We know Halloween just wrapped up, but it’s never too early to get your holiday photos planned out.

While you have the difficult task of rounding up the family + furry friends and getting everyone in coordinating outfits, we wanted to help lighten your load for the holidays with a list of places around Madison that would make great holiday photo backdrops. From a classic city backdrop on John Nolen Drive to candid shots at the Olbrich gardens, there’s a holiday card photo op for every Madison family.

Note: Professional photographers may need a permit to shoot in some locations. Additional fees may apply.

Tenney Park

📍402 N. Thornton Ave.
Our favorite backdrops: The bridge, lagoon, open space, and views of Lake Mendota

https://www.instagram.com/p/CTfd0zwKcUi/

Olbrich Gardens

📍3330 Atwood Ave.
Our favorite backdrops: Exotic plants, orchids, waterfall, Thai Pavilion, rose garden

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CVbpKJKgm_P/

Arboretum

📍1207 Seminole Hwy.
Our favorite backdrops: Open space, plants, flowers, prairies, savannas

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVyW2qepan4/

Memorial Union

📍800 Langdon St.
Our favorite backdrops: Lake Mendota + the Wisconsin Union

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVTS3xyrnC7/

Picnic Point

📍2000 University Bay Dr.
Our favorite backdrops: Marked trails, marshes, bays
Pro Tip: Check out Picnic Point’s Photography Guidelines

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVZYiq4rDmj/

Wisconsin State Capitol

📍2 E. Main St.
Our favorite backdrops: Stairs to the Capitol, green lawn + seasonal shrubbery

https://www.instagram.com/p/CV04w88PFwR/

Pheasant Branch Conservatory

📍4864 Pheasant Branch Rd.
Our favorite backdrops: wetland prairies, creeks, forests, greenery

https://www.instagram.com/p/CTAv6f8Ny1E/

Wisconsin Historical Society

📍816 State St.
Our favorite backdrops: Historic building, large pillars, old white marble

https://www.instagram.com/p/CQZT4LcgUIy/

Garver Feed Mill

📍3241 Garver Green
Our favorite backdrops: Brick building, modern design

https://www.instagram.com/p/CTNs8shHBbz/

John Nolen Drive

📍John Nolen Dr.
Our favorite backdrops: Existing paths, open space, Madison skyline

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsWhzqQj1K4/

Camp Randall Arch

📍1455 Monroe St.
Our favorite backdrops: Arch, paved paths, trees

https://www.instagram.com/p/CE1z2oggCVU/

Epic Campus

📍1979 Milky Way, Verona
Our favorite backdrops: Whimsical buildings, large green spaces

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCfCR_ljGva/