Everything you need to know about weddings at the AGO

As wedding photographers it is very important for us to keep in touch with the best wedding industry professionals in order to deliver flawless wedding photographs. It also includes staying up-to-date with the best wedding venues in the city. No matter how many times we might have shot in a particular venue before, there is always something new and exciting to discover, whether it’s a beautiful afternoon light or a new vantage point. The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), situated in the heart of the city, is one of the most unique wedding venues in Toronto in my opinion. With its majestic curves and jaw-dropping halls, the AGO is an art piece in and of itself. Whenever I think of an AGO wedding, I imagine sleek lines and dramatic light. AGO weddings are all about cool, interesting angles, panoramic shots and epic geometry. However, it doesn’t have to be confined to this definition. What I like about this wedding venue is it’s very versatile. Big windows provide soft light for those airy bridal portraits you see in wedding magazines, while lines and interesting architecture allows to shoot some contrasty and moody frames. It’s also given that each art pavilion has it’s unique atmosphere and lighting. As a wedding photographer, I’m always looking for this kind of versatility in any wedding location I’m shooting at. Having a moderate array of various scenery, moods and colour tones in your wedding photos will make it more visually interesting and give some story telling aspect to your wedding coverage. If you’re planning an AGO wedding, rest assured: your wedding photos will turn out to be dynamic, diverse, yet equally alluring!

I met up with Jennifer Prince, the wedding planner at the AGO, to go over the venue and tap her brain on photographing a wedding in this beautiful venue:

AGO Toronto Wedding Photography. A shot of the iconic Frank Ghery designed staircase. Jennifer Prince, WPIC, CMP Wedding Sales, Food and Beverage AGO - Art Gallery of Ontario

Mango Studios (MS): What makes the AGO an amazing venue?

Jennifer Prince (JP): The AGO is a historical and cultural landmark in Toronto. We offer the unique experience of hosting your wedding surrounded by our world renowned collection of Canadian, European and modern masterpieces. Additionally, the AGO is one of the only cultural institutions in North America with its own in-house culinary team. This allows us to fully customize our menus and present a one-of-a-kind, locally-sourced, and artfully plated meal to you and your guests.  Art is on your plate at the AGO.

MS: What makes your venue unique?

JP: Our wedding clients enjoy exclusive access to the Gallery for wedding photos – even during gallery hours.  With galleries and spaces ranging from historical to modern and chic, the AGO becomes a memorable backdrop to the love and beauty of the day.

MS: What kind of photos taken at the gallery are your favourite?

JP: We love to see shots of the couple in all the unique spaces in the Gallery. Every photographer has a different eye to where to shoot in the Gallery and sometimes we see pictures of areas we would not have thought of ourselves or they may be captured in a different style or focus.

We appreciate beautiful room shots and photography of our cuisine that we can share with our future clients too.

MS: What should wedding couples and their photographers know about shooting at the AGO?

JP: We recommend that our clients and their photographers come to the Gallery to scout out some special locations so they are best prepared for the big day. Otherwise they might feel a bit overwhelmed on the wedding day – the AGO does cover a city block, and is jam-packed with beautiful art and architecture.

We are pleased to offer new photographers the opportunity to come and meet us and let us show them some of our favourite ‘hidden gems’ in the Gallery.

MS: Do we assist clients in their search for photographer?

JP: Absolutely! We have wonderful relationships with many of our vendor partners and friends in the industry. We are happy to refer those professionals who know the Gallery well and have a respect for the art, architecture and our client’s dreams for their day. Professional photography and videography of the wedding day are some of the most important takeaways for the couple . Finding the right photographer to align with the couple’s style is also very important – whether they are looking for traditional portraits, urban shots, a fashion shoot style, or candid images. A great photographer matched to the right client will help bring out the best in the couple!

MS: Why would you recommend Mango?

JP: We know that the Mango photographers are professional, warm & friendly, and know the Gallery very well. The Mango level of service and professionalism is a perfect complement to the AGO and the level of service and style we provide to our couples.

AGO Toronto Wedding Photography. The bridal party help carry the bride's train. AGO Toronto Wedding Photography. Creative photo session with the couple shown here framed uner an archway.AGO Toronto Wedding Photography. Creative photo session with the couple framed by the simple architectural geometric lines and neutral colour palette.AGO Toronto Wedding Photography. Creative photo session with the couple. AGO Toronto Wedding Photography. Creative photo session with the couple standing on the iconic Frank Ghery designed AGO staircase. AGO Toronto Wedding Photography. The Art Gallery of Ontario makes a stunning and elegant backdrop for a couple's vows. AGO Toronto Wedding Photography. The Art Gallery of Ontario makes a stunning and elegant backdrop for a couple's vows. Shown in this image are the Louis ghost guest chairs and green foliage in tall silver vases lining the aisle. AGO Toronto Wedding Photography. The Art Gallery of Ontario makes a stunning and elegant backdrop for a couple's vows. Shown in this image are the Louis ghost guest chairs and green foliage in tall silver vases lining the aisle. AGO Toronto Wedding Photography. The groom looks on with joy as his bride makes her way down the aisle. AGO Toronto Wedding Photography. The bride and her father arm in arm framed beneath a grand arch make their way down the aisle. AGO Toronto Wedding Photography. The bride and groom exchange their vows in the light filled lobby of the AGO beneath the iconic curved staircase. AGO Toronto Wedding Photography. The bride and groom exchange their vows in the light filled lobby of the AGO beneath the iconic curved staircase. AGO Toronto Wedding Photography. Candid wedding ceremony photography of the wedding guests celebrating the couple newly pronounced husband and wife.AGO Toronto Wedding Photography. The bride and groom, now husband and wife are phootgraphed walking hand in hand. AGO Toronto Wedding Photography. Creative photo session with the bride and groom in the galleries. AGO Toronto Wedding Photography. Creative photo session with the bride and groom in the galleries. AGO Toronto Wedding Photography. Grand tiered pendants ornately decorated with florals hang above the dance floor where the couple will share their first dance.AGO Toronto Wedding Photography. Blush florals, gold accents and mauve table cloths create a sweet, elegant and stylish decor.AGO Toronto Wedding Photography. Blush florals, gold accents and mauve table cloths create a sweet, elegant and stylish decor. Gold rimmed charger plates with gold cutlery.AGO Toronto Wedding Photography. Blush florals, gold accents and mauve table cloths create a sweet, elegant and stylish decor.AGO Toronto Wedding Photography. Live wedding band performs. AGO Toronto Wedding Photography. The bride and groom share their first dance as husband and wife. AGO Toronto Wedding Photography. Night shot of AGO exterior with passing cars.