Top 12 Spellbinding Senior Portrait Locations in Madison & Sauk City

For Creative Souls Who Want to Tell Their Story

Senior year is a moment in time that deserves more than a snapshot—it deserves a storybook. And your senior portraits? They’re the opening pages. Whether you're a nature lover, a dreamer, or a downtown adventurer, the perfect backdrop is waiting right here in the Madison & Sauk City area.

Here are my personal top 12 local spots that bring the magic, with storytelling vibes and session ideas tailored to your unique spark.

Ella dancing in the wildflowers at the UW Arboretum

1. UW Arboretum – For the Wild at Heart

Session Vibe: Misty mornings & untamed dreams

Wander the trails under a canopy of golden light and soft fog. This space is a love letter to the nature-lover, the daydreamer, the one who feels most themselves surrounded by leaves and birdsong. From wildflower garden beds to grassy fields and rolling lawns filled with ancient trees, there are many backdrops to choose from.

Ali at Olbrecht Gardens on the bridge

2. Olbrich Botanical Gardens – For the Garden Reader

Session Vibe: Sun-dappled pages & secret hideaways

Perfect for the bookworm or old soul, Olbrich’s quiet corners and flowering paths feel like a living fairytale. Bring your favorite novel, and we’ll build your very own chapter.

Sean at the North Shore of Devil's Lake

3. Devil’s Lake State Park – For the Bold Adventurer

Session Vibe: Cliffside courage & windswept stories

Craggy rocks, sparkling waters, and pine-lined trails set the scene for seniors who climb higher and dream bigger. This is your origin story in epic fantasy style. Want to up the adventure? Let's get on the water in a kayak, dance in the water barefoot, or do a little rock climbing.

Ella at the WI Capitol Building

4. Downtown Madison and the Capitol Building – For the City Explorer

Session Vibe: Neon lights & creative grit

Think quirky brick alleys, urban texture, and unexpected murals. Dressed up or editorial-chic, these iconic downtown backdrops elevate your shoot with architecture and attitude. Bonus points if you bring a vintage blazer, funky shoes, or flowy gown. My favorite area is smack-dab in the middle of State Street - full of color and movement (and free of car traffic).

Silas on the Sauk Praire beach

5. Sauk City Riverwalk – For the Laid-Back Dreamer

Session Vibe: Golden hour glow & riverside nostalgia

This little gem offers woodsy trails and waterfront views, perfect for barefoot afternoons and slow, story-rich sessions that breathe easy. We can dance on the beach, stroll the paths, and pose under bridges. The nearby Dam is also a great architectural spot for photos!

Family session at Indian Lake Park

6. Indian Lake County Park – For the Forest Dweller

Session Vibe: Enchanted woods & twilight magic

Think moss-covered stones, tree tunnels, and whispering branches. This spot is for the quiet souls who find their power in the stillness of the forest. I absolutely love the hidden quiet valley at sunset, and the beautiful lake. Plus, there's a tumbled-down stone building across the street which also makes a great backdrop.

Josh at his home in Mauston

7. Your Own Backyard – For the Sentimental Hearts

Session Vibe: Homegrown roots & your own personal legend

Sometimes, the most meaningful stories start where you’ve grown. Whether it’s a tire swing, a porch step, or a field behind your house, this location adds depth, authenticity, and heart to your photos. Playgrounds, schools, and parks you've loved growing up can also add nostalgia.

Ry in the Baraboo alleyway

8. Downtown Baraboo & Circus World – For the Vintage Vibe Seeker

Session Vibe: Brick walls & timeless charm

With its red-brick alleyways, antique storefronts, and historic small-town magic, downtown Baraboo feels like stepping onto a movie set. It's the ideal backdrop for seniors who love retro aesthetics, moody textures, and a touch of old-school cool. Throw on a leather jacket or a flowing skirt and let’s turn the sidewalk into your runway. My favorite spot is a narrow brick alleyway next to Just Imagine, and I've always dreamed of doing a session at the Circus - how fun would that be??

Brittney at Dr. Evermor's Sculpture Park

9. Dr. Evermor's Sculpture Park, Sauk City – For the Surreal Storyteller

Session Vibe: Steampunk fantasy & curious wonders

Towering metal birds, clockwork contraptions, and a world built from imagination - Dr. Evermor’s is where the lines between dream and reality blur. For the senior who sees the world differently, who thrives in eccentricity and enchantment, this is a playground for the fantastical. Your portraits will feel like scenes from an unwritten epic. Bonus points if you want to dress up in steampunk cosplay for truly unique and edgy photos!

Family Christmas Session at Picker's Place

10. Picker's Place, Sauk City – For the Boho Bloom

Session Vibe: Earthy secret garden

Tucked in Sauk City's riverside, Picker’s Place offers a dreamy lighted greenhouse feel filled with light, plants, and rustic charm. Think soft sunbeams, earthy textures, and the warm glow of a place that feels like it was made for you. Plus, just down the hill we can utilize the beautiful riverside. Ideal for seniors who are gentle, grounded, and secretly wild at heart.

Kayla at Gloria's Garden

11. Gloria's Garden, Sauk City – For the Quiet Romantic

Session Vibe: Golden Wildflower soul

Gloria’s Garden is a local treasure—lush, serene, and full of poetic charm. With layers upon layers of colorful blooms, soft bluff backdrops, and an intimate atmosphere, it’s perfect for seniors who find beauty in the little things. Bring your favorite dress, a bouquet, or just yourself—we’ll let the soft blooms and golden light do the rest.

Wynn at Schumacher Farm Park

12. Schumacher Farm Park, Waunakee - For the Country-Hearted

Session Vibe: Dusty boots & prairie winds

Schumacher Farm is made for the senior who feels at home under big skies with the hum of cicadas and the scent of wild grass in the air. With its weathered barns, open pastures, and golden fields, it’s the perfect blend of rustic charm and free-spirited grit. Bring your cowboy boots, your hat, your guitar - this is your small-town anthem come to life.

Ready to Tell Your Story?

Every senior has a different chapter to write—and I’m here to help you capture yours. From nature to neon, forests to fairytales, we’ll find the perfect scene for your adventure.

Ready to learn more? Book a Free Discovery Call to get things started! Limited spots are available for 2025!