I'm not going to "harp" on it, but the World Trade Centre is the perfect spot for your Montreal engagement pictures
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The Montreal World Trade Centre - who knew?
Sometimes I will suggest the World Trade Centre to couples looking for engagement pictures in Montreal, and mention that it’s a possibility if my couple prefers outdoor photos in and around the Old Port of Montreal but the weather takes a turn for the worse.
And often, people say: “I didn’t know Montreal had a World Trade Centre!” Well we do, since 1992! I myself didn’t discover it until I moved back to Montreal in 2008 (and just a budding photographer at that time) and had a friend visit from out of town. She stayed at the adjoining Hotel Intercontinental (also to be considered as an iconic Montreal wedding venue in its own right), and since it was a typical Montreal winters day, we walked through the World Trade Centre to get to a cafe down a few blocks. I marvelled at what their website refers to as “a veritable indoor village.”
While the World Trade Centre is often used for engagement and wedding portraits, it’s also a Montreal wedding venue in and of itself! It definitely makes a statement. My couples tend to be understated and so this location can work well — let the venue be the statement and you can relax and blend into the celebration!
How did I get to photograph a larger than life harp at the World Trade Centre?
As you can clearly see, my blog title had pun very much intended! I met my couple by the Infinity fountain to get started on their engagement photos. There are some beautiful, architectural doors opposite the fountain on one end, and as we were getting set up, we noticed 2 ladies to the side, with this giant harp! They were taking photos with it. Naturally my Lucy, Noir sense started to tingle (I just went to the theatre to see the latest Spiderman and loved it, I’m using his language sorry not sorry!!!) and not only did I want to know more about the harp, but asked if we could use it in a few photographs. Because who gets to have an engagement photography session with a century-old harp? My couple were great sports, perhaps also sensing the opportunity for something original and unique that defined a bit of our vibe that day. Context matters! Not only do I love unexpectedly coming across weird and wacky things, but feel these little details find a way into our best memories. I can hear the story to the grandkids now: “We went to Montreal’s World Trade Centre for our engagement photos (with our incredibly talented and personable photographer Lucy ㋛) and there was this lady wheeling a life-sized antique harp through the atrium, stopping to take photos with it, and generally looking like the happiest woman on the planet….!”
We found out that the harp was travelling from Montreal to somewhere in the US and our friend, a harpist, was delighted to be “bringing it home.” I’m sure there’s a history that we may all love to hear - we exchanged information and I plan to tell the harp and the harpist’s story in a Lucy, Noir post . But since our focus was the engagement session, we incorporated the harp into a few images, and parted ways with our harpist friend.
What I love about the World Trade Centre for engagement pictures in Montreal
I won’t lie, it’s a terribly popular spot for good reason. Generally, the Old Port of Montreal is a favourite spot for couples to be married, at venues such as the Vieux-Port Steakhouse, but it’s also a favourite for engagements. So when this area is chosen for engagement pictures, the World Trade Centre is a go-to for at least a few images. The architecture is stunning and that Infinity fountain is just amazing for cool reflections to get quirky and creative.
You don’t have to limit yourself to the fountain - if you’re there on a popular day then you’ll share the space with many other couples and photographers - so it’s fun to explore other areas too. I’ve photographed on the upper floors for a sense of height, symmetry and architecture; even the atrium hallway. It’s really hard to find a bad spot here, and if the light hits just right, it’s downright magical.
Lucy, Review
YAY list
Great downtown Montreal location close to other really terrific spots in the Old Port for engagement pictures
No fees to enter
Covered, so perfect if the weather doesn’t cooperate
Satisfies those with an affinity for symmetry and straight, architectural lines while still enjoying creative photos
The stunning sight lines make for very unique photo opportunities
The infinity fountain is an incredibly beautiful feature
NAY list
VERY popular spot for weddings and engagements. If you’re planning for engagement photos, consider going at off-peak times and avoid Saturday afternoons during the Summer and Fall because you’ll be rubbing elbows with your fellow Montreal brides & grooms!
A business centre and thru-way for the public (like me when I walked through it on my way to a cafe.) So be prepared for “la monde” and that you may encounter people in your photos. In this engagement photo session, it was a Sunday off-season during the pandemic and by appointment only (which may change based on government mandates)
The Centre has paid parking but if you’re a street-parking kind of couple, finding a spot can be challenging in the Old Port. Add some buffer to your travel time so that your session doesn’t start too late - timing can be critical to a photography session for good light. While there is some natural light because of the glass ceiling it doesn’t reach the lower floors, and the space itself is on the darker side due to its finishes
Very little greenery if nature is your thing
Venue Information
747 du Square-Victoria Street
Montréal, QC H2Y 3Y9
Scroll for more photos that really showcase one of the best places to take engagement pictures in Montreal! You can also see more of this engagement session here.
When I photograph an engagement session in the Old Port of Montreal, I usually like to do what I call “the walkabout.” My couple and I were on the same wavelength because they not only wanted some photographs at the World Trade Centre, but also wanted some photographs at the Bonsecours Market and Brewsky pub which is one of their favourite spots. Don’t miss their walkabout engagement story, found here!
