts breathtaking views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline.
Why choose Hotel X for your wedding?
Spectacular views: Whether you're tying the knot outdoors on their rooftop or inside their grand ballroom, the lake and city skyline will be the perfect backdrop for your wedding photos. I highly recommend sunset portraits here—the soft light is ideal for creating romantic, dreamy photos.
Sophisticated interiors: Hotel X features sleek, contemporary design that adds an air of luxury to your wedding photos. The large windows and open spaces allow for beautiful natural light, which is perfect for high-quality photography. This space is one of the mose unique reception spaces in Toronto.
On-site amenities: With elegant rooms, a spa, and luxurious accommodations, Hotel X ensures your wedding day is as seamless and stress-free as possible. The rooms are super spacious with a ton of natural light for getting ready photos too.
Wedding photographer tip: The rooftop garden provides amazing evening shots with city lights in the background—perfect for those looking for stunning nighttime portraits.
3. The King West Hotel & Suites
Located in Toronto’s trendy King West neighborhood, The King West Hotel & Suites offers a sophisticated and modern atmosphere for couples who want an urban chic wedding. The sleek design, combined with high-end service, makes it a top choice for couples seeking a stylish and intimate celebration.
Why choose The King West Hotel & Suites for your wedding?
Modern aesthetic: The contemporary design of this venue provides a perfect setting for chic wedding photography. Clean lines and modern décor enhance the beauty of every shot. I love that there are a ton of indoor locations for rainy days or days where it is cold outside.
Downtown convenience: Located in the heart of Toronto, this venue offers easy access to Toronto's best dining, shopping, and entertainment. As a photographer, it’s easy to capture the energy of the city in your wedding photos. Even without leaving the hotel, the rooftop offers such a beautiful view of the city.
Boutique atmosphere: With an intimate feel, The King West Hotel provides a more personalized experience, making it a great choice for couples who want a relaxed, yet upscale, wedding.
Wedding photographer tip: The minimalist décor allows for creative freedom when it comes to styling wedding photos. The urban feel of King West provides plenty of great locations for bridal portraits or engagement shoots.
4. The Kortright Centre for Conservation
For couples who love the outdoors, The Kortright Centre for Conservation offers an enchanting nature-filled venue just outside Toronto. Nestled in a 325-acre forest, it’s perfect for couples looking to get married surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Why choose The Kortright Centre for your wedding?
Natural beauty: With its lush forests and serene settings, The Kortright Centre is ideal for couples who want wedding photos that feel peaceful and organic. This venue is perfect for those who want to incorporate nature into their wedding day. There are also so many outdoor locations that make for beautiful photos. I personally love this venue in the fall.
Outdoor ceremony locations: The open-air pavilions and vast green spaces make for breathtaking ceremony photos and allow your guests to enjoy the natural surroundings. They are super unique and quite frankly, a photographers dream.
Eco-friendly: If sustainability is important to you, the Kortright Centre focuses on conservation, making it an excellent choice for eco-conscious couples.
Wedding photographer tip: The lush greenery offers a magical atmosphere for portrait sessions, and the natural light that filters through the trees creates soft photography.
5. Four Seasons Hotel Toronto
If you want a wedding with classic elegance and world-class service, Four Seasons Hotel Toronto is the place to be. From their stunning ballrooms to the refined lobby and gorgeous gardens, the Four Seasons provides the ultimate luxury experience.
Why choose Four Seasons Toronto for your wedding?
Elegance at every turn: From the stunning chandeliers to the grand architecture, every corner of the Four Seasons is designed to impress. Your wedding photos will exude sophistication and timeless beauty. The natural light in the hotel rooms make for amazing getting ready photos too.
Versatility: With several event spaces to choose from, including grand ballrooms and intimate settings, Four Seasons Toronto offers a venue that can accommodate both large and small weddings.
Top-tier service: As a wedding photographer, I can always count on flawless service and a seamless event at the Four Seasons, ensuring that your wedding day runs smoothly.
Wedding photographer tip: The city scape outdoor spaces and the hotel’s interior architectural details provide numerous opportunities for stunning wedding portraits. The light-filled lobby is perfect for dramatic, high-end photos.
6. Parkwood Estate
For a wedding with historic charm and elegance, Parkwood Estate is a stunning option. This National Historic Site, located just outside of Toronto in Oshawa, offers a grand mansion and beautifully landscaped gardens—perfect for couples who want a traditional yet romantic wedding.
Why choose Parkwood Estate for your wedding?
Old-world grandeur: The stately mansion and manicured gardens provide the perfect setting for timeless wedding photos. The stunning architecture and rich history of the estate add an air of sophistication to your big day. It also gives you a a wide range of photos while sticking to one location.
Romantic garden settings: The lush gardens are perfect for outdoor ceremonies and offer a stunning backdrop for bridal portraits.
Exclusive atmosphere: Parkwood’s exclusive, private setting allows for a more intimate and personal wedding experience.
Wedding photographer tip: The grand staircase and the estate’s stately rooms are perfect for classic, dramatic photos. The gardens offer soft, romantic lighting for outdoor portraits and the Architecture around the building is my personal favourite for classy wedding photos.
7. Spencer’s at the Waterfront
For couples who dream of a waterfront wedding, Spencer’s at the Waterfront in Burlington provides the perfect blend of elegance and natural beauty. With spectacular views of Lake Ontario, this venue is ideal for those looking for a serene, lakeside wedding.
Why choose Spencer’s at the Waterfront for your wedding?
Lakefront views: The sweeping views of the water make for breathtaking wedding photos and offer a stunning view for your guests whether you are inside or outside of the wedding venue.
Dining experience: Spencers is one of my favourite locations for the best food a wedding venue has to offer. I am always so impressed with their food and you can tell they also take pride as well.
Accessible location: Just a short drive from Toronto, Spencer’s at the Waterfront offers an easy-to-reach location with a peaceful, scenic atmosphere.
Wedding photographer tip: The lake provides a stunning backdrop for wedding photos, particularly at golden hour. The outdoor terrace is perfect for cocktail hour and the ceremony/reception space always makes for the perfect light do to the floor to ceiling windows.
Final Thoughts: The Best Toronto Wedding Venues for Gorgeous Photos
Toronto is home to a variety of unique and stunning wedding venues, each offering a distinct style and atmosphere. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of Archeo in the Distillery District, the luxurious vibes of Hotel X, or the serene beauty of The Kortright Centre, there’s a venue that will perfectly capture the essence of your wedding day.
As a Toronto wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of shooting in these breathtaking venues and can say with confidence that each one offers a unique set of opportunities for creating stunning, unforgettable wedding photos. No matter which venue you choose, your Toronto wedding will be filled with incredible moments—and I’d love to help you capture them!