Unique Places To Take Engagement Photos in Toronto

Wedding season will soon be upon us, which means many couples will be searching for that perfect photography location in Toronto to take engagement photos. Because Toronto offers much in the arts and culture sphere, there possibilities for unique places to take engagement photos in Toronto are endless. Couples can also choose from more traditional settings such as gardens and lakes. Let’s dive in and have a look at some unique places to take engagement photos in Toronto.

Rosetta McClain Gardens

I had never heard of Rosetta McClain Gardens until I moved to Toronto’s east end. This gorgeous park off of Kingston Road overlooks Lake Ontario from the top of the Scarborough Bluffs and features spectacularly groomed gardens, century-old pine trees and a dedicated rose garden. You’ll find numerous locations for engagement photos at Rosetta McClain Gardens including near their rock fountain, under the pergola or in the secluded gazebo. Although you can’t access Lake Ontario from these gardens, there is more than enough scenery in the park to provide a gorgeous backdrop for your engagement photos. The City of Toronto encourages you to book a photography session at City-owned parks to ensure you are not inhibiting the use of the park for others. Rosetta McClain Gardens is located at 5 Glen Everest Road (running south off of Kingston Road, just east of Midland Avenue), 416-392-8188.

Humber Bay Park East

Tucked away at the southern tip of Humber Bay Park is a secluded beach (well, if you get there early that is). Throughout the park, you’ll find long bridges, marshes and wild flowers, all with a 360 degree view of the water. In the eastern section of the park, you’ll be able to have a backdrop of the CN Tower and the city skyline with Lake Ontario in the foreground of your photo.

Allan Gardens Conservatory

It’s amazing that more people in Toronto are not familiar with Allan Gardens Conservatory considering that it’s located in the centre of the city. The conservatory is open 365 days of the year and makes a great photography location for engagement photos in Toronto. There are numerous houses that form part of the conservatory including the Tropical Houses (orchids, begonias, bromeliads), Cool Temperate House (hyacinths, tulips, jasmines, camellias, plants from Australia), Arid House (cacti, succulents) and Tropical Landscape House (palms, bananas, seasonal plants). In addition, the Allan Gardens Conservatory hosts seasonal flower shows including the Easter Flower Show and Christmas Flower Show. You’ll also find unique locations for engagement photos or wedding photo shoots in front of the goldfish pond or the waterwheel where you may get photobombed by some sunning turtles! The Allan Gardens Conservatory is located at 19 Horticultural Avenue (at Gerrard Street East, east of Sherbourne Avenue), 416-392-7288. A photography permit is required.

Bluffers Park

No need to go down south to get engagement photos by the beach. Just head east to Bluffers Beach to get some great photos with the Scarborough Bluffs in the background. If you are taking your engagement photos in summer, arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds on the beach. There are two beaches where you can take photos: Bluffers Park Beach and Bluffers Sand Beach. Bluffers Sand Beach is at the westerly section of Bluffers Park and features a magnificent backdrop of the Bluffs. You can also venture away from the beach to feature more of the rugged landscape in the backdrop of your photos. There are washrooms and snack bars on site.

Riverdale Farm

If you’re looking for a rustic, rural look for your engagement photos, you might want to check out Riverdale Farm. Located in Cabbagetown, Owned and operated by the City of Toronto, Riverdale Farm is a working farm with animals, barns, ponds, fences and wooded areas, which will give your photos a ‘country’ look. Riverdale Farm is located at 201 Winchester Street. A photo permit is required.

Toronto Islands

The Toronto Islands offer so much in terms of unique places to take engagement photos in Toronto. You can have photos taken near the haunted Gibraltar Point Lighthouse or at the cottage-like Ward’s Island Beach. Rent a tandem or quadricycle from Toronto Island Bicycle Rental and bike around Ward’s Island and Algonquin Island for some really fun engagement photos. Visit the Far Enough Farm if you want to have livestock or pretty peacocks as supporting actors in your engagement photos. You can also get great engagement photos on the ferry to and from the Toronto Islands with the backdrop of the Toronto skyline. You will need to obtain a photography permit from the City of Toronto if you choose to have your engagement photos taken on the Toronto Islands.

Let me know in the comments section if you have other suggestions for unique places to take engagement photos in Toronto.