The best places to propose in Madison, Wisconsin

We are lucky to call Madison, Wisconsin home. Just about everyone you talk to who lives here, whether lifelong or a recent resident, absolutely adores it. Big enough to have a plethora of activities to participate and engage in year round, yet not too big where it's overwhelming, Madison is an ideal place to live. If you are thinking of getting engaged in the Madison area, we've compiled a list of top spots to pop the question to your number one.  

 Pope Farm Conservancy

The gorgeous photo above and below were both taken at Pope Farm Conservancy by Larissa Marie Photography. The Conservancy, which is free and open to the public daily, is 105 acres comprised of moraines, restoration projects, crop fields, and miles of walking trails. You can imagine with all of that space in nature comes tons of photo opportunities. 

It is beautiful in all four seasons, and is open from sunrise to sunset. In autumn, take advantage of the changing colors of the trees that stretch as far as the eye can see. In the summer, enjoy not only the vast amounts of greenery, but the pops of vibrant orange and yellow when the Sunflower fields are in bloom in July and August. 

Allen Centennial Garden

Perhaps one of the best hidden gems in Madison, Allen Centennial Garden is open year-round, and is free to enter. It's a public botanical garden of the Horticulture Department at UW Madison, tucked away downtown, situated on two and a half acres. 

With gorgeous blooms and greenery at every turn, you will be sure to get so many beautiful shots and memories. Aim for spring through summer to take advantage of all the perennials in full bloom. 

Tenney Park

For the romantics at heart, you can't ask for a spot quite as amorously idyllic as Tenney Park. With a stone bridge that looks like it should be in a fairy tale, a beach and a lagoon, this park offers so many great spots for a proposal. 

In the winter, an ice rink forms on the lagoon, and even has a warming shack if you get too chilly! In the summer, pack up a picnic lunch and gaze out at the horizon of Lake Mendota. I don't think you could ask for a better place year-round to make special memories. 

Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Olbrich Botanical Gardens is another picturesque location on 16 acres of stunning landscapes (and an indoor Conservatory). The gardens are free and open to the public daily (check their website for special events/limited hours), and the Conservatory is $2 per person. To fully take advantage of the outdoor gardens, visit during the spring through fall. You'll find surprises at every turn, including a Thai Pavilion, a Rose Garden, and an Herb garden, among others. 

Inside in the Conservatory, you'll immediately feel like you're in a tropical location, with the tropical plants, waterfall, birds, and warm temperature year round! If you'd like to propose in the winter months, but want to feel like you're somewhere lush and warm, then this would be it. 

There are also multiple events happening at the Gardens, including Blooming Butterflies (July through August), Holiday Express, and Concerts in the Gardens. 

UW Madison

With a sprawling campus full of beautiful architecture, the University of Wisconsin-Madison has so many pretty spots and places to spend some time. If you love the water (or at least water views), head to the Memorial Union Terrace, which is an icon for students and the public alike. Grab some food and sit on one of the docks or those classic terrace chairs and gaze out at Lake Mendota. 

For the nature lovers, head to UW Arboretum, which is full of trails (17 miles to be exact), natural areas and gardens to enjoy. Many people like to walk, hike or bike in the warmer months, and ski and snowshoe in the colder months. In the spring, take advantage of the blossoms in full bloom (like below)!



All photos by Larissa Marie Photography. 

And that concludes our top spots to get engaged in Madison! Are your favorites on this list? Would you add another spot to this list? Comment below!