A Simple Guide to Wedding Photo Booths (2024)

Though most weddings have no shortage of photographers—from the ones you actually hired to your friends and family members capturing moments on their phones—photo booths are increasingly becoming popular at modern-day nuptials.“Photo booths have stood the test of time and continue to be a hit at every event,” says Kiersten Rooney of LB Events + Design, who has seen the concept evolve and strengthen over the last two decades.

She continues by highlighting that, “The benefit of having a photo booth is entertainment for guests and a built-in take-away. Every culture, age group, and party-goer enjoys a freebie, and a photo booth is the perfect solution to get people excited!” What's more, photo booth companies provide a range of options and add-ons, from simple shots to professional attendants and standard backdrops to specialty filters. Meaning, there’s a booth to fit any venue, vibe, or budget.

Before confirming your rental, however, there are some things you should know about this particular reception detail, such as the setup options and costs associated with this add-on. Ahead, here's our simple guide to wedding photo booths.

The 3 Main Types of Photo Booths

Rooney divides photo booths into three basic categories: traditional, open-air, and portrait. Each offers a diverse experience, as highlighted below.

Traditional

This type of photo booth is likely the one you remember from the boardwalks and arcades of your childhood. “A super traditional photo booth would be an enclosed booth that prints out a strip of typically four photos,” explains Rooney. Though these types of booths are harder to find, more difficult to transport, and offer limited space for group shots, the nostalgia factor (and the iconic photo strips) add plenty of entertainment value.

Open Air

An open-air photo booth isn’t exactly a booth: It’s a freestanding machine that you set up in front of your own backdrop to capture a few quick, consecutive shots of each couple, individual, or group. (The shots can be printed onsite or sent digitally to your guests.) “Open air are the most common photo booths these days and can be found at a range of cost,” Rooney says. “Some are better than others in that they offer props, backdrop options, and filters.”

Rooney also notes that open-air booths allow for a flexible and versatile experience, as they provide couples with the opportunity to create a custom background and allow guests to capture images of larger groups. “These fit almost anywhere and are good for almost any occasion,” adds Rooney. Two cautions, though: “They can be awkward-looking during setup, and can feel cheesy—depending on the props.”

Portrait Booth

For the most sophisticated experience, choose a portrait booth staffed by a professional photographer. The resulting photos are high-quality keepsakes, professionally directed, with a major wow factor, Rooney explains. That said, they also require a larger investment of time—and money. “Portraits are more expensive because there is a person who physically attends the booth for the duration of the rental,” shares Rooney. “For clients who are looking for something really elevated and high-end, the portrait booth would be my recommendation. The few times we’ve done this, it has really been a show-stopping moment and played a bigger role in the overall experience compared to a standard photo booth.”

What to Consider Before Renting a Wedding Photo Booth

Though the type of photo booth you choose should be your top consideration, there are other elements to consider—factors that can either drive up or trim down the final price.

Rental Duration

Photo booths typically come in two- to four-hour rental blocks, which offers more than enough time for your guests to strike a pose. As with any of your vendors, though, Rooney says “The more hours you want, the more it will cost." She also explains that your rental duration will include the set-up time, so keep that in mind when booking this party prop.

Flattering Filters

If you and your guests are devoted to social media filters, then upgrading your booth to include one is a popular choice, says Rooney. “Lately, our clients have been really into the Glam Filters—this is an Instagram-like filter that softens photos and is usually applied to black and white images,” she shares. “Everyone loves it so I say, worth it!”

Speciality Add-Ons

While Rooney has seen her clients move away from digital GIF options, many continue to embrace “fun but cheesy” green screen backgrounds. Some companies also offer a red carpet-inspired, 360-degree camera—though this only works in specific locations. “[These are] super fun, but require a lot of space and consideration of the 360 background,” she says.

How to Save Money on a Wedding Photo Booth

Offer your guests the fun of a photo booth, without breaking the bank, by considering these alternatives.

Keep It Simple

Your photo booth doesn’t need to be stocked with props, connected to filters, or set up in front of an elaborate backdrop to create a fun and memorable guest experience—so streamlining your booth is an effective way to cut costs without impacting the overall effect. “Go basic!” says Rooney. “People love the photo booth NO. MATTER. WHAT! They honestly don’t always notice the frills, but really just want something to take home.”

Incorporate Your Venue

Another smart way to mitigate the costs of an open-air photo booth or portrait booth is by finding a beautiful backdrop at your location to replace a personalized background. “If you don’t have the budget to go with a custom backdrop, lean into your venue!” says Rooney. "Find that cute brick wall, unique wood door, or a setting with nature (if it’s light out) to use as your backdrop.”

Set Up a DIY Station

Give your guests the chance to capture every candid moment by setting up a photo station with instant or disposable cameras. “Encourage guests to take two [instant] photos—one to keep and one to give to the couple,” says Rooney. “Buy some film and a camera and call it a day!”

Create a "Photo Moment" Instead

Rooney has also seen her clients create “photo ops” or “photo moments” instead of dedicated booths: think Champagne walls, jaw-dropping seating charts, or stunning floral installations. “This is where you either have a stand-alone moment that is curated so guests will feel encouraged to take photos in front of it, or it doubles as something else,” she says. “While I think anyone would be a good candidate for this, it might be suited best for the couple who is creative and wants their guests to feel inclined to take photos—but maybe doesn’t have the budget or space for activations and extra entertainment.”