Tips from an Ottawa City Hall Wedding Photographer
Getting married at Ottawa City Hall is a meaningful and simple option for couples who want a beautiful, legal ceremony. As an Ottawa City Hall wedding photographer, I’ve captured City Hall weddings and know how to help couples plan for both the ceremony and the photography that surrounds it.
Here’s everything couples should know — from official requirements to photo tips that will help your City Hall wedding photos look intentional, timeless, and relaxed.
Understand the Ceremony Logistics & Limits
Ottawa City Hall offers Civil Marriage Ceremonies that are simple, dignified, and officially recognized — and they run on a set schedule throughout the week. Ceremonies are typically booked in person at the Client Service Centre and must be booked in advance. Ceremonies are available Monday through Friday at regular hourly slots, with some additional times on Fridays and Saturdays.
The ceremony itself is usually about 20 minutes long, which means photography timelines must be planned around this short window. Because the space is small, only 10 people are permitted in the ceremony room at one time, including the officiant, couple, witnesses, and guests.
Bring Your Marriage Licence & Witnesses
A valid Ontario marriage licence is required before your City Hall ceremony can take place. Marriage licences are valid for 90 days in Ontario, so plan your licence application accordingly.
You’ll also need two witnesses to sign your licence during the ceremony. If you’re having a very small day with just you and your partner, make sure you’ve arranged witnesses ahead of time. If you need a witness, I’d be happy to help you and be an official witness during your ceremony.
Choose Nearby Portrait Locations
Ottawa City Hall is surrounded by beautiful urban architecture and natural spaces that pair perfectly with classic wedding photography. Some of my favourite nearby locations include:
The architectural elements and public spaces around City Hall
The green spaces and fountain in Confederation Park
The Ottawa Canal
Urban backdrops in the Byward Market
Panoramic views of the city on the roof of the NAC
Think About Timing & Light
City Hall ceremonies run throughout the day, but from a photography perspective, the time of day affects the quality of light available for portraits. If possible, schedule your ceremony later in the day during or near golden hour — the hour before sunset — for soft, flattering natural light during your portraits. If that timing isn’t an option, I plan portrait locations and lighting carefully to ensure your images still feel natural and polished, regardless of the conditions.
Planning Your Coverage
An Ottawa City Hall wedding is an elegant and simple way to celebrate your commitment. With a bit of planning around the ceremony schedule, legal requirements, and portrait timing, your wedding photography can feel intentional and beautiful — even within a shorter timeline. City Hall weddings in Ottawa can be captured in as little as an hour or even an hour and half if you want more variety in the couple portrait backgrounds.
Some couples extend the celebration with a small reception. These weddings may need a little bit more time to cover all the festivities and could run closer to three hours of photographic coverage or more depending on your plans.
As an experienced Ottawa City Hall wedding photographer, I’m always happy to talk with couples about getting the most from their photo coverage.