Engagement Photos: The Best Outdoor Locations In Toronto

Every loving couple dreams about beautiful and unique engagement photos. Indeed, engagement pictures are a perfect opportunity to save your wonderful and candid emotions forever. Besides memorizing pure moments, engagement photos may be included in wedding decorations or used for invitations.

No one couple argues their love story is unique and deserves to be captured in the best places for engagement photos Toronto to highlight this uniqueness and beauty. As engagement photographers in Toronto, we have captured many creative engagement photoshoots. So we decided to prepare an excellent list of the best engagement photoshoot locations Toronto (some permit free photography locations Toronto have been included!). I hope this list will help you choose a perfect location for your engagement photos in Toronto. LET'S GO. You are just one step away from the information about Toronto cool places to take photos!

Brookfield Place

Style: Modern, Architectural, Unique
Photography Permit: It's possible to make a couple of shoots with NO fees
Area: 181 Bay St, Toronto

Brookfield Place is a real paradise for both, loving couples and engagement photographers, who are crazy about ideal light, shapes, geometry and looking for unique places for a photoshoot. Together with very cool architecture, Brookfield Place is a well-known place for many cozy restaurants inside, where can capture some candid engagement pictures as well.

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Carr Hall

Style: Whimsical, Romantic, Garden-inspired
Photography Permit: Free for an outdoor photography
Area: 100 St Joseph St, Toronto

Carr Hall is one of our favourite engagement shoot locations in Toronto. This is a very beautiful old building with a special atmosphere around it. But we recommend photographers to pay attention to the amazing garden in front of the building. Wrought-iron chairs and tables help add ancient and relaxed notes to the engagement photoshoot. Of course, the couple's outfits have to correspond to the mood of the surrounding place: there is no place for casual outfits.

Casa Loma

Style: Romantic, Classy, Traditional
Photography Permit: $1000 for 2hrs depending on time of day
Area: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto

Ancient fountain, pretty garden, elegant marble floor and stairs, unique design - without any doubt Casa Loma is a spectacular castle in Toronto Downtown. If a couple dreams of a luxurious wedding or engagement photography Toronto - Casa Loma is what they need. Lots of lovely locations, unusual angles and bohemian spots make this place a really unique spot for photography. Casa Loma engagement photos will look timeless and atypical!

Distillery District

Style: Rustic, Vintage, Urban, Casual
Photography Permit: Distillery district photo permit is $250 for up to 2hrs
Area: Distillery District, Toronto

Distillery District is a famous historic area. It is definitely worth thinking about it as one of the cool spots for engagement photography places in Toronto. Redbrick walls give a special rustic atmosphere, cozy cafes and restaurants add some romantic mood to the engagement photos Distillery district Toronto. Undoubtedly, Distillery District is one of the best rustic areas around Toronto for engagement photos.

Evergreen Brick Works

Style: Industrial, Vintage, Casual
Photography Permit: You will pay $350/2hrs for Evergreen Brickworks photography permit
Area: 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto

The Don Valley Brick Works is a factory building with unique industrial architecture. Despite the commercial usage of the building, there are a lot of green spots and gardens, which can vary the industrial engagement photoshoot. People, who love factory-made motives, will be happy to have photos from this spot. Please note, you need to buy an Evergreen Brick Works photo permit in advance!

Exhibition Place

Style: Urban, Modern
Photography Permit: Free for outdoor photoshoots
Area: 100 Princes' Blvd, Toronto

Exhibition Place is a rectangular complex of different buildings and gardens, one of the free places to take pictures for the wedding, and it 100% worth attention. As a Toronto engagement photographer, I can tell you that this place, especially Princes' Gates spot, is in my personal TOP-5 places for creative engagement or wedding shoots.

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Fairmont

Style: Modern, Classic, Romantic, Traditional
Photography Permit: Free for outside shoots and $500 (without the booking of a hotel room) for inside shoots
Area: 100 Front St W, Toronto

The Fairmont Royal York is a well-known splendour hotel located in the heart of Toronto. Even if you are not ready to wear a ball gown for your engagement shoot, the engagement photographer can use this wonderful building as a background. For me, this hotel looks like a piece of New York in Toronto.

Financial District

Style: Modern, Elegant, Art Deco
Photography Permit: Free for outdoor engagement photography
Area: Downtown Toronto

I am a huge fan of untypical light, contrast, geometry, lines and shapes, probably that is the reason why Financial District takes a special place in my heart. It is definitely TOP-1 in my personal list of the best locations in Toronto. I can strongly recommend this great area for everyone, who wants to have nice Downtown Toronto engagement photos. I am sure - Financial District is full of various possibilities to create unique and creative shots.

Hart House Toronto

Style: Architectural, Classic, Grand, Gothic
Hart House Photography Permit: for indoor shoot $65/hour for alumni, and $130/hr for non-alumni for UofT engagement photos
Area: 7 Hart House Cir, Toronto

If a couple and a photographer are big fans of gothic architecture, choose Hart House as a place for UofT engagement photos in Toronto. Soft light, large arches, memorable exterior and interior add a special romantic mood to your UofT engagement photos. Hart House is one of the lovely engagement photo spots near UofT, but be careful choosing your clothing: it is so simple to destroy this atmosphere, wearing jeans and a t-shirt.

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High Park Toronto

Style: Romantic, Natural, Whimsical
Photography Permit: Not welcome photographers to take engagement photos in High Park
Area: 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto

High Park in Toronto is the ideal engagement session location for couples looking to connect with nature. However, before booking an engagement photoshoot in High Park Toronto, you must note, technically they are not welcome photographers to arrange engagement sessions at their place. Even more, the management of High Park do not allow wedding photography and ceremonies at their place. So, before planning your engagement session in High Park, discuss all the details with your engagement photographer to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Hilton Toronto

Style: Romantic, Urban, Whimsical
Photography Permit: Free for outdoor photoshoot
Area: 145 Richmond St W, Toronto

When I mention these Toronto photoshoot locations, I am talking about the rooftop and small garden nearby, not about the hotel. This hidden beautiful spot, full of fresh greenery in the middle of the noisy city, makes your Downtown Toronto engagement photos special and unique. If you are lucky, you will catch a moment when Toronto is covered by the fog. Believe me, it is a really impressive show. It is TOP-2 in my personal list of the engagement photography locations Toronto.

Hotel X Toronto

Style: Chic, Classic, Elegant, Stylish, Geometrical
Photography Permit: $750.00 up to 3 hours
Area: Princes' Boulevard Enter on the corner of Lakeshore Blvd W and 111 Newfoundland Rd, Toronto

Hotel X Toronto is a stylish high-rise hotel on Lake Ontario with an extremely beautiful view of Toronto Downtown. There are so many different options for the engagement photos here. As a photographer, I can find hundreds of different spots to capture memorable frames for couples. This place is one of very cool rooftop Toronto wedding photography locations!

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Kensington Market

Style: Modern, Urban, Hipster
Photography Permit: Free for outdoor photography
Area: Nassau St, Toronto

Kensington Market is a very vibrant and vivid area in Toronto. From my point of view, it is one of the best places West Toronto for engagement pictures. If an engagement photographer and a loving couple both love rhythm, the sounds of the city and the feeling of life around them, it's a perfect area for Kensington Market engagement photos.

Knox College

Style: Architectural, Classic, Grand, Gothic
Knox College: for indoor shoot $450/2 hours for Knox College engagement photos
Area: 59 St George St, Toronto

Knox College is one of the most breathtaking locations in Toronto, offering a timeless and romantic setting for engagement photos. With its grand Gothic architecture, arched hallways, and enchanting courtyards, it feels like a scene from a classic love story. If an engagement photographer and a couple are drawn to elegance, old-world charm, and a touch of cinematic beauty, Knox College is the perfect place to create unforgettable images.

Nathan Phillips Square

Style: Modern, Urban, Hipster
Photography Permit: Free for outdoor photography
Area: 100 Queen St W, Toronto

Nathan Phillips Square is one of Toronto’s most iconic and dynamic locations. With its expansive open space, the famous Toronto sign, and the striking curves of City Hall as a backdrop, it offers a perfect blend of sophistication and urban energy. The combination of modern architecture, the reflecting pool, and the bustling city atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for engagement photos that capture the essence of Toronto.

Ontario Place & Trillium Park

Style: Urban, Modern, Geometrical, Vivid
Photography Permit: Free
Area: 955 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto

Ontario Place is a huge entertainment complex, full of beautiful and unique photoshoot locations. If you want to unite modern architecture with picturesque landscape, you definitely have to pay attention to this place. From my point of view, an hour before the sunset is the best time for the photoshoot. The nearby Trillium Park is also a perfect place for Toronto park photography, but note summer is the best season for Trillium Park engagement photos.

Osgoode Hall

Style: Classic, Elegant, Stylish, Traditional
Photography Permit: Free for outdoor photography
Area: 130 Queen St W, Toronto

I think Osgoode Hall does not need a description. This marvellous, landmark building is just a perfect place for both wedding and engagement photography in Toronto. When the majority of wedding photographers creates the frames in front of the building, I advise you to pay attention to the nice garden around the Hall. This location is TOP-3 in my personal list of beautiful places, which does not require a photo permit.

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Polson Pier

Style: Romantic, Nautical, Scenic
Photography Permit: Free
Area: 11 Polson St, Toronto

Polson pier is famous for its picturesque view of Toronto skyscrapers and a chance to catch amazing sunset behind Downtown. If you are looking for a spot where you can enjoy the beauty of the setting sun, I certainly recommend you to pay attention to this place. Of course, it may be difficult to capture some unique frames here, but if you love the view of Toronto pictures locations, this is undoubtedly your spot.

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Princes' Gates

Style: Beaux-Arts, Urban, Hipster
Photography Permit: Free for outdoor photography
Area: Nassau St, Toronto

Princes' Gates is a timeless and distinguished landmark in Toronto. With its grand archway and neoclassical design, it offers a majestic backdrop for engagement photos. If a couple envisions a setting that blends timeless architecture with a sense of grandeur, Princes' Gates is a perfect choice. The soft light reflecting off its stately columns and the open space around it create a romantic yet sophisticated atmosphere, ideal for capturing unforgettable moments.

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RC Harris Water Treatment Plant

Style: Art Deco, Nautical, Picturesque
Photography Permit: You do not need to buy a RC Harris Water Treatment Plant photography permit
Area: 2701 Queen St E, Scarborough

From our point of view, RC Harris Water Treatment Plant is one of the best places for couple sessions or wedding photography. First of all, this area is not extremely popular among wedding photographers, so people can receive a set of unusual couple photos. Secondly, there is no need to buy an RC Harris Water Treatment Plant photography permit - this spot doesn't require it for now! But if you want to arrange a photoshoot with a vintage car, you'll need to get a free photography permit. Obviously, RC Harris Water Treatment Plant is a magnificent building with architecture in art deco style. If you decide to choose this spot for a wedding or couple photo session, don't miss an opportunity to have a couple of photos on the beach.

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Rooftop with view on CN Tower

Style: Modern, Hipster, Picturesque
Photography Permit: Free
Area: Parking garage near CN Tower, Toronto

This hidden gem is one of the high places in Toronto where to take best Toronto rooftop pictures. If you dream about beautiful engagement photographs with the view of CN Tower - this area is definitely your place! Toronto rooftop photography looks different depending on the weather, season and theme of your engagement session.

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

Style: Modern, Geometrical, Unique
Photography Permit: Free for outdoor photography
Area: 100 Queens Park, Toronto

Royal Ontario Museum is famous for its unique exterior design. It's a special place, where a photographer can capture both contemporary and timeless frames. Worth mentioning that ROM is also a great place for wide-angle frames.

Trinity College

Style: Classic, Architectural, Historical, Romantic
Photography Permit: for indoor shoot $65/hour for alumni, and $130/hr for non-alumni
Area: 6 Hoskin Ave, Toronto

It may be a tricky situation to have your wedding or engagement photography done inside Trinity College, but you can always have a few engagement pictures with the building in the background. This is really a lovely place for a romantic photoshoot. From my point of view, the most beautiful time to create wedding photos Toronto Trinity College here is a blooming springtime or red-leaves autumn.

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Toronto Botanical Garden

Style: Nature-inspired, Romantic, Whimsical
Photography Permit: ~$275 for any type of photography
Area: 777 Lawrence Ave E, North York

Toronto Botanical Garden is a lovely park with a fountain, staircase and a nice bridge. If you want a lot of romantic engagement pictures in an uncrowded greenery place, it is an ideal location for you.

Toronto Islands

Style: Romantic, Nautical, Nature-inspired
Photography Permit: $128.00 per 2 hour
Area: Toronto Islands

Toronto Islands are a chain of 15 small islands in Lake Ontario. This really nice place can offer a wide variety of locations for an engagement photoshoot. If you are looking for a nice view of Toronto or a nice spot for your beach engagement photos, you will absolutely love this place. I recommend planning your photoshoot an hour before the sunset to catch the best soft light and enjoy the beauty of the sunset.

Yorkville

Style: Fashionable, Modern, Luxurious, Elegant
Photography Permit: Free for outdoor photography
Area: Yorkville neighbourhood

If you are searching for a stylish, fashionable engagement photo location in Toronto, Yorkville is a perfect place. Basically, everyone can discover something special to themselves: a cozy restaurant, a nicely designed street, a stylish facade or a fashionable corner. This place does not limit your creativity - here you really can get all pictures you want!

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Scarborough Bluffs Park

Style: Romantic, Nature-inspired, Classic
Photography Permit: Free for outdoor photography
Area: 1 Brimley Rd. S, Bluffers Pk Rd, Scarborough

Scarborough Bluffs Park, located just outside Toronto, is a breathtaking natural escape with stunning views and tranquil landscapes. It’s one of the most picturesque locations for engagement photos in the area. For couples who appreciate serene surroundings, the beauty of the cliffs, and the peaceful atmosphere by the water, Scarborough Bluffs offers a perfect backdrop for capturing timeless and romantic moments.

St. Lawrence Market

Style: Rustic, Romantic, Vivid
Photography Permit: Free
Area: 93 Front St E, Toronto

The St. Lawrence Market is a lovely spot in Toronto Downtown. If you are searching for a simple engagement session Toronto location, full of blooming flowers, greenery and cozy corners, pay attention to this lovely place. You can grab a cup of coffee and spend a lovely time with your beloved when your engagement photographer Toronto creates memorable frames for you.

Sunnyside Pavillion

Style: Historical, Architectural, Classic, Elegant
Photography Permit: Free for outdoor engagement photoshoot
Area: 1755 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Toronto

Sunnyside Pavillion in Toronto is a truly hidden gem, a tiny piece of European architecture in the middle of ultramodern Toronto, one of best places for engagement photos Toronto. We recommend Sunnyside Pavillion to our couples because this is truly the best place to take photos in Toronto. There is everything you need for attractive engagement pictures: a gorgeous park, small garden, cozy cafe, pleasant beach and vivid sunsets. The less popular magnificent courtyard inside Sunnyside Pavillion cafe is perfect for couples who try to avoid overpopulated places and like architecture.

Temperance Street

Style: Modern, Urban, Hipster
Photography Permit: Free for outdoor photography
Area: Temperance St, Toronto

Temperance Street in Toronto is a lively, bustling part of the city, filled with the vibrant energy that makes it unique. The street is perfect for couples who love the rhythm of urban life and want their engagement photos to reflect the city’s dynamic atmosphere. With Dineen Coffee offering a chic, urban spot for photos or Sud Forno for sip a cup of coffee, this area provides the perfect backdrop for couples seeking bold, energetic images that capture the true essence of Toronto. It’s an ideal choice for those who want to embrace the pulse of the city in their photos.

Woodbine Beach

Style: Romantic, Nautical, Nature-inspired, Elegant
Photography Permit: $128.00 per 2 hour
Area: 1675 Lake Shore Blvd E, Toronto

If the beach engagement photos are your dream - you have to pay attention to Woodbine Beach. This is a very lovely prewedding shoots location around Toronto with a huge beach line and a nice lifeguard house. For me, this location is good for a photo session only during sunset time.

Union Station Toronto

Style: Historical, Architectural, Classic, Elegant
Photography Permit: $150.00 for indoor photoshoot
Area: 55 Front St W, Toronto

Union Station, the busiest passenger transportation hub, is famous for its impressive exterior and just a few people pay attention to the interior of this place. This is truly one of the best engagement photos Toronto locations for both couple and wedding sessions. It is easy to accent attention to the pure feelings of a loving couple enjoying themselves in a passengers flow.

University Of Toronto (UofT)

Style: Architectural, Classic, Grand, Gothic
University Of Toronto (UofT): for indoor shoot $65/hour for alumni, and $130/hr for non-alumni for UofT engagement photos
Area: 27 King's College Cir, Toronto

UofT engagement session is always a perfect idea. Lying in the heart of Toronto downtown, University of Toronto can be a unique background for your engagement photoshoot. Literally, there are so many pretty corners to capture candid engagement photos during your UofT engagement session. Do they require a photography permit? Yes, they do. But believe us, when you see your engagement photographs taken at UofT, you won't regret spending your money!

Yonge-Dundas Square

Style: Hipster, Modern, Urban
Photography Permit: Free for outdoor photoshoots
Area: Yonge-Dundus Square, Toronto

Yonge-Dundas Square is a trendy spot for engagement photography in Toronto. What can we say - this location is often used in American films as a replacement for Times Square. The atmosphere on Yonge-Dundas Square is very similar to American: this spot is full of life, various events, tourists and colourful advertisements. If you are a huge fan of rhythms, many strangers don't annoy you, Yonge and Dundas wedding picture will be cool here!