Best Locations for Engagement Photos in Madison, Wisconsin
Are you looking for the best locations for your engagement photos in Madison, Wisconsin? As a wedding and engagement photographer who’s worked in Madison for over 10 years, I can guide you to the top spots in the area and walk you through what makes each one unique and great for photos. When you work with me, I prioritize your story and what makes you unique as a couple, capturing images that feel like you.
If you’re not familiar with Madison, we’re home to the State Capitol Building, over 290 public parks, a gorgeous Arboretum, over 200 miles of bike trails throughout the city, four beautiful lakes, and more! We are lucky to call this gorgeous city home and have so much variety in great engagement photo locations.
Downtown & Capitol Square
Couples are drawn to the Capitol due to it’s centralized location and gorgeous architecture. As the leading Wisconsin Capitol Photographer, I know the best spots throughout the building and can guide you to maximize our time together.
Downtown and the Capitol Square are great for engagement photos due to the stunning architecture as well as the variety of photo locations. It’s also close to lots of bars and restaurants where you can grab a drink at the beginning or end of your session. This provides a different atmosphere and variety of images to your gallery.
The best thing about the Capitol is that there are no permits required. The building is open from 8am-6pm Monday thru Friday and 8am-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Please note that the capitol is a public building and has tours running every hour as well as people working throughout. I recommend checking their calendar to make sure you’re not planning your session when they are having an event. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be the least busy at the Capitol and the best days for sessions.
If you’re hoping to grab a drink and some photos at a nearby bar or restaurant, my favorites are Settle Down, Young Blood Beer Co, Merchant and Ancora Cafe. If you are hoping to go to any of these locations, I highly recommend calling ahead of time to ensure they are not busy.
UW Campus & Picnic Point
Did you meet your partner at the University of Wisconsin? Then this may be the perfect spot for your engagement photos!
Featuring the ever-so-popular tri-colored sunburst chairs, the Memorial Terrace is a popular location for engagement photos in Madison. Grab a beer and enjoy the views while I capture photos you’ll love.
The Terrace does require photo approval. Have your photographer fill out this form and they’ll receive approval quickly. It’s also important to know that the Terrace chairs do get put away around the first snowfall of the year and come back out in early spring. It’s best to keep an eye on their Instagram to know when the chairs will make their annual appearance.
Please note that dogs are not allowed on the Terrace and are only allowed on the Lakeshore Path walkway (closest to the water).
If you’re hoping to take photos at another location on campus, there are endless options including Bascom Hill, Observatory Drive, or maybe the location you met!
Picnic Point is another great spot near the University. Featuring almost one mile of peninsula into Lake Mendota, the views are endless and perfect for an engagement session. There is no permit required to photograph at Picnic Point, but it can be very busy at times–especially when there’s good weather!
Pro tip: be sure to wear comfy shoes you don’t mind getting a little wet! The paths can be muddy if it rains or the tide rises. Picnic point is also dog friendly, so bring your pup for some photos!
The University of Wisconsin Arboretum
Also known as the UW Arboretum, this slice of heaven is perfect any time of year for engagement photos. During the spring, there are lovely magnolias, lilacs and other flowering native trees to wander through. Summer is home to wildflowers and a bustling prairie. Fall features orange, yellow and red leaves falling as you explore the hidden trails. Winter is perfect for couples who enjoy snow-capped adventures.
The Arboretum does require a permit, so be sure to get one before your session. All of the proceeds for the permits go directly back into the UW Arboretum and their preservation efforts.
Please note that dogs are not allowed at the UW Arboretum. If you’re hoping to bring your pup, I recommend Picnic Point for a similar vibe with incredible water views.
Your Home & Neighborhood
There’s nothing more unique and personal when it comes to engagement photos than your home and neighborhood. Some of my favorite sessions were couples showing me their local haunts and favorite walk spots.
The best thing about keeping things close to home is we can include your pets!! If you are hoping to include your cat or rabbit but don’t want to take them outside (for good reason!) we can easily take some photos in their favorite spots–and lure them with treats!
It’s also a great way to include your favorite hobbies and interests without packing along a suitcase to a nearby park or ice cream shop. Embracing your neighborhood and home is a great engagement photo option!
Atwood Neighborhood
The east side of Madison is home to one of the coolest neighborhoods: Atwood Ave. Featuring eclectic coffee roasters, restaurants, and cute little shops, you’re sure to find a perfect corner for engagement photos.
Some of my favorite sessions on Atwood Avenue are ones where we just wander from storefronts to alleyways and embrace the slow moments. Feel free to make your session unique to you and your relationship by stopping at your favorite bar for a drink, grabbing a milkshake at Monty’s or even a sweet treat from the amazing Baked Lab (they also have the best wedding desserts!!).
Indian Lake County Park
Tucked in the hills off of highway 19 lies Indian Lake County Park. Featuring a gorgeous lake, prairie home ruins and endless trails to explore, it’s a perfection option for couples looking for something a little quieter.
One of the reasons Indian Lake is the best location for engagement photos in Madison, Wisconsin, is it’s ease of access. It’s a mostly flat park with a centralized parking lot. This allows you to travel to the woods, hike up to the top of the hill, or even venture through the prairie down to the lake. I particularly love photographing at Indian Lake in the fall when the trees are changing color and the sun sets directly over the lake.
Pro tip: Bring your pup!! There’s a very large dog part at the western end of Indian Lake that you can go to before or after your shoot to run your dogs’ energy out!
Devil’s Lake State Park
Another great location close to Madison is Devil’s Lake State Park. One of the best spots for couples who love adventure, Devil’s Lake has everything to offer! From lupine meadows to epic scenery to sandy beaches, you’re sure to capture incredible engagement photos while you’re here!
Located just outside of Baraboo, Wisconsin, Devil’s lake is a quick 30-40 minute drive from Madison. Wisconsin State Parks do require a permit for your car which you can purchase at the entrance to the park or in advance online here. Please support our parks and purchase your pass to ensure we can enjoy them for years to come.
There’s quite a variety of spots for engagement photos at Devil’s Lake. Some of my favorites are the Roznos Meadow Trail just outside the south entrance of the park. Dotted with wildflowers in the summer, this is the perfect spot for couples looking for a whimsical vibe. There’s a small parking lot at the trailhead and should be easy to spot!
Another favorite spot of mine is the South Shore of Devil’s Lake itself. The shoreline itself is pretty long, so you’re sure to find a spot that’s not crowded for photos. I absolutely love when couples are willing to take a dip for some water photos!!
One of the most popular trails in the park is to the top of the Bluffs. Although a rather tough trail, the views at the top are breathtaking and worth every step! Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water for your adventure (and maybe even a bottle of Champagne to enjoy at the top!).
Tenney Park
Located at the very tip of the Isthmus on the almost north side of Madison is the popular Tenney Park. Home to some of the best fishing spots and a beautiful pier, Tenney Park is a great option for those wanting to catch the sunset over Lake Mendota for their engagement photos.
Tenney Park features a storybook atmosphere, which makes it popular for engagement photos. While you wander throughout the park, enjoy the quiet spaces, the natural wildlife, and beautiful walking bridges (which also make for great photos!). There is a large parking lot located off Sherman Avenue that’s centrally located and offers easy access to the best spots in the park.
Pro tip: dogs are welcome at Tenny Park so be sure to bring your pup (and leash!) to grab some photos with your dog as well. And no photography permit is needed so enjoy your session!
James Madison Park
Another park nestled along the isthmus is James Madison Park. Just steps away from Downtown, this popular summer spot is perfect for watching the sunset as well as observing windsurfers and kayakers on warm days.
Throughout the park there are multiple options for lakeside views, wildflower pockets and beautiful grassy fields that are perfect for lounging. I really love photographing at James Madison because it’s right in the heart of the near east side. The surrounding areas are filled with historic houses, cute streets and shops along with bars to stop at before the end of your session!
Pro tip: Bring your pup! No permit is needed at James Madison and dogs are welcome–with a leash!
Olbrich Botanical Gardens & Park
One of the most popular engagement (and wedding) photo spots in Madison is the gorgeous Olbrich Botanical Gardens on the east side of Madison. Located just across the street from Lake Mendota, the botanical gardens is one of the best places to see a beautiful curation of native plants.
Although Olbrich Botanical Gardens is free to enter, you do need a photography permit for any kind of professional photography. The permit fee is $40 and can be paid via cash or check before your session or via credit card the day of your session.
Pro tip! Be sure to plan your session in the best season! Olbrich Botanical Gardens are beautiful any time of year, but they really shine in early summer and fall when the colors are at their peak!
Located just across the street from Olbrich Botanical Gardens is the equally as beautiful Olbrich Park and Biergarten. A super popular spot in the summer when the weather is nice, Olbrich Park features a small beach and a lovely shoreline with views of the Capitol building!
Pro tip! Plan for parking! Olbrich Park’s parking lot fills up quickly on league nights (volleyball, soccer, baseball, and softball) so it’s good to have an alternative plan for if parking is full. There are two parking entrances on either side of Atwood Avenue and another located off of Walter Street.
Epic Campus
One of the newest additions to the Madison area is Epic Campus. Located in Verona, this spot is perfect for Epic employees (over 14,000!) and those who love a theme.
Epic is one of those places that’s quite a site when you pull up. First of all, it’s super confusing unless you know your way around, and second, every building is so unique and fun that you can easily get sidetracked while driving to your destination.
As a Madison engagement photographer, I love capturing couples at Epic because it has such a variety of options. There’s actually a whole area dedicated to Harry Potter, another thats Alice in Wonderland themed, and even a spaceship themed building. So many cool spots make Epic Campus a perfect location for your engagement photos in Madison.
Pro tip! It’s best to plan ahead for your session at Epic. Although a permit isn’t required, those who don’t work at Epic do need to contact
tours@epic.com to schedule your session.
I hope you loved this compilation of the best locations for engagement photos in Madison, Wisconsin. Remember that it’s totally okay if you decide to go outside the norm and find locations that are unique to you and your partner! New locations just mean new photographs waiting to be made!
If you’re looking for an engagement photographer, feel free to learn more about my engagement sessions here and check out some engagement galleries on my blog.
