When you picture your wedding day, you probably see more than just the moment you say “I do.” You imagine the feeling in the room, the way the space looks when your guests first walk in, the sound of laughter during dinner, and the energy on the dance floor as the night unfolds.
I’m Kevin Unger, a wedding photographer based in Niagara and Toronto, and I have been photographing weddings for over 11 years, with more than 300 celebrations in that time. I have also spent time at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto photographing their spaces and capturing moments for their brand, including Mother’s Day brunch, Father’s Day celebrations, and marketing campaigns. That work gave me more than just an insider’s perspective on the venue. It showed me first-hand the heart behind their service.
The very first time I worked with the Ritz-Carlton was on Mother’s Day. They knew it meant time away from my wife and our new daughter, so they told me to bring them along. When we arrived, they gave Victoria a room so she could feed and settle our daughter in peace, and made sure they had access to anything they needed. After I finished my work, they invited us to lunch together as a family, surprising my wife and daughter with thoughtful gifts. That generosity and care made a lasting impression on me, and it is why I will always sing the praises of the ladies and gentlemen at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto.
My approach to photography is similar. I want you to feel fully present on your wedding day while I quietly document the moments that matter most. Your photos should feel like you, not staged or forced, with a balance of planned moments and unplanned emotion that tell the full story of your celebration.
The Ritz-Carlton Toronto delivers all of that and more without you ever having to worry about whether the details will come together. Every time I have stepped into this space,
Why Choose the Ritz-Carlton for Your Toronto Wedding
Unbeatable Downtown Toronto Location for Weddings
Located at 181 Wellington Street West, the Ritz-Carlton Toronto sits right in the heart of the city. You are steps away from the Entertainment District, the Financial District, and some of Toronto’s most iconic photo locations, like Roy Thomson Hall, David Pecaut Square, and the waterfront.
For guests, it could not be more convenient. They can check in, settle into their rooms, and enjoy the entire wedding without ever thinking about traffic, parking, or complicated directions. Everything they need is under one roof, and that is part of what makes a Ritz-Carlton wedding so seamless. Valet and self-parking are both available, making it easy for guests who are driving in for the celebration.
Wedding Ceremony & Reception Spaces
One of the things I love about the Ritz is how adaptable the spaces are:
- Main Ballroom: Over 7,000 square feet with 18-foot ceilings and space for up to 500 guests for dinner or 750 for cocktails. A blank canvas for any design vision, while still feeling warm and inviting.
- Wellington Ballroom: For up to 200 guests, offering intimacy without losing elegance.
- Gallery Room: Filled with natural light, perfect for smaller gatherings or pre-wedding events.
- Grand Foyer: Glass walls overlook Roy Thomson Hall, making this one of the most striking cocktail spaces in the city.
The DEQ Terrace & Lounge also offers an open-air option for cocktail hours or smaller gatherings during warmer months, giving you a touch of the outdoors without leaving the hotel.
What Makes the Ritz-Carlton Experience Unique
There is a reason the Ritz name carries so much weight. It is the way they combine understated luxury with personal, attentive service. Their hospitality is second to none. Years ago, I read The New Gold Standard by Joseph Michelli, a book about the Ritz-Carlton approach to service, and I have been fascinated by them as a brand ever since. Seeing that philosophy in action during my time photographing here has only deepened my respect for how they care for their guests.
- Anticipatory service: The events team knows what you need before you have to ask.
- Built-in elegance: Linens, tableware, and décor that already set a high standard, leaving you free to focus on the details that matter most to you.
- Photogenic from every angle: Whether it is portraits in the Gallery Room, candid moments in the foyer, or first dances in the ballroom, every space looks incredible on camera.
- On-site wedding planning support: Every Ritz-Carlton Toronto wedding includes a certified wedding specialist who helps coordinate details, liaise with vendors, and ensure the day runs smoothly. Even with this excellent service, having your own exceptional wedding planner is still a very smart idea, as they can focus entirely on your vision and make sure every personal detail comes together.
More Than Just a Wedding Venue – A Full Guest Experience
Luxury Wedding Accommodations
The guest rooms and suites are spacious, elegant, and designed for comfort. Floor-to-ceiling windows give you sweeping city or lake views, and the plush beds are exactly what you will want to sink into after a night of dancing. For you and your wedding party, getting ready in these suites means you will have plenty of space, beautiful light, and a calm atmosphere to start your day. The hotel is also pet-friendly, which means your furry family members can join you for part of the celebration with prior approval.
Fine Dining at TOCA Restaurant
The Ritz is home to TOCA, a fine dining restaurant that blends Italian-inspired flavours with Canadian ingredients. It is perfect for a rehearsal dinner, brunch the next day, or even a quiet meal for just the two of you during the weekend.
DEQ Terrace & Lounge
The DEQ Terrace & Lounge offers a more casual but equally polished option, with an outdoor terrace in the warmer months that feels like an escape right in the middle of the city.
Lano Café for Your Wedding Morning Coffee
I cannot talk about the Ritz without mentioning Lano Café. It is tucked just off the lobby and has this warm, inviting atmosphere that makes you want to slow down and savour the moment. Their pastries are incredible, and the Americano? Honestly, it is the best I have ever had. Whether it is a quiet start to your wedding morning, a casual meet-up with friends and family, or just a moment to yourself before the celebrations kick off, Lano is the perfect spot.
Is the Ritz-Carlton Toronto the Right Wedding Venue for You?
This venue is an ideal match if you:
- Want a setting that is both sophisticated and adaptable to your style
- Care deeply about creating an incredible experience for your guests
- Love the idea of hosting your entire wedding weekend in one place
- Value exceptional service that allows you to truly relax and be present
Insider Tips for a Flawless Celebration
Having worked alongside the Ritz-Carlton Toronto’s team, here is what I would recommend:
- Use the Grand Foyer for cocktails while the ballroom is reset for dinner. It keeps guests engaged and creates a great reveal moment.
- Schedule portraits in the Gallery Room or foyer during the day for beautiful natural light.
- Book Lano Café for a relaxed pre-wedding meet-up. It is a great way to spend time with guests who arrive early.
Key Details and Capacity Information
- Capacities: Main Ballroom (500 seated), Wellington Ballroom (200 seated), Gallery Room (80 seated)
- Investment: Start at $225 per guest
- Included: Catering, linens, tableware, dance floor, décor elements, valet or parking, and a certified wedding planner
Your Wedding Photographer for the Ritz-Carlton Toronto
A venue like this deserves photography that matches its elegance. From grand, sweeping shots of the ballroom to candid moments in Lano Café, every corner of the Ritz offers a backdrop worth remembering.
If you are planning a Ritz-Carlton Toronto wedding and want photographs that capture not just how your day looked, but how it felt, I would love to connect. Together, we will make sure your memories are documented in a way that is as timeless as the setting itself. You can click here to book a call. You can also follow along on Instagram. If you want to learn more about other Toronto Wedding venues, you can click here for my favourites.
FAQ About Ritz-Carlton Toronto Weddings
How much does a wedding at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto cost?
Most weddings range from $150–$250 per guest, depending on menu selections, season, and customization.
What is the guest capacity for Ritz-Carlton Toronto weddings?
The Main Ballroom holds up to 500 guests seated, the Wellington Ballroom up to 200, and the Gallery Room up to 80.
Can I have my ceremony and reception at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto?
Yes. The venue offers multiple ceremony and reception spaces so you can host your entire day in one location.
What are the best photo spots at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto?
The Gallery Room and Grand Foyer offer beautiful natural light, while nearby landmarks like Roy Thomson Hall and the waterfront provide stunning outdoor options.
Is the Ritz-Carlton Toronto pet-friendly for weddings?
Yes. The Ritz-Carlton Toronto is a pet-friendly hotel, so your furry family members can be part of your celebration with prior approval.
Does the Ritz-Carlton Toronto offer on-site parking for wedding guests?
Yes. Valet parking and self-parking options are available for wedding guests, making it easy for those driving in for the celebration.
Can you have an outdoor wedding at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto?
While the venue does not have a dedicated outdoor ceremony space, the DEQ Terrace & Lounge offers an open-air experience for cocktail hours or smaller gatherings in warmer months.
Does the Ritz-Carlton Toronto provide on-site wedding planning support?
Yes. Every wedding includes a certified Ritz-Carlton wedding specialist who helps coordinate details, liaise with vendors, and ensures your day runs smoothly. Having your own exceptional wedding planner is still a very smart idea, as they can focus entirely on your vision and bring a personal touch to every detail.
This isn’t just the wedding of the year, it’s yours.
Your wedding will be unforgettable – for the people who were there AND the ones who only get to see the photos. Let’s capture your wedding with photographers that make everyone wish they were there!
Fill out the form below, and I’ll be in touch faster than you can say “signature cocktail!”.
