Toronto City Hall Weddings Are Ending: What’s Next

Written by @dj.ilon

For more than three decades, the little wedding chamber at Toronto City Hall has been where a lot of couples said "I do": quickly, affordably and without a fuss. If that was your plan for 2027, the news this fall probably stung. Here's a plain-language roundup of what's happening, what's still on the table in Toronto, and how to get legally married anywhere in Ontario.

What's happening, and when

Ministerial Associates, the independent company that has run civil ceremonies at City Hall since 1994, will leave the building at 100 Queen St. W. on January 1, 2027, CityNews reports. Its lease expires December 31, 2026, and the City has said major construction and modernization work means it can't guarantee the conditions the provider needs to keep operating.

The City offered a short extension to March 31, 2027, which the company declined, according to CP24. The company's director told TorontoToday that the first three months of the year are a slow season for weddings.

There's genuine fondness on all sides. The City thanked the provider for its 30 years of ceremonies, and Ministerial Associates said it has "taken great pride" in the partnership. The City has also said it will "continue to explore options to ensure the long-term future of wedding ceremonies at Toronto City Hall" (CP24).

What isn't changing:

  • Ceremonies already booked at City Hall for 2026 go ahead as scheduled (CityNews).

  • Bookings at Old City Hall aren't affected.

  • You can still apply for a marriage licence and order a marriage certificate in Toronto.

  • Off-site ceremonies booked with Ministerial Associates for 2027 will still take place (TorontoToday).

If your plans are affected, the City asks couples to email marriage@toronto.ca (CP24).

Your remaining Toronto options

City-operated venues. The City says it will work with affected couples to find other downtown spots, which could include Old City Hall, St. Lawrence Market North and other City-operated venues (CityNews). Move quickly, though: Old City Hall ceremonies run on Thursdays only, and slots are already fully booked through January and on several dates in March and April (TorontoToday).

Civic centre wedding chambers. The City's Marriage Services page lists chambers at the North York, Scarborough and York civic centres. The catch is that you bring your own officiant (CBC News). So you'll be juggling a licence, a room booking and an officiant separately.

A Vegas-style chapel downtown. Two of Hearts Chapel at 190 McCaul Street, near the AGO, is a pink, retro, Vegas-style chapel with a 20-minute "Quickie" for the couple plus two witnesses and a full elopement package with photography and seating for 30 (Toronto Life). Bring your Ontario licence and photo ID (Two of Hearts booking terms).

Bring-your-own officiant, anywhere. Any registered Ontario officiant can marry you at a venue, in a park or in a friend's backyard, as long as you have a valid licence. Ontario lets you check whether an officiant is registered.

Ontario marriage licence basics

However you do it, the legal side is the same everywhere in the province:

  • Get your licence from any Ontario municipality. A licence from an authorized municipal office is valid anywhere in Ontario. You can start the application online through ServiceOntario at participating municipalities, then finish it at an in-person appointment.

  • It's good for 3 months. A licence is valid for 3 months from the date it's issued, and the Marriage Act says the ceremony has to happen within that window. Book your date first, then time your licence.

  • Bring two witnesses. Under the Marriage Act, every marriage takes place in front of the couple and at least two witnesses, who sign as witnesses.

  • Use an authorized officiant. Only registered or civil marriage officiants can perform marriages in Ontario (ontario.ca).

After the ceremony, you, your witnesses and the officiant sign the licence. Once the marriage is registered, you can order your official certificate.

One more option: a small wedding, a short drive away

Full disclosure: this is where we come in. If you loved City Hall because it was simple, quick and didn't need a planner, that's exactly what we built Neon Chapel for. Just with more disco balls.

We're a Vegas-style, all-inclusive chapel at 298 Wellington Main in Wellington, Prince Edward County, inside Mrs. Peachum's, about 2.5 hours east of downtown Toronto. Our officiant is registered in Ontario, so your Toronto licence works here just fine.

The closest thing to a City Hall ceremony is The Quickie: 30 minutes, $1,500, for the two of you plus two witnesses. It includes the ceremony, the officiant and day-of coordination, so nobody's stuck holding a clipboard. Want a few more people (or a lot more party)? Our packages run from the 60-minute Chapel Classic ($2,500) up to the five-hour Whole Damn Thing ($18,000), for 2 to 55 guests.

Then make a weekend of it. Wellington is a walkable lakeside village, and the beach is a few minutes away. "I do" at 3, toes in Lake Ontario by 4 (season permitting).

Whatever you choose, whether it's a civic centre, Old City Hall, your aunt's backyard or us, we hope you get the day you want. Congratulations, truly.

Check your date at neonchapel.wedding/book or call or text us at 613 707 4347.

Ready to say "I do"?

See our packages, from The Quickie (30 minutes, $1,500, with day-of coordination) to The Whole Damn Thing. Or book your date now.

Sources

@dj.ilon