You did it, you found that special someone. Sure there is all sorts of planning, documentation, and permits to come, but you have already done the most significant and difficult part. So don’t let the extra details prevent you from experiencing your dream wedding.
Toronto and Durham play host to some of the best outdoor wedding locations. While these locations don’t always come as ready-to-go as more traditional venues like churches, there is no need to be discouraged from using them.
A fact traditional indoor venues may not want you to know is that obtaining necessary permits for outdoor weddings is an easy, quick and pain-free process. As well outdoor tent rental companies provide all the expertise, accessories, and setup you need to transform any outdoor location into your dream wedding venue.
Applying for Wedding Permits in Parks and Outdoor Locations
Getting permits for weddings is a budget-friendly, fast, and simple process. You can do this! While it only takes a few minutes to apply, we encourage you to first explore a few considerations before diving in. It’s your big day, may as well double-check you’re crossing t’s and dotting i’s.
Considerations
First and foremost, consider your preferred wedding date. As seen in our Four Season Wedding Tent Rental Tips blog, there are great options to make use of the outdoors all year long. However, not all locations are available year-round. For many city parks the available dates for wedding permits are May 15 to September 30th. Private locations may not have these same restrictions and generally do not require you to obtain a separate permit like the public spaces do.
Another important factor is the setup. Some public spaces are limited to standing-only spaces and restricted to ceremonies. These limitations are clearly defined in the city’s permit booking site.
If you plan on having tables, chairs, wedding tents, and more, make sure the location allows it. Alternatively, consider surrounding options. For example, in the public park section of Edward Gardens, you can only get a permit for standing-only ceremonies. However, there are also private indoor/outdoor areas available for rent. In such a situation you could book the park for the ceremony and the private section for the reception. Or, simply have everything in the private locations.
Finally, make sure you take a look at the maximum occupancies. Small, intimate weddings have become very popular for a meaningful experience with only those closest to you. But let’s be honest, there is no shortage of us looking to blow it out with a great big bash including all the friends and family we can muster. Toronto has parks of all sizes, allowing for large or small groups – so just make sure the available occupancy fits your vision.
Where to Apply for Your Permit
Wedding ceremonies in Toronto Parks are $246.33 per hour (at the time of writing). You can book and pay online through the city of Toronto. For any additional questions or information, you can contact park bookings every Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM at 416-396-7378, option 2.
Available Toronto Public Parks for Wedding Permits
While the GTA boasts over 1500 parks, the Toronto wedding permit site only provides permits for 12 locations. Fortunately, these include some of the most spectacular parks for spring, summer, and early fall weddings.
Have no fear, you’re not out of luck just because your desired venue is not on the following list. Don’t panic, just Google the location and call the available number. Many parks have privately managed options for booking weddings, so you don’t need your own permit. In fact, they also often include fewer restrictions on what you can do and what you can bring than public spaces.
| Parks | Maximum Occupancy |
| Allan Gardens | 20 |
| Ashbridges Bay | 100 |
| Centennial Park Conservatory | 10 |
| Edward Gardens | 100 |
| Guild Park and Gardens | 100 |
| Kew Gardens | 100 |
| Music Garden | 20 |
| Rosetta McClain Gardens | 100 |
| St. James Park | 40 |
| Sunnyside Pavilion | 40 |
| Toronto Islands | 100 |
| Millennium Gardens (Woodbine Park) | 100 |
Other Permits to Consider
Just like the wedding ceremony permit, these are all generally quick and easy to get. Of course, you want to make sure to apply as far in advance as possible to ensure you don’t run into any hiccups.
Marriage License
If you’re getting married, you need a marriage license to make it official. In Toronto, you can fill out your marriage license application online. Then you simply book an appointment to pick it up.
When picking up your marriage license you should print and sign a copy of the application. Make sure it’s signed by both of you! If you don’t bring a printed copy, then both of you must attend to sign a copy in person.
Both parties require two pieces of identification. The only accepted forms of ID are:
- Birth Certificate
- Passport
- Driver’s Licence
- Ontario Photo Card (Purple photo ID card)
- Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (Canadian Citizenship Card)
- Conditional Release Identification Card
- United States Green Card
- Native Status Card
- Record of Immigration Landing
- Confirmation of Permanent Residency
- Permanent Residency Card
- Citizenship Card
- Identity Card
- Nexus Card
- Firearms Acquisition Certificate (FAC)
- Possession & Acquisition Licence (PAL)
If remarrying after a divorce you will also require either a certificate of divorce or final decree. For divorces granted outside of Canada, you will require a Foreign Divorce Authorization from the Province of Ontario.
Wedding Photography Permit
A wedding photography permit is quick and easy to get from the same listed link for wedding ceremonies. A nice reprieve from most things related to weddings, most wedding photography permits are actually substantially cheaper than standard commercial photography permits.
These are available at all the same locations and must be booked in a minimum of two-hour time slots. If you are booking both wedding ceremony and wedding photography permits for the same time and place, it’s best to call the booking center (that was 416-396-7378, option 2) to get the best deal and avoid confusion or double-booking.
Do keep in mind that the photography permit does not include a photographer. You are still required to hire your own photographer for the event.
Alcohol Permit
If you are planning to serve alcohol at your wedding (how else are you going to toast) you will need an alcohol permit. Some venues and caterers will take care of the permit, but it is well worth clarifying.
For a wedding, all you need is a special occasion permit from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. The permit fee for a private event is $50 for no sale of alcohol and $150 if guests are paying for alcohol. A private location does not require a permit for a no-sale event.
You can apply for a permit directly through the AGCO. It is best to apply at least two weeks in advance, although requests are often completed within a few days.
Outdoor Tent Rentals Experts Bring Your Wedding Vision to Life
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event and, at JH Party Rentals, we’re here to make it truly unforgettable. Our expertise lies in transforming outdoor spaces into enchanting wedding venues that reflect your unique style and vision.
With our wide range of wedding tents and accessories, we have everything you need to create the perfect ambiance for your special day. From elegant marquees to cozy canopy tents, we offer options to suit every size and style of wedding.
Our team is happy to help you achieve your vision. For years, Toronto and Durham have trusted JH Party Rentals for expertise, quality, convenience, flexibility, and unparalleled customer service. Contact us today to book your wedding tent rentals or for more information on how to bring your special day to life.
