How much does a photo booth rental cost?

Author: Jen K.
Millions of people ask Fash for cost estimates every year. We track the estimates they get from local professionals, then we share those prices with you.

One of the most entertaining ways to add a dose of fun and a few laughs to an event is with the help of a photo booth. Photo booths are a great way to commemorate events, whether it's a wedding or a corporate event. However, the cost of a photo booth isn't a solid number that is set in stone. That's because photo booths can range in price. There are several factors that can impact the price of a photo booth, too. Here are a few points to take into account:

Booth Types

Patrons can choose among several types of photo booths, including open-air photo booths with a backdrop, enclosed photo booths and open-air style photo booths without a backdrop. The type of booth selected can impact the final price a renter pays for the photo booth.

For example, open-air booths with cameras and a backdrop are typically less expensive than enclosed photo booths. That's because enclosed photo booths often require more structure and material than open-air photo booths. For instance, enclosed photo booths often need several curtain backdrops in comparison to an open-air photo booth. Moreover, open-air photo booths that don't have a backdrop are usually less expensive than open-air photo booths that include a backdrop.

Package

What a photo booth package includes can also impact the final price of a photo booth rental. It's not uncommon to come across photo booth price quotes that include a set amount of hours. Instead of renting by the hour, it's typical for photo booth rental companies to bundle three or four hours of time in the package. Some patrons take it a step further by bundling packages with other common features, such as music and lighting. For example, Maryland-based MusicMasters offers photo booth rental packages that include sound, personal planning, a DJ and round-the-clock support for $895 versus its ceremony, reception and uplights photo booth package which also includes 10 uplights for $1,295.

Special Features

When special features are added to the photo booth package it can effect the final price of the package. Some special features that photo booth rentals offer may include photo galleries, custom backdrops, additional props and photo albums, which all can add to the expense of photo booth rentals. For instance, Maryland-based Mullinix Photo Booths charges $500 for four hours for a wedding photo booth with props while First Dance Entertainment offers custom photo booth rentals with photo galleries, which can impact the final cost.

Time and Date

The day of the week and time of day also can impact the final price of a photo booth. For example, the weekend is typically a more expensive time to rent photo booths than weekdays. Thus, it's not uncommon to see an increased price difference when renting photo booths for weekend weddings as opposed to events held on a Thursday. Also, any additional time used beyond the standard time allotted for the photo booth rental is subject to additional costs. So, it's important for patrons to ask about the price differences based on the date and time of the event.

How to Save

There are tons of ways that party patrons can save on the cost of a photo booth for their event. Here are some key tips to consider:

• Discounts are frequently available for non-profit groups, schools, military groups and other organizations, so it's a good idea to inquire about a group discount.
• Patrons should consider the full length of time they will need for their guests to enjoy the photo booth and how many guests will attend their event. This will help them to determine if buying an upgraded packaging with additional time will save them money compared paying extra fees for going over the standard photo booth timeframe.
• Open-air booths typically cost less than enclosed booths and present a savings opportunity that patrons can take advantage of.