Top 10 Unique Locations for Engagement Photos in and Around Toronto
Capturing the magic of your engagement is a beautiful way to celebrate this exciting milestone. Toronto and its surrounding areas offer numerous unique settings for every couple's style and preference. Whether you want urban charm, historical grandeur, or natural beauty, I’ve got you covered. In this blog post, I will guide you through the top 10 unique locations for engagement photos in and around Toronto.
If you are interested in hiring me to photograph your Toronto / GTA Wedding or Engagement Session, you can use set up a time to chat with me. I would love to walk through the process with you.
Contents:
Guild Inn Estate
Knox College
Kortright Centre for Conservation
Scarborough Bluffs
Sugar Beach
Burlington Harbourfront
Toronto Island/Centre Island
Hamilton Waterfalls
Parkwood Estates
Graffiti Alley
Image from Harleen Dorka Photography
1. Guild Inn Estate
201 Guildwood Parkway Scarborough, Ontario, M1E 1P5
Located atop the Scarborough Bluffs, Guild Park includes beautifully manicured gardens, forest areas, and stunning sculptures and architectural fragments preserved from notable buildings. It is the perfect location for those who appreciate a mix of architecture and nature. The Guild Inn Estate offers a variety of backdrops for your engagement photos.
Hours of Operation: Guild Park is operated by the City of Toronto and open 24/7
Parking: Free parking available at the Guild Inn Estate
Permit: Not for the Guild Park
Perfect Shooting Time of Day: This park becomes very busy, especially in the summer afternoons. I recommend planning your photoshoot for the morning before noon.
2. Knox College
59 St George St, Toronto, ON M5S 2E6
With its stunning gothic architecture and impressive archways, Knox College is perfect for couples seeking a historical, academic atmosphere. Its interiors also offer an elegant setting for photos. One of the most versatile locations on this list, the indoor area is complete with grand staircases and beautiful windows, and the outdoor area has lush greenery and a breezeway that’s covered.
Hours of Operation: Engagement/wedding photography is only permitted when the premises are available on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays
Parking: Parking map available HERE
Permit: $400 (HST included) / 2 hours as of September 2023
Perfect Shooting Time of Day: Early Morning / Late Afternoon. Take advantage of the light streaming in from those beautiful big windows, as well as the bright outdoor breezeway!
Image from Harleen Dorka Photography
3. Kortright Centre for Conservation
9550 Pine Valley Dr, Woodbridge, ON L4L 1A6
For nature-loving couples, the Kortright Centre offers lush forests, tranquil ponds, and wooden boardwalks. It's an ideal setting for a peaceful, natural engagement shoot. The best part? Pets are welcome at Kortright Centre! This is perfect for couples who would love to include their fur babies in their pre-wedding photos.
Hours of Operation: Everyday from 9am - 4pm
Parking: $8.05 entry fee + $4.70+HST for parking
Permit: $300+HST
Perfect Shooting Time of Day: Early Morning / Late Afternoon
Image from Harleen Dorka Photography
4. Scarborough Bluffs
1 Brimley Rd S, Scarborough, ON M1M 3W3
Just a short drive from Toronto, the Scarborough Bluffs offer cliffsides and beaches with views of Lake Ontario, making it a popular choice for sunrise and sunset shoots.
Hours of Operation: 24/7 (Please keep in mind that while the Bluffs are open year round, there may be closures due to cliffside erosion, or if the park is too busy during summer days)
Parking: Available
Permit: No longer required (Accurate as of September 2023)
Perfect Shooting Time of Day: Sunrise / Sunset. This park becomes very busy, especially in the summer afternoons. Planning a photoshoot for sunrise or sunset allows your photos to have the beautiful golden hour lighting and stunning sun flares.
5. Sugar Beach
11 Dockside Dr, Toronto, ON M5A 1B6
If you're looking for a relaxed, beachy vibe, Sugar Beach offers white sands and pink umbrellas, creating a playful and vibrant setting for your engagement photos.
Hours of Operation: Open 24/7
Parking: Many parking lots and garages available nearby
Permit: None
Perfect Shooting Time of Day: This park becomes very busy, especially in the summer afternoons. I recommend planning your photoshoot for the morning before noon. Sunset would also be a great option, though likely busier
Image from Harleen Dorka Photography
6. Burlington Harbourfront
2020 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7R 4G8
The tranquil waters, rocky shorelines, and picturesque gazebo at Burlington Harbourfront make it a versatile location for romantic outdoor photos.
Hours of Operation: Open 24/7
Parking: Many public parking lots available nearby
Permit: None
Perfect Shooting Time of Day: Anytime
7. Toronto Islands / Centre Island
9 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2H3
Accessible by a short ferry ride, the Toronto Islands provide stunning views of the city skyline along with serene beaches and lush parklands, offering a perfect blend of urban and natural settings. Head to Toronto Island Park on Olympic Island (you would get off at Centre Island and walk over) for the best view of the skyline!
Hours of Operation: Ferry departure times are subject to change due to weather or mechanical issues, as well as seasonally. For schedules for each season, click HERE
Parking: Public parking lots available close to the ferry terminal. Cars are not allowed on the island
Cost/Permit: Cost of the round trip ferry ticket is $9.11/person. Permit cost for a maximum of 30 people is $157.91/2 hours
Perfect Shooting Time of Day: This park becomes very busy, especially in the summer afternoons. I recommend planning your photoshoot for the morning
Image from Harleen Dorka Photography
8. Hamilton Waterfalls
For a truly dynamic backdrop, Hamilton offers various waterfalls, like Webster's Falls, Tew's Falls, Tiffany Falls and Albion Falls providing a spectacular natural setting for your photos.
Hours of Operation: Open 24/7, but please be careful in rainy or snowy seasons
Parking: $11 at most waterfall locations
Permit: None
Perfect Shooting Time of Day: Morning, Afternoon, Evening
Image from Harleen Dorka Photography
9. Parkwood Estates
270 Simcoe St N, Oshawa, ON L1G 4T5
Boasting elegant gardens and intricate architectural details, Parkwood Estates provides a luxurious and grand backdrop for your engagement photos. This location is perfect for couples who want a royal, luxury theme to their engagement photos.
Hours of Operation: Summer Season (June 1-Labour Day): 7 days a week – 10:30am-5:00pm | Winter Season (After Labour Day): Wednesday-Sunday – 1:00pm-5:00pm
Parking: Available
Permit: $275 + HST
Perfect Shooting Time of Day: During hours of operation
10. Graffiti Alley
169 Rush Lane, Toronto, ON M5V 2W1 to 4120 Lane South Queen West Spadina (Spadina Ave at Queen St West South Side)
For the edgy, urban couple, Graffiti Alley in Toronto's Fashion District offers vibrant murals and street art that can add a splash of colour and a little something different to your photos.
Hours of Operation: Open 24/7
Parking: Parking lots and garages available nearby
Permit: None
Perfect Shooting Time of Day: Morning, Afternoon, Evening
Bonus: Your Own Home
For a truly personal touch, consider a cozy engagement shoot right in your own home. Capture your love in the setting where you feel comfortable, and share your daily lives. This allows you to set the scene exactly as you’d like it to be.
Bonus: A Night Club
If you and your partner enjoy the nightlife, why not capture the essence of your love in a stylish night club? The mood lighting and dynamic setting offer a unique twist for engagement photos. This is great for couples who have a special connection to a nightclub or memory, like Karly and Phil here!
Ontario offers an impressive array of unique locations for your engagement photos. From the calmness of conservation areas to the bustling energy of urban settings, you'll find the perfect backdrop to tell your love story. If you have any questions about recommendations for engagement photos, or are looking for photography services, please do not hesitate to reach out!
Get in touch.
With wedding packages starting at $2,920, I am now booking 2025 with select 2024 dates remaining.
Send me a message with your wedding date and location, and I'll send you my free guide to planning the perfect wedding. I offer wedding, proposal and engagement photography services to Toronto, the GTA and beyond.
