Top 10 Engagement Photo Locations in Madison, WI
- Brianna Kraft
- Jul 6, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 31
UPDATED FOR 2026!
Are you recently engaged and looking for inspiration for the best locations to take engagement photos in Madison, Wisconsin? Here my top 10 engagement photo locations around the city that I like to take my couples for their engagement photos!
Keep in mind that anywhere can be the perfect location for engagement photos, especially if it is important to you and your love story. Maybe you want to choose to take photos at 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 looking at art.
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.
Check out my favorite top 10 engagement photo locations in Madison, Wisconsin below!
Top 10 Engagement Photo Locations in Madison, WI
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.
750-800 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706
This is one of my favorite spots for unique engagement photos in Madison. Taking your engagement photos at the Chazen Museum of Art can be so much fun! It allows you to have an activity to focus on to add some creativity to the session and to take the pressure off being in front of the camera. Explore the rooms and galleries with your partner and snuggle up in the cozy corners.
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. Your Favorite Bar - Lola's Hi/Lo Lounge & The Robin Room
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 reading a book. You can also choose your favorite place that is important to you as a couple!
Some of my favorite bars for cool photos are:
Lola's Hi/Lo Lounge,
The Robin Room,
Nitro Lounge,
Leopold's,
I/O Arcade Bar,
Young Blood,
Public Parking, and more!
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
Wisconsin Historical Society and Library Mall are wonderful spots for engagement photos in downtown Madison. The interior of the Wisconsin Historical Society is so gorgeous and there are so many cool architectural spots outside on Library Mall. Let's walk around together and capture the fun!
8. Period Garden Park
110 E. Gorham St, Madison, WI 53703
Period Garden Park feels like a secret garden in downtown Madison just for you and your partner. Let's explore the flowers and listen to the fountain run while you snuggle up together for your engagement photos.
2000 University Bay Dr, Madison, WI 53705
Picnic Point & Raymer's Cove are one of my favorite outdoor spots in Madison for engagement photos. Let's hike the forested trail to the lake shore beach and find hidden rocky coves.
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.
BONUS LOCATION Outside of Madison - Matz Farmstead Ruins
Cross Plains, WI
Matz Farmstead Ruins is an outdoor location outside of Madison that has expansive prairies and an ruins of an old stone farmhouse. The property is right across the street from a county park and has epic sunset views in the summer.
Want fall engagement photo location inspiration? Click here!
Ready to book your photographer for your engagement session in Madison, Wisconsin?
