Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Madison, WI
16 acres of outdoor gardens + indoor Bolz Conservatory (tropical plants, waterfall, koi pond). Lush, romantic, magazine-worthy backdrops.
No permit required for small sessions
$100 for 2-hour session
Permit REQUIRED for all professional photography. Reservations: 2 weeks advance, call (608) 246-4550. Book early for May-September (prime wedding season).
They are STRICT about permits. If you show up with a camera and a couple in a wedding dress, they will stop you and charge you on the spot. Book ahead.
Best Times: Spring: May (tulips, flowering trees). Summer: June-August (rose garden peak). Fall: September (dahlias, fall foliage). Indoor conservatory: Year-round (climate-controlled).
Thai Pavilion = most popular backdrop (book early). Conservatory is $2 admission per person (include in your pricing). Outdoor gardens close at dusk. Weekend mornings = fewer crowds.