Directory/Madison/Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Madison, WI

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Permit Required

16 acres of outdoor gardens + indoor Bolz Conservatory (tropical plants, waterfall, koi pond). Lush, romantic, magazine-worthy backdrops.

Crowds

Moderate to high

Accessibility

Paved paths throughout outdoor gardens are wheelchair-accessible. Conservatory is fully accessible with automatic doors.

Parking

Free parking lot on-site. Can fill up on weekends and during events.

Drones

Prohibited on garden grounds.

Amenities

Restrooms in main building. Gift shop. Benches throughout gardens. Water fountains near entrance.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Earn passive income from every shoot here

PhotoVault photographers earn $4/month per client gallery — every client you deliver to becomes recurring revenue.

Permit Information

Personal / Portrait

Required — contact (608) 246-4550 for rates.

Professional / Bridal

Required — $125+ for 2-hour session. Book 2 weeks in advance. Call (608) 246-4550.

Cost

$125+ for 2-hour session (updated July 2025)

Admission

Outdoor gardens: Free. Bolz Conservatory: $6 per adult, $3 ages 6-12.

Booking

Call (608) 246-4550 or visit olbrich.org for reservations.

Rules & Restrictions
  • 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 to Shoot
🌸

Spring

May (tulips, flowering trees).

☀️

Summer

June-August (rose garden peak).

🍂

Fall

September (dahlias, fall foliage).

❄️

Winter

No specific notes

Insider Tips
  • Thai Pavilion = most popular backdrop (book early).
  • Conservatory is $6 admission per adult ($3 ages 6-12).
  • Outdoor gardens close at dusk.
  • Weekend mornings = fewer crowds.

Last verified: July 2025

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