Outdoor Gardens,
Lobby + Gift Shop
April - September
10 am – 6 pm daily
October - March
10 am – 4 pm daily
Bolz Conservatory
Closed March 11 - June 14 for Planned Maintenance
Schumacher Library
Permanently Closed
Photographs are a wonderful way to remember your visit to Olbrich Botanical Gardens. We encourage visitors to take casual photographs and videos of their visit for their own personal use, including for social media.
The Photography Guidelines outlined here are intended for all guests, but a Photo Permit is required for those who wish to use the Gardens as the background for formal, posed photography - including wedding, family, engagement, graduation, maternity, prom, senior photos or the like. The permit is required regardless of whether the photographer is a family member, friend, or professional.
Prom photos are handled a bit differently than other photo sessions due to the large volume. For prom photos only, you do not need to register in advance or submit a photo permit application with the usual fee. Instead, a fee of $5 per couple (or any 2 people) plus a $3 fee for the extra person in an odd-numbered group must be paid by cash only at the door upon arrival. Adults and any other family members accompanying do not need to pay the fee. Please note that photos can be taken outdoors only and groups must follow the general guidelines below - anyone not following the rules will be asked to leave. If there is bad weather on the day you're taking photos, we do not have an indoor area available for you.
Available photo times are from 3 - 6 pm on the following dates:
The outdoor gardens close at 6 pm daily. Feel free to contact Rental Coordinator Patti Jorenby at 608-246-4733 with any questions. Have a great prom!
These guidelines apply to anyone taking photos during their visit (both casual and posed, formal photography). Olbrich is Madison's public garden - help ensure it remains available for all to enjoy by adhering to these guidelines.
Definition: Posed photography includes wedding, family, engagement, maternity, graduation, prom, senior photos or the like. A Photo Permit is required for this kind of photography regardless of who the photographer is or what type of camera (or phone) is being used.
Location: Posed photographs may be taken in the outdoor gardens only with an approved Photo Permit. The Bolz Conservatory or other interior areas of the Botanical Center are not available for use as photography sites.
Fees: A $40 ($37.91 plus tax) fee will be assessed for each one-hour session; the fee is payable by cash or check only - no credit cards accepted. 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.
Mail or deliver in-person the completed application form with $40 payment to:
Rental Coordinator
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
3330 Atwood Ave
Madison, WI 53704
Scheduling: Your 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.
Failure to comply with these guidelines will result in the loss of user privileges.
Photographers taking photographs which will be used for media purposes to promote Olbrich Botanical Gardens (for instance in travel publications or the like) will not be assessed a fee. Arrangements must be made in advance by contacting Katy Nodolf, PR & Marketing Manager.
Photos taken as stock photography for publications, greeting cards, calendars, resume development or the like full under this category. Photographers in this category are asked to pay a one-time, lifetime fee of $50 + tax. Arrangements must be made in advance.
Catalog shoots, product commercials, films for distribution (large or small), professional videos and the like must be approved by the Superintendent of Parks or their designee. Full details of the project must be submitted in writing in advance of the project - we recommend at least two weeks for staff to review project details. The Superintendent of Parks or their 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 Ave
Madison, WI 53704
Still Photography Rates:
Full Day - $300
Half Day - $150
Film/Video Rates:
Full Day - $600
Half Day - $350
For all Promotional, Stock and Commercial Photography - General Photography Guidelines apply. Location approval and tripod approval required.