Photo Booth at Wedding Cost: Your Complete Guide

So, you’re thinking about a photo booth for your wedding? Brilliant idea. It’s one of the best ways to capture the fun, candid moments that happen when your guests let their hair down. But the big question is always the same: what's it going to cost?

Let's get straight to it. On average, you can expect the photo booth at wedding cost in the UK to be somewhere between £300 and £500 for a standard 3-hour hire. That usually gets you the booth itself, a box of silly props, and a friendly attendant to keep things running smoothly. Of course, this is just a starting point – the final price tag can swing quite a bit depending on how fancy you want to get.

A Quick Look at Wedding Photo Booth Costs

Trying to nail down a wedding budget can feel like herding cats, right? Every little detail has its own price tag, and it all adds up. These days, a photo booth is practically a wedding essential, a guaranteed way to inject some serious fun and create memories that your official photos might miss. The good news? You don't need a celebrity-sized bank account like David and Victoria Beckham to make it happen.

Think of this section as your quick-start guide. We'll give you a clear baseline so you know what to expect before we get into all the exciting extras and add-ons.

The General Price Spectrum

There’s no single, universal price for a photo booth. It’s more of a spectrum, ranging from simple digital-only booths to all-singing, all-dancing premium experiences. The two biggest factors that will shape the final bill are the style of booth you choose and how long you want it for. Getting a feel for how a typical price list is structured can really help you compare different companies and packages like a pro.

Here’s a snapshot of what you can generally expect in the UK.

Average Wedding Photo Booth Hire Costs At A Glance

This table gives you a bird's-eye view of what you might pay for different types of booths over a typical hire period.

Photo Booth Type	Average Hire Duration	Estimated Price Range
Enclosed Booth	3-4 hours	£350 – £500
Open-Air Booth	3-4 hours	£300 – £450
Magic Mirror Booth	3-4 hours	£400 – £600
360° Video Booth	3-4 hours	£500 – £800+

As you can see, the style of the booth makes a difference. A classic enclosed booth might be a bit more budget-friendly than a show-stopping 360° video experience, but they all offer incredible value for the entertainment they provide.

A good rule of thumb is to see a photo booth as an investment in your guest experience. It's not just about the photos; it's about the laughter, the silly poses, and the memories created between your main events.

With this initial price range in mind, you can start to think about what fits your vision. Are you after a classic setup for a couple of hours after the speeches, or an all-night interactive extravaganza? Let's dig a bit deeper into what drives these costs up or down.

So, What's the Real Deal? A Look at What Shapes Your Photo Booth Price Tag

Ever get two quotes for a photo booth and find yourself staring at a £350 price on one and a number closer to £700 on the other? It's a head-scratcher, right? But it's not random. Think of it like being a film director—you’ve got to know where every pound of your budget is going to make sure your big day is a blockbuster hit.

Putting together your photo booth package is a bit like customising a new car. You’ve got the standard model, but the real fun starts when you add the extras that make it you. The slick sound system, the fancy trim, the bigger engine… every choice nudges the final price up. The exact same thing happens with the photo booth at wedding cost; a handful of key decisions will shape how much you end up investing.

The Big One: How Long’s the Party?

Honestly, the single biggest thing that'll move the price needle is how long you want the booth running. Most companies package their services in three or four-hour blocks. This is often the golden window – it kicks in just after the dinner and speeches, right when everyone’s feeling a bit giddy and ready to pull silly faces.

If you’re planning an all-night marathon and want the booth there for five or six hours, the cost will naturally climb. It’s just simple maths, really. More time equals more staff hours, more ink and paper for prints, and more power. A classic three-hour hire is brilliant for a cosy, intimate wedding, but if you're going for a massive celebration like Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner, you might want to book it for longer to capture every last moment of madness.

The Style of Booth You Choose

Next up, let's talk about the booth itself. They're not all the same, and the price often reflects the tech, the features, and the whole experience they bring to the party. A traditional enclosed booth – the one that gives you those classic, slightly squashed-in passport photos – is usually one of the more budget-friendly options.

On the other hand, one of those super-trendy 360 video booths that creates those epic, slow-motion videos you see all over Instagram? That’s a different beast. It needs more sophisticated kit and often a bigger team to run it, which pushes it into a more premium price bracket. The same goes for a Magic Mirror booth; its snazzy interactive touchscreen and cool animations mean it’ll cost more than a simple open-air setup with a camera on a tripod.

Picking your booth is all about finding that sweet spot between your wedding's vibe and your budget. The goal is to get the most fun for your money without having to live on beans on toast for a month.

Other Little Things That Add Up

Beyond the big two – time and type – a few other details will play a part in your final quote. These are the little extras that can creep up, so it's good to have them on your radar when you’re comparing different companies.

Here’s a quick rundown of what else can affect the price:

• A Booth Butler (The Attendant): Any good hire company will include a dedicated attendant. This person is your photo booth hero for the night – they set it all up, keep the queue moving, show your nan how to work it, and swoop in to fix any tech hiccups. It’s an absolute must for a stress-free night and is usually built into the main price.
• Travel Costs: If your venue is out in the sticks or just outside the supplier's usual patch, you'll likely see a small surcharge for travel. This just covers the fuel and extra time for the attendant. Always double-check if your venue is covered in their standard area.
• Unlimited Prints: This is a biggie. Does the package come with unlimited prints? You want it to. It means when a group of six crams into the booth, all six can walk away with a photo strip. Some cheaper packages might cap the prints, so make sure you ask.
• Making it Yours (Custom Prints): Want your names and wedding date or a cute monogram on every photo? This little touch is fantastic because it turns a fun photo strip into a personal wedding favour. Sometimes it’s included, but other times it’s a small add-on cost.

Finding Your Perfect Match, from Classic Booths to 360° Glam

So, you're thinking about a photo booth. Brilliant choice! But let's be honest, picking one isn't just another item to tick off the wedding to-do list. It's about choosing the right flavour of fun for your guests and, naturally, figuring out the photo booth at wedding cost. This is your guide to finding the perfect memory-making machine that screams you.

Think of it like booking your evening entertainment. A string quartet sets a completely different tone to a 90s tribute band, right? It’s the same with photo booths. From the cosy and classic to the jaw-droppingly modern, there’s a perfect fit for every couple’s style.

The Charm of Classic Enclosed Booths

You know the one I mean – the iconic, enclosed booth that feels like a mini time machine. This is the original, the OG, the booth that gives your guests a private little stage behind a curtain to let their silly side run wild. It's the secret ingredient for those candid, slightly chaotic snaps where even your shyest relatives feel comfortable pulling a face.

Because they’re tucked away, these booths are gold for encouraging everyone to get involved. They usually need a space of about 2×3 metres. Price-wise, they’re often one of the more affordable options, making them a fantastic choice for a classic, elegant wedding that wants a dash of nostalgic fun.

Open-Air Booths for Big Personalities

If your motto is "the more, the merrier," then the open-air booth is calling your name. Instead of a tight squeeze, this setup uses a camera and a gorgeous backdrop, which means one thing: massive group shots. Want to get the entire bridal party, both sets of parents, and that one cousin into a single picture? This is your answer.

The real beauty of an open-air booth is its chameleon-like ability to blend in. You can choose a backdrop that perfectly matches your theme, whether it’s a glam sequin wall or a rustic floral display. It instantly creates a focal point at your reception and is generally a very pocket-friendly option. Just make sure you’ve got the room for the backdrop and the inevitable queue!

Interactive Fun with Magic Mirrors

Fancy adding a sprinkle of fairytale tech to your big day? Enter the Magic Mirror. It's a full-length, interactive mirror that talks your guests through the photo experience with witty animations and cheeky compliments. It feels less like a camera and more like a magical guest who's there purely to entertain.

Guests can see themselves as they pose, sign their photos on the touchscreen, and grab instant prints. It’s an absolute showstopper that always pulls a crowd and looks incredibly chic in any venue. Because of the clever tech involved, the Magic Mirror comes in at a slightly higher price, but the unique experience is often well worth it for a modern, glamorous wedding.

The perfect booth isn't just about the technology; it's about the experience it creates. The best choice is one that mirrors the personality of your celebration and gets your guests laughing.

This incredible variety is exactly why photo booths have become a non-negotiable for so many weddings. In fact, photo booth hire typically makes up 3-5% of the total entertainment budget. With the average UK wedding costing around £32,000, it's common for couples to spend between £300 and £1,000 on these services. It's also worth noting that around 70% of couples now opt for packages that offer both physical prints and instant digital sharing. You can discover more insights about wedding photo booth trends to see what's popular.

This infographic neatly sums up the main things that will shape your final quote.

As you can see, the style of the booth itself is a huge piece of the puzzle, right alongside how long you hire it for and any extra bells and whistles you fancy.

Choosing the right style is the first big decision. To make it a bit easier, here’s a quick rundown of how the most popular options stack up against each other.

Comparing Popular Wedding Photo Booth Styles

Booth Type	Average Cost Range (3-4 hours)	Key Features	Best For
Classic Enclosed Booth	£350 – £550	Private, nostalgic feel; curtained space for 2-4 guests; classic photo strips.	Traditional or vintage-themed weddings; encouraging shy guests.
Open-Air Booth	£300 – £600	Customisable backdrops; fits large groups; very sociable and interactive.	Any style of wedding, especially where space allows for a feature wall.
Magic Mirror Booth	£450 – £750	Full-length touchscreen mirror; fun animations; on-screen signing; sleek look.	Modern, glamorous, and tech-savvy weddings that want a 'wow' factor.
360° Video Booth	£600 – £1,200+	Slow-motion video clips; creates celebrity-style content; highly shareable.	High-energy, luxury weddings aiming for maximum social media impact.

This table should give you a solid starting point for figuring out which booth not only fits your budget but also the unique vibe of your celebration.

The Ultimate Showstopper: The 360° Video Booth

If you're aiming for that A-list, red-carpet feel, then look no further than the 360° video booth. Let's be clear: this isn't about static photos. This is about creating slick, slow-motion video clips that look like they’ve been lifted straight from a music video. Guests hop onto a platform while a camera on a revolving arm captures them from every conceivable angle as they strike a pose or bust a move.

It’s the kind of epic content you’d see at a wedding for someone like Paris Hilton or Justin Bieber. The clips are ready to share in seconds and are guaranteed to make your wedding the talk of Instagram. Thanks to the specialised equipment and the need for a dedicated operator, the 360° booth is the most premium option out there. But for that unforgettable, high-impact experience, it’s in a league of its own.

Must-Have Add-Ons That Elevate the Fun

Choosing your booth style is like picking the main course for your wedding feast—it’s the star of the show. But the add-ons? They’re the perfectly paired wine, the decadent dessert, and the espresso martinis that get everyone on the dance floor.

This is where you get to sprinkle your personality all over the experience. You can turn a fun activity into an unforgettable highlight of your day. While a standard package is a brilliant start, the real magic often lies in the extras that make the final photo booth at wedding cost a true investment in fun.

Let's unwrap the most popular upgrades and see what they bring to the party.

Crafting a Living Memory with Guest Books

Honestly, this is one of the best add-ons, full stop. Forget that traditional guest book left on a table, the one half your guests forget to sign. A photo booth guest book is a dynamic, hilarious, and heartwarming keepsake you'll actually look at again and again.

Here’s the genius of it: your photo booth company provides a second set of prints for every single photo session. One copy goes to your guests, and the other is placed right into a beautiful album by the booth attendant. Guests are then nudged to leave a handwritten message next to their ridiculous photos. What you end up with is a scrapbook of your wedding night, created in real-time and overflowing with genuine joy.

This typically adds £50 to £100 to your package, but the memories are absolutely priceless.

A photo booth guest book captures the spirit of your celebration in a way nothing else can. It's a collection of silly faces and heartfelt messages, a perfect snapshot of the love and laughter that filled your wedding day.

It’s the perfect blend of fun and sentimentality, elevating the booth from just entertainment to a core part of your wedding story.

Personalised Props and Themed Backdrops

Standard props are a laugh—oversized glasses, feather boas, silly hats—but custom props? They take the fun to a whole new level.

Imagine props themed to your hobbies, your favourite film, or an inside joke that only your best mates will get. Think lightsabers for a Star Wars-obsessed couple or tiny crowns for a wedding fit for royalty like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Digging into some creative ideas for photography props can really get the inspiration flowing for a truly personal touch.

Likewise, upgrading from a standard backdrop to something that matches your wedding’s colour scheme makes a massive visual impact.

Here’s a quick look at what these custom touches might cost:

• Custom Prop Box: Tailored to your unique theme, this could range from £30 to £70.
• Premium Backdrops: We're talking sequin walls, lush floral arrangements, or custom-printed scenes. Expect to add £75 to £200+ for these absolute showstoppers.

These additions make your photo booth feel completely integrated into your wedding décor, not just like a separate rental plonked in a corner.

Going Digital with GIFs and Social Sharing

Let’s be real: if it’s not on Instagram, did it even happen? This is where digital add-ons reign supreme. Many modern booths now create GIFs and Boomerangs, turning a series of static photos into a fun, looping animation that’s ridiculously shareable.

To seal the deal, you'll want a dedicated digital sharing station. This is usually an iPad or tablet set up near the booth where guests can instantly email or text their snaps and GIFs to themselves. It means their hilarious creations can be on social media before they’ve even finished their prosecco.

These features are often bundled together and can add £50 to £150 to your package, but the social media buzz they create is phenomenal.

Squeezing Every Drop of Value From Your Photo Booth Hire

Let's be honest, everyone loves the feeling of getting a brilliant deal, especially when you're juggling a wedding budget. Getting the best value from your photo booth hire isn't about a frantic race to the bottom to find the cheapest price. It’s about being clever and making savvy moves that get you a VIP experience without the Hollywood price tag.

You don't need a royal budget to throw a party that's just as fun. With a few insider tricks up your sleeve, you can make your money go further and ensure the final photo booth at wedding cost feels like an absolute steal for the memories you’ll be taking home. It all comes down to knowing where the savings are hiding.

Timing is Your Secret Weapon

One of the easiest ways to shave a decent chunk off the price is to be strategic with your wedding date. Just like hotels and flights, photo booth companies have peak and off-peak seasons.

A Saturday in the middle of a glorious August is prime real estate, and prices will reflect that. But if you're tying the knot on a Friday or planning a cosy winter wedding in November, you’ll likely find suppliers are much more willing to talk numbers. And weekday weddings? They can be a goldmine for discounts.

The Magic of the Bundle Deal

Are you also looking to hire a DJ, a sparkly dance floor, or maybe some giant light-up letters? Before you book them separately, ask your event company if they offer photo booths as well. Bundling services from one supplier is a classic money-saving tactic that almost always comes with a tidy discount.

This isn't just about saving cash; it's about saving your sanity. You'll have one person to call, one contract to sign, and one less supplier to chase. It’s a win-win: you get more for your money and simplify that ever-growing wedding to-do list.

Smart budgeting isn't about cutting corners on the fun stuff. It's about making your money work harder so you can free up cash for that extra hour of booth time or the gorgeous guest book you've had your eye on.

And it pays to be savvy, because photo booths are more popular than ever. In fact, market research predicts the UK and European photo booth industry will grow by around 8.3% each year between 2023 and 2030, all thanks to couples wanting unique, high-quality experiences. You can read the full research about photo booth market growth to see where things are headed. This boom means booking smart is the key to getting what you want.

Nail Down What ‘Standard’ Actually Includes

Before you put pen to paper on any contract, get crystal clear on what's included in a "standard" package. Nasty little hidden fees are the quickest way to blow your budget, so don't be shy about asking direct questions.

Arm yourself with these must-ask questions to avoid any post-wedding bill shock:

• Are the props part of the deal? Some companies sneakily charge extra for their box of silly hats and glasses.
• Do we get all the digital copies? You'll want a full gallery of high-resolution images to keep forever. Make sure it's included.
• Is travel covered in this price? Double-check your venue isn't outside their standard service area, which could add extra fees.
• Is set-up and pack-down time on your clock or mine? You should only be paying for the hours the booth is open and ready for action.

Be Smart About Your Hire Time

Finally, have a real think about when your party will be hitting its peak. Do you really need the photo booth running for a full four hours, or will the two hours right after the first dance be enough to capture the mayhem?

Most suppliers are more than happy to create a shorter, custom package for you. If the budget is feeling tight, hiring the booth for a shorter, high-energy window is a fantastic way to get the experience without paying for quiet moments. It’s all about quality over quantity—making sure the booth is buzzing when your guests are most ready to strike a pose.

What to Ask a Photo Booth Supplier Before You Say 'I Do'

Before you sign any contracts, you need to play detective. Think of yourself as casting the perfect supporting role for your big day – you wouldn't hire someone without a quick screen test, right? Asking a few smart questions is your way of making sure your chosen supplier is ready for their moment in the spotlight.

This isn't just about the photo booth at wedding cost; it's about buying peace of mind. Getting these details sorted upfront means you can let your hair down and actually enjoy the party, confident that everything is under control. Have a relaxed chat with them; their answers (and their attitude!) will tell you everything you need to know. A genuine pro will be happy to walk you through it all.

Nailing Down the Basics

First up, let's get the absolute essentials out of the way. These are the questions that will quickly separate the seasoned pros from the amateurs. It’s like a sound check before a gig – you need to make sure the fundamentals are rock solid.

• Are you insured? Specifically, you need to know if they have Public Liability Insurance. This is a big one. It protects you, your guests, and the venue if something unexpected happens. Any reputable company will have this and should be able to show you their certificate.
• What do you need for space and power? You don’t want any last-minute surprises on the day. Get the exact dimensions and power requirements so you can clear it with your venue manager and avoid any logistical headaches.
• Is an attendant included? A dedicated attendant is crucial. You need to know that a trained professional will be there for the entire hire to set up, help guests, and sort out any tech gremlins. The last thing you want is your best man trying to fix a paper jam.

Digging into the Tech Specs

Okay, now for the geeky part that ensures your photos look incredible. You don't need to be a photography whizz, but knowing what's under the bonnet helps you understand if you're paying for quality or just a glorified webcam in a box. It’s the difference between a blurry, disposable camera snap and a shot worthy of a celebrity bash like George Clooney's.

A chef is only as good as their ingredients, right? For a photo booth, the camera and printer are the key ingredients. They're what turns a daft pose into a fantastic, lasting memory.

Get a feel for their gear by asking:

1. What kind of camera is in there? You want to hear the magic words: DSLR camera. This is the hallmark of a professional setup and the secret to getting those super-sharp, high-resolution pictures.
2. What printer do you use? The industry gold standard is a dye-sublimation printer. These are amazing – they pop out prints in seconds that are instantly dry, waterproof, and designed to last a lifetime without smudging.
3. What's your plan B? Technology can be fickle. What happens if the camera has a wobble or the printer decides it's had enough? A true professional will have backup equipment on-site, ready to go, so the fun never has to stop.

Finally, insist on seeing a full, itemised quote before you commit. It should clearly list every single cost, from the base hire to travel fees and any fun extras. A transparent quote means no nasty surprises, letting you sign that contract feeling completely confident.

Got Questions About Photo Booth Costs? We've Got Answers

Let's be honest, wedding planning can feel like you're trying to solve a giant, expensive puzzle. When it comes to the photo booth, you've probably got a few questions buzzing around. Let's clear up the common head-scratchers so you can tick this off your list with total confidence.

You've got a vision for your booth, you've eyed up the cool add-ons, and now it's time to nail down the details. Think of this as your final checklist before the fun begins.

How Far in Advance Should I Book?

Ah, the golden question! The short answer? As soon as you possibly can. The really cool booths, especially the show-stopping 360° ones, are hot property. They get booked up lightning-fast, particularly for those coveted Saturday slots in the summer.

As a rule of thumb, aim to get your photo booth sorted 9 to 12 months out, right after you’ve locked in your venue and date. If you leave it to the last minute, you risk your first choice being gone, which is the last thing you want. Booking early doesn't just secure your favourite booth; it often locks in the current price before it goes up next year.

Think of it like trying to get tickets to see your favourite band. The most popular acts sell out in minutes. Securing your photo booth early is the event-planning equivalent of being first in the queue for Taylor Swift tickets – it guarantees you won't miss out.

Plus, it's one more massive thing off your to-do list. Win-win.

What’s Actually in a Standard Package?

This is a great point, because "standard" can mean different things to different companies. But generally, a basic hire package gives you all the crucial ingredients for a brilliant time. You're not just renting a box with a camera; you're getting a whole entertainment experience that your guests will be talking about for ages.

Here’s what you can usually expect to find in a standard deal:

• The Booth Itself: Typically for a solid 3 or 4 hours of run time.
• A Booth Attendant: A friendly expert who handles setup, keeps things running smoothly, and helps Aunty Carol figure out how to use the props.
• A Box of Props: A fun stash of silly hats, oversized glasses, and quirky signs to get the giggles going.
• Unlimited Prints: This is key! It means everyone in a group shot can walk away with their own copy. No fighting over who gets the picture.
• Digital Copies: After the party's over, you'll get all the high-res photos, usually via a link to an online gallery or on a USB stick.

Always get clarity on the details. Make sure you ask what "unlimited" really means and confirm there are no hidden charges for getting your digital gallery. Knowing exactly what’s included from the start saves any awkward surprises down the line.