Allan Gardens Conservatory Wedding: Why Intimate Greenhouse “I Do’s” Shine in Toronto

If you’re dreaming of a small, beautiful, no-stress wedding in Toronto, Allan Gardens Conservatory (often Googled as “Allen Gardens”) is a gem. Lush palms, warm light through the glass dome, and tropical greenery year-round make it a perfect backdrop for intimate weddings, micro-weddings, and elopements—without worrying about the weather.

Good news, too: the historic Palm House completed restoration and reopened in May 2025, so the conservatory looks better than ever.

Why Allan Gardens is perfect for small weddings

• Weather-proof & gorgeous all year: Greenhouse light + tropical plants = flattering, timeless photos in every season.

• Made for intimacy: It’s a naturally cozy space that keeps the focus on your vows and the people you love most.

• Set-and-stunning: You need very little décor—greenery and architecture do the heavy lifting.

• Photo variety in minutes: After the ceremony inside, step into the surrounding park for soft garden portraits.

Capacity, permits & booking (what couples ask us most)

• Guest limits:

  • Palm House: up to 20 people

  • Other greenhouses: up to 10 people

• Fee: $679.81 for two hours (City of Toronto rate; taxes included).

• Booking windows: 12 p.m.–5 p.m. (no additional staffing fee); 5 p.m.–7 p.m. (add $50/hr staffing).

• How to book: Contact City Parks Client Services, submit the application (wedding/photography), provide insurance + site map, then pay the fee.

Tip: For pure portraits (no ceremony), the City treats it as commercial photography in a conservatory—permit required. Start with the City’s conservatory + wedding/photography pages to confirm the right permit for your plan.

A simple 2-hour micro-wedding plan (that fits the permit)

• 00:00–00:15 Guest arrival & quiet prelude under the dome

• 00:15–00:35 Ceremony in the Palm House

• 00:40–01:10 Family photos inside

• 01:15–02:00 Couple portraits in adjacent houses / under the dome

• Stroll outside for a few garden/walkway frames, then exit

Photography notes from our husband-and-wife team

We work documentary, authentic, non-intrusive—letting moments unfold while we guide gently when needed.

• Light: The glass dome gives soft, directional light; late-afternoon slots add warmth.

• Angles: Wide frames to celebrate the architecture; close portraits among palms/orchids for texture.

• Outside: Ten minutes in the park pathways adds airy, editorial variety without leaving the site.

Ready to plan your Allan Gardens wedding?

We’re Jo Anto Photography—a Toronto husband-and-wife team specializing in documentary, non-intrusive storytelling for intimate weddings and elopements. If Allan Gardens is your vision, we’ll guide permits, timelines, and light so you can simply enjoy the day.

Let’s talk dates → (We’ll help confirm availability and the right permit for your plan.)