Toronto’s Best FREE Rustic Photoshoot Spots (2024 Update)
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The Top Free Rustic Photoshoot Locations In Toronto
The following list is packed with some epic rustic spots! But let’s get right into it—where can you find Toronto’s top free photoshoot spots? What elements set them apart from the ordinary? Let’s find out. Toronto is not only famous for the CN Tower and the glittering skyline you often see on television. In fact, it has many hidden gems where you can have professional photoshoots for free. In this guide, we’ll explore all the places in Toronto where you can do so.
So, let’s dive in!
Prison chapel in Liberty Village, Toronto, Ontario
Liberty Village
Atmosphere: Urban chic, industrial, and rustic
Elements: Red bricks, old buildings, and graffiti
Location: Downtown West
Believe it or not, Liberty Village is a great spot for some rustic vibes. Whether you’re having a wedding photoshoot or just a grungy fashion one, the charming red bricks in Liberty Village will provide you with the perfect backdrop for your photos. There’s plenty of light but also shadowed alleys where you can go for a dramatic effect.
Its cobbled streets are also home to plenty of cafes and tea shops where you can go to have a picturesque engagement shoot.
Toronto’s downtown Yorkville is a chic place
Yorkville Toronto
Atmosphere: Modern, chic, romantic
Elements: City lights, urban shops, string lights
Location: Downtown
Yorkville is a more chic vibe to consider. Many people fall in love with the hustle and bustle of Toronto. If you’re one such couple, you might want to immortalise your love by having an engagement photoshoot in Yorkville. This area signifies all the contemporary aspects of the city, and the string lights will make your photoshoot look a lot more romantic.
So, if you want a chic city vibe to your photos, you should definitely keep Yorkville Toronto in mind.
Casa Loma in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Casa Loma
Atmosphere: Classy, fairytale-like, opulent
Elements: Fountain, castle, terrace
Location: Toronto Downtown
A fairytale shoot is a crucial component of a fairytale wedding. If you’ve always wanted one, Casa Loma is THE fairytale photoshoot location in Toronto. Its winding staircases, crystal chandeliers and gorgeous terraces will make you feel like Cinderella on your wedding photo shoot. However, it’s important to note that you need a photography permit to take pictures inside the castle walls.
University of Toronto’s Trinity College, in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Trinity College
Atmosphere: Vintage, rustic, classic
Elements: Flowers, old architecture, gardens
Location: Downtown
Whether you’re an alumnus or not, it’s hard to deny how spectacular the Trinity College campus is. You’ve got huge windows overlooking the gardens, stone steps leading to the imposing entrance and dreamy gardens that can be the perfect place for your photoshoot. Be sure to take some pictures with the pink flower trees flanking its entrance gates!
Hart House wedding photo by Qiu Photography in Toronto, Ontario
Hart House
Atmosphere: Gothic, classic, vintage
Elements: Gothic architecture, stone walls and castle architecture
Location: Downtown
The Hart House is located within the University of Toronto and is one of the most whimsical structures in all of this bustling city. Its high ceilings, carved structures and gothic atmosphere will add a layer to your photoshoot, whether it is for your wedding, engagement, or pregnancy.
In addition, the neutral walls provide an excellent accent for wedding outfits if you’re having a wedding photoshoot. It also has lots of natural light and outdoor space if you wish to take a break from the gothic theme.
Knox College
Atmosphere: Rustic, classic, old-world
Elements: high ceilings, stone walls, gardens
Location: Downtown
Knox College is similar to Hart House of the University of Toronto in its gothic atmosphere that will make you feel like someone in an epic fantasy saga. Just make sure to take advantage of the dramatic lighting, stone floors and high ceilings to achieve some dramatic effects for your photos.
In addition, you can use the very well-manicured gardens to take some pictures among the gorgeous, lush foliage. The green will undoubtedly set off your wedding dress very well!
Distillery District
Atmosphere: Modern, hipster, charming
Elements: Small cafes, alleys and shops
Location: Downtown
The orb-like lanterns lining the streets of the Distillery District and the hipster shops there will undoubtedly provide an excellent backdrop for your photoshoot. Most people utilize this space for a carefree engagement photoshoot or a cheerful pregnancy announcement. However, you can also have a wedding photoshoot on the brick roads of this area. And best of all? You can stop by That Toronto Studio and say hi to Daniel, the owner!
Toronto’s St. Lawrence Market has been around since 1902. Here’s to rustic!
St. Lawrence Market
Atmosphere: Urban, chic, contemporary
Elements: old buildings, red bricks, stone archways
Location: Downtown
If you want to take pictures in a place that shows the more classic side of Toronto, pay a visit to St. Lawrence Market. Its stone archways, limestone structures and floral displays are definitely an excellent backdrop for a stylish city shoot.
It’s a great place to take pictures for your photography portfolio, modelling gigs or engagement. It makes the list of Toronto’s top free photoshoot spots because of its simplicity and chic environment.
Bluffers Park in Scarborough, Toronto has a rustic NATURE vibe which we know you’ll LOVE.
Scarborough Bluffs
Atmosphere: Sunny, intimate, natural
Elements: The lake, Toronto skyline, cliffs
Location: Scarborough
Here is some rustic nature for you! If you’re a fan of natural locations, Scarborough Bluffs should be at the top of your list for a romantic photoshoot. Whether it is a save the date, engagement or wedding photoshoot, the glittering lake and the distant view of the iconic Toronto skyline will make your photos memorable and extraordinary.
You can also pack a picnic and have a picnic-themed photoshoot with your partner and add a domestic element to your photos.
One warning though, do NOT shoot under the cliffs, they have been known to kill people with unexpected falls of debris from the cliffs edge.
And here’s a BONUS, which you may also be interested in.
Toronto Island has hands down, the best cityscape view of Toronto
Toronto Island
Atmosphere: Carefree, outdoorsy, sunny
Elements: beach, Toronto skyline, boats, waterfront
Location: Downtown
Remember our blog post Toronto’s Top 5 Free Cityscape Photoshoot Spots? Well, Toronto Island is definitely on that list.
If you’re just as obsessed with the Toronto skyline as we are, you should definitely consider scheduling your photoshoot on Toronto Island. This location will provide you with an undisturbed view of the Toronto skyline and the splashing water as well.
The pictures will come out looking crisp and romantic, and the twinkling lights of the city will definitely make your wedding photoshoot look like something out of a storybook. In addition, you can also book a yacht and take some romantic shots with the glittering water in the background.
Summary
In a city as old and unique as Toronto, there are hundreds of iconic locations to take pictures in. However, most of them are very expensive and can take a massive chunk out of your budget if you book them. The free locations are often crowded, and you need to plan in advance if you want to have your photoshoot there.
However, if you can’t make your project work in one of the free locations just mentioned, may we suggest renting That Toronto Studio for your next photoshoot? Reasonable prices, high quality service, great location!
Where can I shoot if it’s bad weather outside?
Sometimes the weather takes a turn for the worst and you need a spot to come shoot at which is indoors. We gotchu!
If it’s raining out, come shoot at THAT Toronto Studio,
If it’s way too hot, come shoot at THAT Toronto Studio.
If it’s winter and it’s too cold, come shoot at THAT Toronto Studio!
THAT Toronto Studio is nice and toasty during the cold months, and nice and cool during the summer months.
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