Photography at Olbrich

Photographs are a wonderful way to remember your visit to Olbrich Botanical Gardens.   We encourage visitors to take casual photographs for their own personal use.

The Photography Guidelines outlined here are intended for all guests, but a permit is necessary for those who wish to use the Gardens setting as the background for formal, posed photography. This would include wedding, family, engagement, graduation, prom photography or the like.  Photography Permit Application

Wedding ceremonies, receptions or other special occasions scheduled at the Gardens are welcome to take their photographs during their rental time at no additional fee.  As always, the General Photography Guidelines apply.  For information on room rental at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, please contact Olbrich's Rental Coordinator at 608.246.4733.

 

General Photography Guidelines

Olbrich Botanical Gardens is Madison's public garden, and your adherence to these guidelines is required.  Formal, posed photographs may be taken in the outdoor gardens only.  The Foyer, Bolz Conservatory, and other interior areas of the Botanical Complex are not available for use for formal, posed photography sites. 

Please:

  • Call ahead to schedule.  More than one session may be scheduled for the same time frame.  In the event of rain, you may reschedule your session. 
  • No smoking.
  • No alcoholic beverages.
  • Remain on the pathways and grassy turf at all times.
  • Do not disturb or remove plants, plant labels or containers. 
  • Do not block access to the entrance, pathways, or garden areas for use by others.  
  • Photography at Olbrich Botanical Gardens cannot be orchestrated or used to imply endorsement by Olbrich Botanical Gardens. 

Formal, Posed Photography
Definition:  Formal, posed photography would include wedding, family, engagement, prom, graduation photography or the like. 

Location: Formal, posed photographs may be taken in the outdoor gardens only.  The Foyer, Bolz Conservatory or other interior areas of the Botanical Center are not available for use as photography sites. 

Fees: A $25 scheduling fee will be assessed for each one-hour session.   Any request to waive this fee, based on hardship, must be submitted in writing to the Director at least two weeks prior to the event. 

There are NO REFUNDS for the cancellation of a photography session at Olbrich Botanical Gardens.  In the event of rain, you may reschedule your session. 

Scheduling:  Your formal, posed photography session will be scheduled around those that have rented the Gardens as the site for their wedding or other special occasion.  In all cases, the photography session must be scheduled a minimum of one week in advance and begin and end within the allotted time.  In the event of rain, you may reschedule your session.  Either the subject or the photographer may make the reservation.  General Photography Guidelines apply.

Professional Photographers Please Note: An annual fee of $250 may be paid in lieu of the $25 individual session fees.  This annual permit entitles a photographer to schedule an unlimited number of formal, posed photography sessions at Olbrich Botanical Gardens for one year, commencing from the date of the purchase of the permit.   Scheduling and General Photography Guidelines apply. 

*Failure to comply with the General Photography Guidelines will result in the loss of user privileges. 

Promotional Photography
Photographers taking photographs which will be used to promote Olbrich Botanical Gardens, for instance in travel publications or the like, will not be assessed a fee.  Promotional Photographers please contact Sharon Cybart, Olbrich Manager of Marketing and Public Relations at 608.246.4716.

Stock Photography
Photos taken as stock photography for publications, greeting cards, calendars, resumé development or the like are in this category.  Photographers in this category are asked to pay a one-time, lifetime fee of $50.  Stock Photographers please contact Sharon Cybart, Olbrich Manager of Marketing and Public Relations at 608.246.4716.

Commercial Photography/Filming
Catalog shoots, commercials, professional videos and the like must be approved by the Superintendent of Parks or his/her designee.  Full details of the project must be submitted in writing.  The Superintendent of Parks or his/her designee reserves the right to refuse any project.  Fees are charged for Commercial Photography/Filming.   

Please submit full project details to:  Director, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI  53704.

Still Photography Rates:

Film/Video Rates:

Full Day

$300

Full Day

$600

Half Day

$150

Half Day

$350

For all Promotional, Stock and Commercial Photography - General Photography Guidelines apply.  Location approval and tripod approval required.

 

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