Are you recently engaged and looking for inspiration for the best locations to take engagement photos in Madison, Wisconsin? Here are some of my favorite spots around the city to take my couples for their engagement photos!
One of my favorite things about the Midwest is the varying seasons, so keep in mind that seasonality will affect the appearance of each location. As you know, seasons around here change drastically from fall colors, to a winter wonderland, to spring blooms, to summer heat. The changing seasons give us endless options to capture your stunning engagement photos.
3330 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704
Olbrich Botanical Gardens has everything you could imagine for a beautiful photo session. From water features to beautifully landscaped gardens to architectural elements like the steel bridge over the creek and the rose pavilion, to tree lined pathways, the options are endless. Note that a permit is required for commercial photography in this location.
1207 Seminole Hwy, Madison, WI 53711
One of my favorite times of year is spring at the Arboretum. The Longnecker Gardens are blooming with lilacs (my favorite smell ever) and the magnolia and cherry blossom trees are in full bloom for a short time. There is plenty of acreage to explore at the arboretum and plenty of interesting trees to use as the backdrop. The fall colors are also particularly stunning at the Arboretum! Note that a permit is required for commercial photography in this location.
620 Babcock Dr, Madison, WI 53706
Similar to Olbrich Gardens, Allen Centennial Garden has everything you could dream of for beautiful backdrops for photo sessions. There are stunning water features, beautifully landscaped gardens, colorful and unique flowers, and even architectural elements such as the gazebo, and the red bridge. The options in these beautiful gardens are endless!
800 Langdon St, Madison, WI 53703
Is anything more classic Madison than the Memorial Union Terrace? The terrace, located on the south shore of Lake Mendota, is a favorite hangout for students and locals alike on the UW-Madison campus. Colorful chairs, lake views, old trees, sailboats, the best sunsets in town, and the potential to drink some beer and eat some ice cream after the photo session makes it the perfect place for engagement photos! The terrace does not disappoint.
5. Olbrich Park
3527 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53714
Located across the street from Olbrich Gardens on the north shore of Lake Monona, this park is open to the public and has an expansive lakefront, a beer garden, and several boat piers. You can even see the capitol across Lake Monona from here! The sunsets aren't too shabby either!
6. Olin Park
1156 Olin-Turville Ct, Madison, WI 53715
Olin Park is one of the best parks in Madison! On the south shore of Lake Monona, this park has Madison’s skyline as a stunning backdrop. The park is adjacent to Wingra Creek, and has expansive green areas that are brimming with wildflowers in the summer. There are several boat piers and a small beach to explore too!
6200 Williamsburg Way, DeForest, WI 53532
North of Madison and off the beaten path, Token Creek County Park is a super underrated location for engagement photos. The park is home to a beautiful old growth forest, wooden boardwalks, a marsh, ponds, and a creek, and lots of secluded spots for an intimate engagement photo session.
8. Hoyt Park
3902 Regent St, Madison, WI 53705
Hoyt Park is one of Madison's little hidden gem parks. On Madison's west side, the park is one of the most stunning places to find fall colors in town. The park has secluded paths, lovely stone staircases, and massive trees. Want to get lost in the forest for your engagement session? Hoyt Park is for you!
9. Tenney Park
402 N Thornton Ave, Madison, WI 53703
Tenney Park is one of my favorite parks in Madison. (Are you sensing a trend?? Madison has awesome parks!!) Tenney Park is located on the east shore of Lake Mendota and has lovely ponds filled with water lilies, lakefront views, stone bridges and meandering pathways. A few of the other notable features of the park is the huge pedestrian pier, the steel bridge, and the lighthouse! Yes, Madison has a lighthouse! The Tenney Park Locks are also fun to watch as boats traversing between Lake Monona and Lake Mendota on the Yahara River need to make up for the change in water level between the two lakes.
2 E Main St, Madison, WI 53703
The most iconic location for photos in Madison is the Capitol building! Everyone recognizes this beloved landmark. The beautiful white stone and classical architecture makes the perfect backdrop for photos. The interior of the building is also amazing for photos.
11. Bonus Location - your favorite place that is important to you as a couple!
Anywhere can be the perfect location for engagement photos, especially if it is important to you and your story as a couple. Maybe it's the place where you went on your first date, or the place where your partner proposed. It can also be fun to incorporate an activity into your engagement session, like getting a cup of coffee or going kayaking.