Photo Booth Hire Prices Your Ultimate UK Insider Guide

Right, let's get straight to it. You want to know how much a photo booth is going to set you back for your big event. No fluff, just the numbers.

As a rule of thumb, for a standard, solid photo booth package in the UK, you should be thinking somewhere in the ballpark of £350 to £750. That typically gets you a 3-4 hour hire with all the essentials to get the party started, just like what you'd see at a fun-loving celebrity's bash, maybe someone like James Corden. It's a great starting point for your budget before we dive into what makes that price tag wiggle up or down.

Your Instant Guide to UK Photo Booth Hire Prices

Planning an event is a bit like spinning plates. You've got the venue, the music, the food… and the budget for it all. Getting a clear idea of costs is crucial, especially for the fun stuff like a photo booth. Think of this as your no-nonsense cheat sheet to figuring out the finances.

In the UK's buzzing event scene, you’ll find that most reputable photo booth companies charge between £150 and £300 per hour. So, for a typical four-hour booking, you're looking at a total of around £600 to £1,200. Of course, location matters. If you're planning a bash in London or the South East, expect to pay a premium – often 20-30% higher – thanks to higher demand and running costs.

A Quick Look at Average Costs

To break it down even further, here’s a handy table showing what you can generally expect to pay. These figures are based on a quality service that includes an attendant to keep things running smoothly, a decent stash of props, and those all-important instant prints for your guests.

Average UK Photo Booth Hire Price Ranges

This table gives you a quick summary of typical price brackets for standard photo booth hire packages across the UK.

Hire Duration	Average Price Range (UK)	Typical London Price Range
2 Hours	£350 – £450	£400 – £550
3 Hours	£450 – £600	£550 – £700
4 Hours	£600 – £750	£700 – £900+

Just remember, these are starting figures. The final quote will always depend on the bells and whistles you choose – the type of booth, specific features, and any cool customisations you want to add.

It can be interesting to see how these prices stack up against other types of equipment hire. For a bit of perspective, this guide on how much do vending machines cost gives you an idea of costs in a different industry, which helps put event pricing into a broader context.

So, now you've got the basic numbers in your head. With this foundation, we can get into the really interesting stuff: what actually influences that final price. Let's peel back the curtain and turn you into an expert who knows exactly what they're paying for.

So, What's Really Behind the Price Tag?

Ever get two photo booth quotes and scratch your head? One slides in at a breezy £350, while the other struts in demanding £800 for what looks like the same thing. It’s not smoke and mirrors; it’s a carefully mixed cocktail of factors, and understanding them is your secret weapon to getting the most bang for your buck.

Think of it like planning an A-list party for someone like Idris Elba. The venue, the guest list, how long the bar stays open—it all shapes the final bill. Photo booth hire is no different. The price is built on three core pillars: the type of booth you pick, how long you want it for, and where in the world your party is.

The Star of the Show: The Booth Itself

Let’s be honest, the biggest chunk of your quote comes down to the booth itself. A simple, open-air pod with a standard camera is the reliable indie band of the photo booth world—great fun, and it won’t break the bank. But a high-tech 360° spinner that creates epic, slow-motion videos? That’s the stadium headliner, and the price reflects the spectacle.

Different booths need different tech, more complex setups, and sometimes highly specialised staff to make the magic happen. This is where the price can really swing.

• Classic Enclosed Booths: The OG. These give you that nostalgic, private experience and usually sit in the lower to mid-price range.
• Open-Air Pods & Selfie Towers: Modern, sleek, and super versatile. They often land in a similar price bracket to the classic booths.
• Magic Mirrors: These are a whole vibe. With their interactive screens and full-length shots, they bring a touch of fairytale glamour and, you guessed it, a higher price tag.
• 360° Video Booths: The must-have for creating those jaw-dropping, shareable moments. They're at the top end of the scale because of their complex gear and setup.

Choosing your booth is like picking your headline act. A local acoustic duo and Beyoncé both provide music, but the experience, technical demands, and cost are in completely different leagues. Your booth sets the stage.

Time is Money: The Hire Duration

Next up is the clock. Most companies package their services in hourly blocks, usually starting at two or three hours. The sweet spot for most events, like a wedding reception or a corporate bash, is around four hours. This is typically enough to capture the peak party action.

Naturally, if you want the fun to last longer, you’ll pay more. But here’s a pro tip: the hourly rate often gets cheaper the longer you book. A five-hour hire might offer much better value per hour than a three-hour one, so it’s always worth asking about extended packages.

Also, get clear on what "hire duration" actually means. Does the clock start ticking when they arrive to set up? A good supplier won't charge you for setup and takedown; your paid time should be pure, unadulterated photo-taking fun.

Location, Location, Travel Fees

Finally, your party's postcode matters. A company's standard pricing will usually cover a specific patch, say, a 30-mile radius from their base. If your venue is out in the sticks or in the middle of a bustling city, expect a little extra on the bill for travel.

This isn't just about petrol money. It’s for the attendant's extra time and the logistics of getting all that gear to you. An event in central London might have to factor in congestion charges, while a wedding at a remote castle involves a serious time commitment from the team. Always give your venue's postcode upfront to get a truly accurate quote and avoid any nasty surprises later.

Choosing Your Booth: The Different Types and Costs

Let's get one thing straight: not all photo booths are cut from the same cloth. The price you pay is a direct reflection of the experience you get. It’s a bit like choosing a car for a special occasion – a vintage Rolls-Royce gives you classic charm, while a futuristic Tesla delivers a high-tech thrill. Both are fantastic, but they offer vastly different vibes and, of course, come with different price tags.

So, let’s take a stroll through the showroom and see what’s on offer. I'll pop the bonnet on each one to show you what makes them tick and, crucially, what they're likely to cost you.

Before we dive in, this handy diagram lays out the big-three factors that will always shape the final quote you receive.

As you can see, the style of the booth, how long you need it for, and where your event is happening are the main pillars holding up that final price.

Photo Booth Types and Typical Hire Prices

To make this super clear, here’s a quick-glance table breaking down the most popular options on the market. It compares their key features, typical hire prices for a standard 4-hour slot, and the kind of events they absolutely shine at.

Booth Type	Key Features	Average 4-Hour Hire Price	Best For
Classic Enclosed Booth	Privacy curtain, traditional photo strips, intimate feel	£400 – £600	Weddings, birthdays, proms
Open-Air Pod/Selfie Station	Custom backdrops, great for group shots, sleek design	£450 – £700	Corporate events, brand activations
Magic Mirror Booth	Full-length mirror, interactive touchscreen, animated prompts	£550 – £800	Gala dinners, awards nights, high-end parties
360° Video Booth	Slow-motion video, rotating camera, social media ready	£600 – £900+	Brand launches, festivals, milestone parties

This should give you a solid starting point for figuring out which booth not only fits your event's personality but also your budget. Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of what makes each one special.

The Classic Enclosed Booth

Ah, the original. The icon. This is the booth that started it all. It gives your guests that nostalgic, private space to pull a curtain and get properly silly without an audience. It’s the cosy pub corner of the photo booth world, perfect for capturing those truly candid, off-the-wall moments.

• Vibe: Intimate, classic, and heaps of fun.
• Best For: Traditional weddings, big birthday bashes, and school proms.

The Open-Air Pod and Selfie Station

Sleek, modern, and oh-so-sociable. The open-air pod throws the curtains wide open, inviting everyone to join in on the action. It's a dream for big group shots and looks incredible when paired with a custom-designed backdrop. Because there are no walls, you can cram more people in, turning it into a real party magnet.

These setups are chameleons; they can blend into almost any venue. While they capture instant fun, for a more curated experience, you might also look into things like professional photoshoots and makeovers.

The Glamorous Magic Mirror

Step right up, the mirror will see you now. This isn't just a mirror; it's a full-length, interactive showstopper. It throws out compliments, guides you with cheeky animations, and even lets you sign your name right on the screen. It's less of a booth and more of an entertainment centrepiece. Its elegant design makes it a firm favourite for swanky events where style is everything.

• Vibe: Sophisticated, interactive, and undeniably glamorous.
• Best For: Gala dinners, corporate awards nights, and seriously chic weddings.

The 360° Video Booth Experience

Hold on tight, because this is more than a photo booth – it’s a full-on content creation machine. Your guests hop onto a platform while a camera on a rotating arm swoops around them, capturing an incredible slow-motion, high-energy video. The results are slick, dynamic, and practically engineered to go viral.

If a classic booth gives you a charming snapshot, the 360° booth gives you a music video. It's the ultimate weapon for events that need to make a massive splash online.

The demand for these show-stopping experiences is huge, with the UK photo booth market projected to hit $54 million by 2033. It’s innovators like the 360° spinner that are driving this growth. For a four-hour hire in the UK, you can expect a price range of £600-£900+, which usually includes unlimited videos and custom overlays – an absolute must for brands looking for that shareable, branded content.

Ultimately, picking the right booth is all about matchmaking. Find the one whose personality clicks with your event, and you’ll create memories – and content – that last a lifetime.

Cracking the Code: What's Really Inside a Photo Booth Package?

Walk into the world of photo booths, and you'll be met with a dazzling array of packages. They're often given fancy names like ‘Bronze’, ‘Silver’, and ‘Gold’, but let's be honest, that doesn't tell you much. So, what are you actually paying for? It's time to pull back the curtain and see what these tiers really mean for your party.

To make sense of it all, let's break them down into three common styles. You’ve got your classic, fun-for-all package; a more polished, all-rounder perfect for weddings; and then the all-out, red-carpet experience—the kind of thing you'd expect to see at a Simon Cowell birthday bash.

The "Just Pure Fun" Package

This is your brilliant, no-frills starting point. It’s designed to bring a massive dose of laughter to your event without making your wallet weep. Don't let the word 'basic' fool you, though. A good company's entry-level package is still a powerhouse of entertainment, packed with everything you need for a fantastic time.

So, what’s usually in the box?

• 2-3 Hours of Booth Time: A perfect window to capture the main buzz of a party or a smaller reception.
• A Classic Prop Box: You know the drill—silly hats, oversized glasses, and cheeky signs. The essentials for getting people to let their hair down.
• Unlimited Prints: Guests can jump in as many times as they want and walk away with a print every single time. Simple as that.
• A Friendly Booth Attendant: This is crucial. You get a real person to keep the booth running smoothly, help your nan figure it out, and make sure everyone has a blast.

This package is the absolute sweet spot for birthday parties, anniversaries, and any get-together where the main goal is just to capture the joy of the moment.

The "Wedding & Corporate Favourite" Package

Alright, let's level up. The premium package is easily the most popular choice, and for good reason. It takes all the fun of the essential package and adds a few layers of polish and personalisation that create more lasting memories. This is the go-to for most weddings and corporate events where you want something that feels a bit more integrated and special. It’s less about a quick giggle and more about creating a centrepiece for your event's entertainment.

Here’s what you typically get on top:

• 4 Hours of Booth Time: This has become the industry standard. It's the ideal duration to cover an entire wedding reception or a full corporate do.
• A Curated Prop Collection: The props get an upgrade. Think higher-quality, often themed items that actually match your event’s style.
• Guest Book Service: This is a game-changer. Your attendant will pop a copy of each photo strip into a guest book and get your guests to scribble a message alongside it.
• Custom-Designed Prints: The photo strips themselves get a makeover, branded with your names, wedding date, or company logo.
• All the Digital Copies: After the party’s over, you’ll get a USB stick or a link to an online gallery with every single photo taken.

This package is what turns the photo booth from a fun distraction into a core part of your event. That guest book, in particular, becomes a hilarious, heartfelt keepsake that’s miles better than a traditional book of signatures. It's the sort of thoughtful detail someone like Reese Witherspoon would absolutely have at her party.

The "Full A-List" Bespoke Experience

Now we’re talking. This is the territory of pure, unadulterated wow-factor. A bespoke package isn't about picking from a list; it's about building your photo booth experience from scratch, with a team dedicated to bringing your wildest ideas to life. This is the celebrity choice, perfect for big-time brand launches, luxury weddings, or any milestone event that needs to be utterly unforgettable.

When you go bespoke, pretty much anything is possible. Just imagine what you’d find at an event thrown by Victoria Beckham. The menu of options could include:

• Custom-Built Booth & Backdrop: Forget standard shells. We're talking about a booth designed to match your brand's exact aesthetic or a stunning, one-of-a-kind backdrop that doubles as an art piece.
• Next-Level Booth Technology: This is where you get access to the really cool stuff, like mind-bending 360° video booths or green screens that can transport your guests anywhere in the world.
• Branded Everything: From custom-made props that feature your logo to personalised animations on the screen, every detail is crafted for a seamless brand experience.
• Instant Social Sharing: Dedicated stations where guests can email, text, or upload their glamorous shots and videos straight to social media, complete with your event hashtag.

Getting your head around these different tiers gives you a solid framework. It helps you understand the different photo booth hire prices out there, compare quotes like a pro, and ultimately choose the package that delivers the perfect experience for you and your guests.

Spotting Hidden Costs and Worthwhile Add-Ons

You've found a quote that looks perfect. The price is right, you're buzzing, and you're ready to book. But hang on just a second. Before you sign on the dotted line, you need to look past the headline number. Like a good magician's trick, the real action is often happening just out of sight, in the sneaky world of hidden fees and tempting add-ons.

Knowing how to navigate these potential extras is what separates a good event from a truly great one—it’s the kind of savvy that would make Kris Jenner proud. Let's shine a bright light into those shadowy corners and see what might actually be lurking on your final bill.

Common Extra Charges to Watch For

Nobody likes a surprise on their invoice. A decent photo booth company will always be upfront about extra charges, but it never hurts to know what to ask. These are the usual suspects that can pop up and inflate your cost.

• Idle Hours: Need the booth set up by 6 pm but don't want it running until the party really gets going at 8 pm? That two-hour gap is what we call 'idle time'. The booth and its attendant are on-site, waiting patiently, so most companies will charge a reduced hourly rate for this period.

• Travel Surcharges: Most quotes will cover travel within a set radius, say 30 miles. If your stunning, remote countryside venue is a bit further out, expect a surcharge to cover the extra fuel and the attendant's time.

• Extra Prints or Albums: Be careful with the word "unlimited". While many packages genuinely offer unlimited prints, some might cap the number or charge you for duplicate copies. If you want a second guest book album for the in-laws, that’ll likely be extra too. Always clarify what ‘unlimited’ really means.

Add-Ons That Are Truly Worth the Splurge

Right, on to the fun part. Add-ons aren't just about spending more money; they’re about investing in an experience that takes your event from memorable to legendary. These are the extras that deliver a massive return on investment in the form of guest happiness and jaw-dropping photos.

One of the most powerful upgrades is the 360° video booth. It's the kind of feature you’d see at one of Stormzy’s epic birthday parties. In the UK, you can expect to hire a 360° booth for somewhere between £300 to £600 for a four-hour package. That price usually includes the operator, travel, and instant social media sharing, making it a spectacular addition that gets everyone talking.

Think of add-ons as the accessories for your main outfit. The basic dress is great, but it’s the right shoes, bag, and jewellery that create the show-stopping look. Custom backdrops and luxury guest books do the same for your photo booth.

Here are a few more high-impact upgrades worth considering:

• Custom Backdrops: Ditch the standard backdrop for a lush flower wall, a glam sequin shimmer wall, or a custom-printed background with your company logo or wedding monogram. It instantly personalises every single photo.

• Luxury Guest Books: A gorgeous, leather-bound album paired with metallic pens transforms your guest book from a simple scrapbook into a cherished coffee table book you’ll actually want to look at for years to come.

• Social Media Sharing Stations: A dedicated tablet kiosk where guests can instantly email, text, or upload their photos and GIFs. This is an absolute must-have for corporate events looking to blow up their online presence.

• Green Screens: Fancy transporting your guests to Paris, the moon, or even the middle of a zombie apocalypse? A green screen makes it happen, offering endless creative fun and wildly imaginative photos.

By carefully weighing the potential hidden costs against the value of these game-changing add-ons, you can keep control of your budget while building an experience that truly reflects your event’s unique style and energy.

Squeezing Every Drop of Value from Your Photo Booth Hire

Let's be honest, everyone loves a good deal. But when it comes to hiring a photo booth, pinching pennies shouldn't be the main goal. It’s all about getting the best bang for your buck – a flawless, top-tier experience that has your guests raving for weeks.

Think of it less like haggling at a market and more like a strategic play. Your mission is to find that sweet spot where price meets perfection.

How to Book Like a Pro and Save a Few Bob

Booking way ahead of time is your secret weapon, especially if you're eyeing a prime-time slot like a summer Saturday. Most companies will happily offer a tasty early-bird discount to get your event locked in their calendar. It’s a simple move that not only saves you money but also guarantees you get the booth you actually want before it's booked up.

Timing is your friend here. If you've got a bit of wiggle room with your date, you're in a brilliant position to negotiate. A Thursday wedding or a corporate bash in January? That’s prime time for savings. Suppliers are naturally quieter then and much more likely to offer you a cracking deal on their photo booth hire prices.

Another smart move? Bundle up! If you’re already sourcing a DJ, some giant light-up letters, or a snazzy dance floor, see if your photo booth supplier can provide them too.

“Rolling multiple services into one package from a single, trusted supplier is a game-changer. It slashes your admin time and often unlocks a hefty discount. It’s a win-win: you get one point of contact, and they get more business.”

It’s the kind of savvy thinking that streamlines everything, freeing you up to focus on the fun stuff.

The Questions You Absolutely Must Ask Before Signing

Before you put pen to paper (or click 'confirm'), you need to do a little digging. A cheap price tag is worthless if the booth is a dud or the service is shoddy. Channel your inner investigative journalist, like a modern-day Louis Theroux, and vet your supplier properly.

Here are the non-negotiables you need to ask about:

• "Can I see a full gallery from one of your recent events?" This is the only way to judge the real-world quality of their photos.
• "What kind of props are we talking about?" You want to make sure you’re not getting a box of tired, seen-it-all-before feather boas.
• "Will an attendant be there for the whole time?" A dedicated attendant is crucial for keeping things running smoothly and making sure everyone has a blast. This is non-negotiable.
• "Are there any other costs I need to know about? Travel? Extra hours?" Get a fully itemised quote so there are no nasty surprises later.

Asking these questions helps you see past the price and focus on what really counts: a reliable, high-quality, and unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

Got Questions About Photo Booth Hire? We've Got Answers.

Still got a few questions buzzing around your head about photo booth hire prices? No worries, you're in the right place. We've rounded up the most common queries we hear day in, day out, and laid out the answers to give you those final pieces of the puzzle. Now you can book with total confidence.

Think of this as your backstage pass to all the insider info – the nitty-gritty details an event pro like Sharon Osbourne would demand before signing on the dotted line.

How Much Does a Wedding Photo Booth Typically Cost?

For a classic 3-4 hour wedding reception in the UK, a good rule of thumb is to budget between £400 and £750. That range usually bags you the full works: a friendly attendant to keep the fun flowing, a treasure chest of props, unlimited prints for your guests, and often a guest book service to stick them in.

Getting hitched in London? Or maybe you've fallen for a premium booth like a Magic Mirror? In that case, the price might creep closer to the £600-£900 mark. The golden rule is to always get a crystal-clear breakdown of what's included in any wedding package before you commit.

Are There Cheaper Alternatives to a Standard Photo Booth?

Absolutely! If the budget is a bit tight, don't despair. You’ve still got some fantastic options. Take a look at hiring a Selfie Pod or a digital-only GIF booth. These are brilliant, modern alternatives that won't make your wallet weep.

They take up less space, sometimes don't even need a dedicated attendant, and beam all those hilarious photos and GIFs straight to your guests' phones. You can find these starting from around £300, giving you all the party vibes for a fraction of the cost.

The big trade-off is usually the physical prints. If your main goal is getting killer content for social media, a Selfie Pod is an incredibly smart way to capture all the action.

Is a Deposit Required to Book a Photo Booth?

Yep, you can pretty much count on it. Nearly every reputable photo booth company will ask for a deposit to lock in your date. It's standard practice across the industry and gives both you and the supplier peace of mind. This is usually a percentage of the total hire fee (often 25-50%) or a flat booking fee.

Paying that deposit guarantees that booth is yours and yours alone for the day. The rest of the balance is typically due a few weeks before your event, so just make sure you’re clear on the payment schedule from the get-go.

Can I Get a Discount for Booking on a Weekday?

You sure can. Many suppliers will happily offer a better rate for mid-week bookings (think Monday to Thursday). It's simple supply and demand – a Tuesday evening is just not as busy as a primetime Saturday night! If your event falls on a weekday, you could see some very welcome savings.

Booking during the off-peak season (like the January-to-March lull) can also unlock some great deals. It never hurts to ask a potential supplier about their off-peak discounts. It's a savvy move even a superstar negotiator like Ed Sheeran would appreciate.