Picking a location for your engagement session can be a little overwhelming because there are so many beautiful spots! Here are some of my favourite locations that I know will provide you with beautiful backdrops for your engagement photos!

Dundurn Castle is a stunningly grand location that does not require a permit for engagement sessions! There is a wonderful variety of green space and architecture and the property is big enough that even on a busier day it is easy to take pictures in a way to make it look like you are the only two there! An added bonus is that parking is plentiful and the parking lot offers an easy meeting spot!

Bonnieheath Estate Lavender
Farm & Winery

*Waterford, Ontario*

Bonnieheath Lavender farm is a beautiful property! It doesn’t have a ton of variety, but it is perfect if you want to curate a specific look surrounding their lavender fields. Sessions need to be booked with the farm require a permit and are limited to when lavender is in season.

University of Toronto

*Toronto, Ontario*

The University of Toronto is a photographer’s dream! It has a large variety of architecture, pathways, green space and flowers. It is a little splash of Europe in an otherwise modern looking city. Permit’s are required for Weddings but I find they don’t ask for permits for engagement sessions unless you wish to take photos inside some of the buildings. With any downtown location I always suggest arriving a little early in order to park. There is a small parking lot located on the corner of Hoskin Ave and Tower rd which can double as a meeting location. Weekdays tend to be a little calmer when the students are in classes.

Niagara Botanical Gardens

*Niagara Falls, Ontario*

Niagara’s Botanical Gardens is the perfect location if you love greenery and florals. From topiaries, rose gardens, treelined pathways, ponds, and a quaint ivy covered building this location gives a great deal of variety and does not require a permit. There is ample parking but be prepared to pay for parking.

Scotsdale Farm is a favourite for many of my fellow photographers! The location has beautiful rolling hills, a long treelined entrance, quaint heritage buildings, a weathered barn and a lovely large porch if you need a little shelter from poor weather. There is a parking lot located at the bottom of the driveway which is the ideal place to meet. If that parking lot is full there is another at the top near the entrance but be warned it is a bit of a walk and it might be better to arrive early and wait for a space to open up in the lower parking lot. The parking lots tend to fill up quickly on weekends. There is no permit for Scotsdale but they do ask for donations which go towards the upkeep of the property.

Scarborough Bluffs

*Scarborough, Ontario*

Scarborough Bluffs is a breathtaking location that looks like it should be located in California, not Ontario. With the curvied beach and high cliff edge it makes a mesmerizing backdrop. The location is tucked away from the parking lot and requires a short walk so be prepared to bring an extra pair of shoes instead of your heels. This location while beautiful has recently had some issues due to sections being roped off due to falling rocks. While there are ways around having the ropes in your images, it does limit the beach availability and if you go on a weekend you might be bumping shoulders with other photographers and couples to get the perfect shot. There is no permit required to take pictures here.

Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens

Toronto, Ontario

Alexander Muir Gardens is a lovely, tucked away spot in Toronto. It requires a permit but it’s beautiful Parisian looking staircases make it all worth it! I love locations that have a mixture of stone and foliage! There is ample parking and it is a short walk to the location!

Charles Daley Park is a small beach front in Niagara. It has a lovely patch of beach, a pond and beautifully tall bullrushes. This location can be busier with beechgoers and picnickers on the weekends but it is lovely for a warm, summer ,weekday evening. There is no permit required to take pictures here.

Cherry Beach is a great location if you are looking for a bit of a natural space within Toronto. It has a great wooded area, a nice beach, drooping willow trees as well as a dog park if you wish to bring your four legged friend! There is a large parking lot but make sure to arrive a little early to beat the beach goers if you wish to visit on a weekend! There is no permit required to take pictures here.