The City of Toronto is pausing wedding ceremonies at Toronto City Hall starting on Jan. 1 as it moves forward with plans for major construction and workplace modernization there.
This move, however, appears to be happening earlier than planned due to an inability to reach a lease agreement with third-party provider, Ministerial Associates Inc., which has been providing wedding ceremonies at Toronto City Hall for the last 32 years.
“Staff have been working with (them) to find a path forward regarding the future of its lease, which is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2026 - including a short-term lease extension until March 31, 2027, which was declined by the company,” a city spokesperson told CP24 in an email.
Ministerial Associates Inc., on the other hand, says the city “did not wish” to renew their lease.
“There were several untenable factors why we could not accept the short three-month extension,” the company said, adding the city has not disclosed its future plans to them aside from “various renovations” that are planned for the building in 2027.
The city, meanwhile, says it “could not guarantee the provider’s conditions to continue operating” and therefore will be suspending wedding ceremonies at the third-floor Chambers in the East Tower starting on Jan. 1.
The City of Toronto says it is not commenting on what those conditions may be. CP24 has reached out to Ministerial Associates Inc. for more details.
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“We thank the third-party marriage service provider for the wedding ceremonies it has offered residents at Toronto City Hall over the past 30 years,” the city said.
“We will continue to explore options to ensure the long-term future of wedding ceremonies at Toronto City Hall.”
The city underlined that it is “committed to supporting couples through this transition,” calling weddings “significant life milestones.”
“We will work directly with couples whose bookings may be affected to identify alternative downtown ceremony locations, which could include, where possible, Old City Hall, St. Lawrence Market North and other City-operated venues,” spokesperson Kayla Lewis said.
Affected couples are being advised to contact the city directly at marriage@toronto.ca for more information.
Lewis noted that this change does not affect weddings that are currently booked at Old City Hall and all wedding ceremonies scheduled for this year at Toronto City Hall will take place as scheduled.
Further, she said the third-party marriage service provider at Toronto City Hall handles bookings and deposits independently, noting that the city does not collect or hold deposits for these services.
Residents can also continue to access marriage-related services online.
Ministerial Associates Inc. said since opening in 1994 it has “taken great pride in our partnership with the City of Toronto.”
“Over the last three decades, we have provided meaningful, intimate and dignified marriage services for local and visiting couples,” it wrote in an email to CP24.
“These experiences have enriched our lives and we will carry the memories and stories we have gathered with us. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your special day. It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege.”
The provider went on to say that couples wishing to inquire about remaining availability or to schedule a date prior to the closure can contact their office.
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