A bride and groom stand in a grand library with bookshelves lining the walls, smiling for the camera as rich wood floors.

David Dunlap Observatory Park

David Dunlap Observatory Park in Richmond Hill is known for its large historic observatory dome and surrounding green space. Two documented SIGS weddings used the park as a portrait location. The observatory setting gives couples an architectural backdrop that is quite different from a lakeshore or formal garden.

Portrait location · Richmond Hill

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For current visitor information and planning enquiries, consult the official municipal page.

The observatory has its own visitor and event programming, and access to buildings is not the same as access to public parkland. Confirm permitted photography areas and any City of Richmond Hill wedding-photo permit requirements before the visit.

Photographs from David Dunlap Observatory Park

A real wedding at David Dunlap Observatory Park

Real wedding

Emily & Ramon

April 2024

Read their Real Wedding

Locations from weddings photographed here

Explore the other locations in our published wedding stories, and see how each couple’s day came together.

Permits & access

Richmond Hill requires a photography permit for wedding and event photography at David Dunlap Observatory Park. The City currently offers two-hour photography permits, including an outdoor option and a higher-priced package that also includes selected indoor areas of the Administration Building. Current Richmond Hill permit rates list $96.34 for residents and $149.60 for non-residents for a standard two-hour park photography permit, and $302.94 for residents and $437.20 for non-residents for the David Dunlap indoor/outdoor package. Confirm availability before booking; indoor access is restricted at some times.

Good to know

Address: 123A Hillsview Drive, Richmond Hill, ON

Frequently asked

Do we need a permit for wedding photos at David Dunlap Observatory Park?

Yes. Richmond Hill requires a photography permit for wedding and event photography in its parks. David Dunlap Observatory Park is one of the City's designated photography locations.

How long is the photography permit?

Richmond Hill currently issues two-hour photography permits. David Dunlap also has a two-hour indoor/outdoor package that includes the park plus selected indoor areas of the Administration Building.

Can we photograph inside the observatory buildings?

Only with the appropriate booking and subject to availability. The City's indoor/outdoor package includes selected areas of the Administration Building, while general park access does not automatically include the buildings. Indoor photography is also unavailable at certain weekend times.

Find David Dunlap Observatory Park

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Around Richmond Hill

David Dunlap Observatory Park is one of the spots we photograph across Richmond Hill . See more of our Richmond Hill wedding work →

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