The best unique engagement shoot locations in Toronto’s West End

All the effort and planning that went into the proposal deserves a unique engagement shoot location to celebrate the moment. Whether it was a spontaneous proposal or one that took months of thought - your engagement story is one you’ll never forget. While an engagement marks an unforgettable moment in your life, often it’s hard to remember exactly how it happened. You’re sipping champagne, next thing you know someone’s down on one knee and all you can remember is feeling immense joy through your smiles, laughter, tears, or all of the above. No matter your memory’s ability, that moment was just for you and your partner. Exactly how it should be. But now you’re ready to share it with the world! That’s where our small team of Toronto photographers can help.

This is an incredible opportunity to capture some timeless photographers to not only celebrate this milestone, but to create a unique backdrop to the official announcement of your engagement. You can totally stay up on Cloud 9, but while you’re there let’s look at our location options for your engagement shoot. As West Enders, all of us at 5ive5ifteen have fallen in love with the area and are so excited by the many options it provides for a trendy photoshoot. Here are our picks for unique engagement shoot locations in Toronto’s West End. 

1) Sterling Road - Junction Triangle

Once rather unknown, Sterling Road has now become the newly hip strip in the Junction Triangle. Home to the Museum of Contemporary Art, Henderson’s Brewing, and The Drake Commissary (among many other Toronto gems) the area makes for the ideal location for a trendy engagement photoshoot. While it may be up-and-coming, you’ll find that the area still remains quiet. Better yet - you don’t need a permit to shoot here! The stunning buildings wear the neighbourhood’s industrial history well - boasting editorial bricks and classic architecture as an authentic and unique backdrop. 

2) Toronto Carpet Factory - Liberty Village 

When you first arrive at this turn of the century complex you may do a double take. “Am I in Brooklyn?”, you’ll wonder. Nope! Liberty Village! We’re lucky enough to have our studio in this beautiful heritage building, which allows you exclusive access to the premises. No permit necessary. Think high ceilings, exposed brick, huge windows letting natural light flood the room, and lush walls of ivy. With a whole city block of space, the variety in shoot locations are numerous. Here you’ll get that Distillery look, but without the crowds of people, so you and your betrothed can really stand out.

3) Music Garden - Harbourfront Centre

Like something dreamt up in Alice in Wonderland, this unique location will make for a magical engagement shoot. Our Toronto wedding photographers are natural storytellers, so you can imagine the creativity Harbourfront Centre’s Music Garden sparks. Surrounded by beautiful greenery - winding trails of blooms and lush florals - this location is all about romance and whimsy. With Lake Ontario a literal stone’s throw away, the Music Garden provides beautiful variety for couples looking to shoot in nature. While you will need to get a permit to shoot here, finding the perfect shot will be easy. 

4) Secret Rooftop

While we certainly have some connections to helping you gain access to these mysterious locations, you may have to know the right person to track one of these down. Luckily, picturesque rooftop engagement shoot locations are all over the city and well worth the hunt. Rooftops make for the perfect location for a trendy photoshoot. Who doesn’t love a view, lots of natural light, and a good secret? We encourage you to look into the different types of cool spaces you have access to around the city. Ask around, visit coffee shops, restaurants, businesses, and hotels that boast beautiful rooftop terraces - you’re sure to find something special.

5) OBJX Studio - Stockyard District

A gorgeous studio, like the OBJX Studio in the Stockyard District of Toronto is an excellent option for an indoor engagement shoot. With soaring ceilings and walls of windows, this location not only brings absolute style to your photoshoot, but structure. Once you have a permit for this private space you’ll be able to bask in beautiful, natural light without having to worry about the weather that may be happening outside. Perfect for a winter shoot! 

We completely understand wanting to move on to planning the wedding the moment the ring slips on your finger, but we really encourage our couples to enjoy their time together as a newly engaged couple. An engagement session is a very personal, memorable, and above all else - fun way to cherish those moments before the big day.