A photo booth rental is a fun way to add more entertainment to your wedding, special event, or graduation party. Check out our guide below to learn more about Wedding Photo Booth Rentals, the average cost of a photo booth rental, the factors that influence the cost, and information about the varous types of Photo Booths.
We surveyed photo booth companies across the country, Some with pricing on the their site, others required us to ask for a quote by filling out a form on the website or calling. The average cost for a 4 hour photo booth rental, with attendant, and including prints of your photos is $760 (tip not included). The pricing varies, with a low of around $500, and a high for a no prints booth of $1,200. For a do it yourself photo booth rental, the cost is approximately $320 with no limit on time or your event.
| Type | Digital / Social Media (no prints) | Prints | Additional Hours | Props | Gratuity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attended Booth | $700 - $1000 | $150 - $250 | $100 | FREE | Typically 15% |
| Self Service Booth | $300 - $350 | $100 for 100 prints | FREE | FREE | NONE! |
| 360 Booth | $1,00 - $1,600 | NONE | $100 - $200 | FREE | Typically 15% |
While a simple product that virtually anyone can use, there are a few different options available for photo booth rental, and those options have a large impact on the overall price. The options of photo booths can vary. Like anything, you can go for a high end booth with all the bells and whistles, or go for a more basic booth that focuses on the essentials (like, you know, capturing images of your guests!). The most expensive booths offer features like Mirror selfies, 360 degree photos, actual physical booths (some that are inflatable) and more.
While all of these options add to the expense, there are also ways to decrease the overall cost and by far the most inexpensive way to add a photo booth is to use a self service booth that can be delivered by mail – with a base cost (including shipping) of around $320.
About Photo Booths
Photo booths have surged in popularity over the last decade, becoming a staple at weddings, company events, school functions, and more. According to Google Trends, searches for "photo booths" and "photo booth rental" have grown almost threefold since 2007, indicating a significant rise in interest. This trend reflects not just a fleeting fad, but a growing appreciation for the unique experience that photo booths offer at events. The industry itself is on an upward trajectory and shows no signs of slowing down.
The appeal of photo booths lies in their ability to inject a dose of spontaneity and fun into any event. They provide a unique entertainment option that goes beyond traditional event activities, offering guests a creative way to capture memories. Unlike standard photography, photo booths allow for playful interaction, often featuring quirky props and customizable backdrops. This interactivity is a big draw, especially in an era where social media and personal branding are prominent. Guests love the opportunity to create fun, shareable content that showcases their personality and the joy of the occasion. Moreover, photo booths often serve as an icebreaker, encouraging guests to mingle and engage with one another in a relaxed, informal setting. This aspect is particularly valuable at corporate events or weddings, where attendees may be meeting for the first time. It's clear that the rise in popularity of photo booths isn't just about capturing pictures; it's about creating an engaging, memorable experience that resonates with people long after the event has ended.
Save time and hassle at your next event with our DIY photo booth rental! Say goodbye to the stress of hiring a booth and hello to capturing unforgettable moments with our easy-to-use rental that is shipped directly to you. Want to see it in action? Check out our video on our home page.
About Photo Booth Rental Companies:
The world of photo booth rental companies is predominantly made up of small, locally-owned businesses, often referred to as "Mom and Pop" shops. These small-scale operators typically manage one or two events per weekend, offering a personalized touch to their services. While there are some franchise operations in this field, they too are often run by small business owners who value a more personal approach to their services. This landscape means that there aren't many large, national companies in the photo booth rental industry that offer standardized service levels across various regions.
One exception to this rule is the realm of self-service photo booths. These companies, often larger and more standardized, can handle dozens of events each weekend. They provide an automated service where clients can rent a booth, set it up themselves, and enjoy a more hands-off experience. However, the personal touch and customization options that smaller operators offer might be limited in these self-service models.
The "side hustle" nature of many photo booth businesses means that the quality
of service, responsiveness, and availability can greatly vary from one provider to another. Since many operators manage their photo booth rentals alongside other full-time commitments, their resources and time are often more limited. This can impact the level of attention and detail they can devote to each event.
When choosing a photo booth rental, it's important to consider these factors. While smaller companies might offer more personalized service, they might also have limitations in terms of availability, variety of booth options, and backup plans in case of equipment failure. On the other hand, larger, more standardized services might offer more reliability and availability but could lack the personalized touch and customization that smaller companies provide.
Doing thorough research and reading reviews can be crucial in finding the right balance between personalization and professionalism. When contacting potential vendors, asking about their operational setup, availability for your event date, and what backup plans they have in place can provide valuable insights into their level of professionalism and reliability.
Key Photo Booth Features
Basic Photo Booth: A basic booth usually includes a backdrop (which can be customizable), props, the camera, and lighting. For most booths “social sharing” is the default options, which means that you will receive a digital copy of your photo, which you can share with friends via text or social media. There will like be a photo gallery that compiles all the photos in one place.
Props: Most photo booth providers have some form of props that are included in the photo booth package. Often these props are very basic or not specific to your type of event. There are many ways to create your own set of custom props to included with your booth, and many places to buy more extensive and specific props online
Attended Photo / Not Attended: A self service booth does not have an attendant to set up the booth. With an attended booth an employee of the booth company attends your event in order to help with set up the backdrop, troubleshoot any problems and plug in the booth (Note - often times the attendant will expect to eat at your wedding, and will expect a tip!)
Printing: Most places still offer printed copies of your photos as an add on service for an additional fee. A printer is provided, and special paper, and much like a color printer at home, the prints are printed out as the would be on your home printer. Printing is declining in popularity (most people want to share images online), and can often create lines for guests, and slow down the booth as printing can take a minute to complete.
Custom Logo: For most services you can add a custom logo to your digital copies or your printed copies. The custom logo is usually available for an additional fee, it can be a great way to personalize your photo booth experience.
Back Drop: The backdrop for your photo booth can be customized in a number of different ways. Most rentals have some kind of back drop, whether it be a tasteful curtain, or colorful background- you can often customize the color.
For a fee, there are a few places online where you can create a custom backdrop with your custom logo or other image to personalize your photo booth that much more. One note of caution - people have recently started using a bright neon sign in the backdrop, but, this can make capturing good photographs more difficult, as the brightness of the sign prevents the camera from getting good light on your guests face!
360 Photo booth: A 360 photo booth takes a 360 degree GIF or panoramic image of a guest. The 360 photos are then able to be shared digitally. To get the 360 photo, a guest (or guests) must stand on a pedestal, while the camera circles the users. We don’t recommend these for weddings, as the stands are often too small for multiple guests, and the revolving arm can come in contact with guests and mess up the photo
Mirror Selfie Photo Booth: In a mirror selfie photo booth, a mirror is stood up in front of guests, and the guests can take their selfie while looking in the mirror. Typically, a photo booth displays what the camera is seeing as the photos are being taken
Availability: Some photo booth companies will have limited availability on busier weekends, and some charge a premium for the busy season. Since Self Service Photo Booth companies have larger inventories, and don’t require an attendant, they usually have availability for any weekend.
Online Photo Gallery: Many vendors also have an online photo gallery that guests and hosts can review during and after the event itself. This can be a great way to relieve the experience and capture great images of guests and loved ones. Many photo galleries offer the option to order prints of your photos.
Selecting A Photo Booth Company
Selecting the right photo booth rental company for your event is crucial to ensure not only the enjoyment of your guests but also the quality and memorability of the photos captured. Here are some key points to consider when making your choice:
Reviews: Start by conducting thorough research. Look for companies with good reputations, and pay close attention to customer reviews and testimonials. These often provide honest insights into the reliability and quality of the service provided.
Quality of Equipment: The quality of the photo booth, camera, and prints is paramount. Ensure the company uses high-resolution cameras and printers. Ask to see sample photos to judge the quality for yourself. Additionally, inquire if they offer digital copies of the photos.
Photo Booth Options: A good company should offer a variety of booths to suit different event styles and sizes. From classic enclosed booths to open-air or mirror booths, having options allows you to choose one that best fits the theme and space of your event.
Customization and Props: Customization can make your event stand out. Check if the company offers customizable backdrops, props, and photo templates. Personalized features can enhance the experience and make the event more memorable.
Pricing and Packages: Compare pricing and packages from different companies. Look for transparent pricing without hidden fees. Ensure that the package includes everything you need, such as setup, operation time, and breakdown, as well as any extras like a guest book or social media integration.
Professional Staff and Service: The presence of a professional attendant can be crucial. They can assist guests, ensure smooth operation, and handle any technical issues. Good customer service before, during, and after the event is also a sign of a reputable company.
Contract and Policies: Always read the contract thoroughly before signing. Understand the cancellation and refund policies, and check for any liability insurance to protect against any accidents or damage during the event.
Photo Booth Rental Cost- FAQ:
Question: Can you rent a Photo booth for multiple days
Answer: Usually attended photo booths are measured in hours, and the more time you spend the more money. Typically, people don't have attended photo booths for more than 4 hours. However, in a mail-delivered self service photo booth, the time is measured in hours, and not days. Most self service photo booths usually come a day early, and need to be returned a day or two after your event. Some of the DIY rental options offer additional days for a nominal fee.
Question: Are there additional fees for Setup or delivery
Answer: Yes! Watch out for additional fees, often in the fine print. Look at the costs as you check out to make sure you didn't miss anything. Most self service photo booths include all fees upfront, so you wont' get caught with any surprises.
Question: Can I rent a photo booth for less than four hours?
Answer: Yes, some photo booth rental companies offer shorter rental durations, but they may charge a higher hourly rate than a four-hour rental.
Question: How much space does a typical Photo Booth Rental take up?
Answer: Most photo booths need space for a back drop that can be six to ten feet wide and up to ten feet tall. The back drop is usually placed between 5 to ten feet in front of the photo booth equipment and printer, which itself needs a little less than 3 square feet of space. If a printer is being used, a table will be needed, and if you have props, the table for the printer can be used for the props.
Question: Can I see the photos after the event?
Answer: Most photo booths come with an online photo gallery that enables you to see all of the photos that were taken at the event - usually in a timeline with the earliest photographs first - it can create a great timeline of the event, as you watch as people have more and more fun. The online photo galleries often enable you to order prints of the photos so that you have a hard copy.
Question: Where should I place my Photo Booth at my event?
Answer: Place it where it will be seen, but, not distract from other parts of the event. Choose a spot for your photo booth that is visible and easily accessible, yet out of the way of heavy foot traffic. Ideal locations are near the entrance, by the bar, or close to the dance floor. Ensure there's enough space for the booth, props, and guests. Good lighting is essential, so a well-lit area or one with natural light is preferable. Keep in mind the need for a nearby power source if required. Avoid placing the booth too close to loudspeakers to ensure a pleasant experience for your guests. Consult with your venue for any recommended spots and ensure the location is accessible to all guests.
Question: For Photo Booth Rental by Mail, when do I receive my Photo Booth?
Answer: Delivery of your photo booth depends on local conditions. At Booth By Mail we watch the weather, and build in slack in our schedule to make sure your photo booth is delivered on time. Most photo booths are received 1-3 days before the event. If needed, Booth by Mail can ship directly to the venue.
What do the people say about their photo booth rental experience?
Here are some example comments excerpted from online reviews of Photo Booth Companies to help you get a feel about what to look for and what people say.
Overall, a photo booth can be a delightful addition to any event. With many different options consumers can choose the right photo booth option to fit their needs, event, style and budget. To learn more about photo booths check out more articles in our blog.