As I wandered through the grand hallways of Toronto’s Old City Hall yesterday, the Roman-Corinthian columns and ornate stonework told stories of civic history that date back to 1899. But yesterday, these historic corridors weren’t just home to legal proceedings – they were transformed into a venue for love.
Toronto’s Old City Hall, that magnificent heritage building standing proudly at Bay and Queen, has officially opened its doors for wedding ceremonies, offering couples a chance to tie the knot in one of the city’s most architecturally significant landmarks.
“This building represents so much of Toronto’s history, and now it can be part of people’s personal histories too,” explained Janette Phillips, who oversees the new wedding program. “We’ve already had tremendous interest since announcing the opportunity.”
The initiative comes as part of the city’s broader effort to make wedding services more accessible while highlighting Toronto’s historic spaces. Ceremonies are available by appointment Monday through Friday, with rates starting at $350 for a 30-minute ceremony – considerably more accessible than many private venues in the downtown core.
When I spoke with newlyweds Sophia and Michael Chen, who were among the first couples to marry in the building’s historic courtroom, their excitement was palpable. “We both work downtown and would walk past this building every day,” Sophia shared. “To have our ceremony in a place with such character and history feels special in a way that’s hard to describe.”
The wedding program represents a creative adaptation for this historic landmark. While Old City Hall still primarily functions as a provincial courthouse, city officials have worked to make select spaces available for ceremonies during specific hours that don’t interfere with court proceedings.
Heritage Toronto’s architectural historian, Dominic Wong, sees this as a positive development. “Many Torontonians never get to experience the interior of this magnificent building unless they’re attending court,” Wong told me. “Opening it up for ceremonies allows more people to connect with an important piece of our architectural heritage.”
Built between 1889 and 1899, Old City Hall was designed by architect E.J. Lennox in the Romanesque Revival style. Its clock tower, standing at 103.6 meters, was once among the tallest structures in Toronto. The building served as Toronto’s city hall until 1965 when the current City Hall opened.
Inside, couples can choose between two ceremony spaces: a more intimate room for smaller gatherings or a magnificent former courtroom for larger parties. Both spaces maintain their historic character while being adapted for wedding functionality.
City Clerk’s Office representative Andrea Lawson notes that the program aims to balance preservation with accessibility. “We’ve carefully considered how to offer these ceremonies without compromising the building’s heritage elements,” Lawson explained. “It’s about creating memorable experiences while respecting the historical significance.”
For Toronto’s wedding industry professionals, this new option presents exciting possibilities. Wedding photographer Elena Vasquez believes Old City Hall offers unique visual opportunities. “The dramatic staircases, the gorgeous woodwork, the historic courtrooms – these are dream backdrops for wedding photography,” Vasquez said. “I’m already getting requests from clients specifically for this venue.”
However, couples should note some limitations. Reception facilities aren’t available, meaning ceremonies need to be followed by celebrations elsewhere. Additionally, decorations must comply with heritage preservation guidelines, and time slots are strictly managed.
According to data from the City Clerk’s Office, Toronto hosts approximately 7,000 civil wedding ceremonies annually. With the addition of Old City Hall to the city’s venue options, officials expect to accommodate roughly 500 additional ceremonies per year.
For many couples, particularly those with connections to downtown Toronto, the appeal goes beyond aesthetics. “This building has witnessed so much of Toronto’s history,” noted recent groom David Sharma. “There’s something powerful about adding our story to its legacy.”
Bookings can be made through the City Clerk’s Office website or by phone, with availability typically opening three months in advance. Given early interest, those considering the venue are advised to plan ahead.
As I left Old City Hall yesterday, a couple was taking photos on the grand exterior steps, the building’s clock tower looming majestically above them. In a city constantly rushing toward the future, there’s something particularly touching about celebrating life’s most significant moments in spaces that have stood the test of time.
Old City Hall’s new chapter as a wedding venue feels like a perfect marriage itself – between preserving our heritage and creating new beginnings.
