How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Photo Booth?

by Nicholas Rhodes
Last Updated on August 24, 2023
How much does it cost to rent photo booth?
How much does it cost to rent photo booth?

At OutSnapped, the number one questions our clients ask us is "How much does it cost to rent a photo booth?"

Based on a 3 hour event, our video & photo booth renal cost range from $1,500 to around $5,500. Please take those numbers with a grain of salt however, as there are many variables that go into the final cost.

When it comes to photo booth rentals, there are a lot of factors that can affect the price. The type of booth (DSLR Photo Booths vs iPad Photo Booth), the package features, and any special features you add on all play a role in how much you'll end up paying.

In this post, we'll go over some of the most important pricing considerations so you can budget accordingly for your next event.


Type of Photo Booth

There are two main types of photo booths: enclosed and open-air. Enclosed photo booths provide more privacy for guests and typically are a lot bulkier and harder to transport to your event location, which results in a higher price tag. Open-air photo booths tend to be less expensive but are not as private as their enclosed counterparts. Another way to think about it is, with a classic photo booth, guests will close the curtain and document a private moment and with an open-air photo booth rental like a 360 Degree Video Booth, the experience tends to be a lot more performative.


Photo Booth Package Features

Most photo booth rental companies offer different package options that come with different features. For example, some packages may include unlimited prints while others consider instant photo booth prints as an add-on. Some packages may include props while others do not. Be sure to ask about what's included in each package so you can compare apples to apples.


Special features & add-ons will affect the cost of a photo booth rental
Special features & add-ons will affect the cost of a photo booth rental

Special Features & Photo Booth Add-Ons

In addition to the standard package features, many photo booth rental companies offer a variety of special features that you can add on for an additional cost. Common special features include social media sharing, green screen backgrounds, event mosaics and custom branding. Again, be sure to ask about pricing for any special features you're interested in so there are no surprises later on.


Customer Service

Photo booth rentals have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they can add a fun and unique element to any event. However, the cost of renting a photo booth can vary widely depending on several factors so as a consumer, you'll have to weigh which factors are most important to you.

The quality of customer service is one important consideration. A photo booth company that is responsive and easy to work with is likely to charge more than one that is less reliable.


Creative vision and quality of final products will affect how much a photo booth rental costs.
Creative vision and quality of final products will affect how much a photo booth rental costs.

Creative Vision and Quality of Final Products

Similarly, the creative vision of the photo booth operator can also affect the price. A booth that is more customized and unique is likely to cost more than a standard booth.

The quality of the final product is also an important factor. A company that uses high-quality materials and takes care to create a well-crafted finished product is likely to charge more than a company that cuts corners.


Insurance & Experience

The more experience a company has, the better they tend to understand the cost of running its business smoothly and properly.

Insurance is another important consideration. When comparing your photo booth industry vendors, prices may vary widely depending on the level of event experience and professional liability insurance coverage.

Reputable photo booth rental companies should include professional liability insurance, event liability insurance, and cyber security insurance at a bare minimum. If prices seem too good to be true, ask your prospective photo booth vendors for a copy of their certificate of in insurance (COI for short) and compare with and contrast with their rental prices.

Another factor to consider is if your photo booth vendor relies on a specific photo booth software or if they have backups in the event of technical difficulties.

It is important to consider if you're working with an insured company or just a side-hustler when comparing prices for photo booth rentals.


Non-Profit Discounts

Many businesses offer discounts to non-profit groups, schools and military organizations. At OutSnapped, we keep our prices as low as possible while still being able to provide the level of quality and services our clients expect and deserve.

If you're renting a photo booth for a non-profit event, you may be eligible for a discount from some rental companies. Be sure to mention that you're with a non-profit when inquiring about pricing so the company can let you know if they offer any discounts.

These discounts can range from a percentage off of the purchase price to free shipping or a set dollar amount off of the total order. To take advantage of these discounts, you will need to provide proof of your affiliation with the organization. For example, you may need to show tax exempt status, a valid ID card or membership card. Some businesses also require that you fill out a short form or provide contact information for the organization. However, the effort is often worth it, as these discounts can save you a significant amount of money. As such, it’s always worth checking to see if your organization is eligible for a discount before making a purchase.


Length of Your Event or Activation

Most photo booth companies offer deals for a set number of hours, with additional hours running about $250-$750 more per hour. Be sure to make sure your vendor includes setup and takedown time in addition to your rental duration. For example, if you want to use the booth for three hours, you should plan for at least 15-20 minutes on each end for setting up and taking down the booth. When your photo booth package includes instant printing, a setup of 1 to 2 hours may be required.

Make sure you know if the company you hire will charge extra for setting up and taking down the equipment during your three-hour event, or if that is already included in the contract. When you first book the photo booth, make sure you know how long you will need it. You might not always be able to extend your reservation after the initial booking as most photo booth rental companies have events during the day and at night, so even if you are willing to pay more, they may not be able to keep the photo booth going longer for you.


Time and Date Can Affect the Price of a Photo Booth Rental

New Years Eve is one of the busiest times for photo booth rental companies and also one of the most expensive days to operate business on. While you may not have ever thought about it before, the cost of transportation and staffing are significantly higher than the rest of the year. Christmas is another busy time for photo booth rentals, as many people host holiday parties and want a photo booth available for guests.

With some vendors, prices in photo booth rental costs may be slightly higher on the weekends, as that is when most events are held. However, weekday rates are typically lower, so if you are flexible with your event date, you may be able to save some money. Ultimately, the day of the week and time of day that you rent a photo booth can impact the final price depending on your vendor.


Levels of branding and customization will affect how much it costs to rent a photo booth for your event.
Levels of branding and customization will affect how much it costs to rent a photo booth for your event. Levels of branding and customization will affect how much it costs to rent a photo booth for your event.

Levels of Branding & Customization

When renting a photo booth, it's important to consider how much customization and branding you want. A fully branded experience, with branded digital touchpoints and a vinyl wrap, will cost more than a basic photo booth rental. However, the branded web and mobile experiences will provide your guests with a more unique and memorable experience. If you're looking for a way to make your event stand out, investing in a branded photo booth is a great way to do it. However, if you're on a tight budget, you can still get a great photo booth by choosing from a library of photo booth templates and opting for a less customized experience.


Conclusion

As you can see, there are a lot of factors that go into how much a photo booth rental will cost. The type of booth, the package features, and any add-ons, customizations or special features you add on all play a role in setting the price. By considering all of these factors ahead of time, you can budget appropriately for your next event. Picture-perfect memories are worth investing in, so steer clear of any photo booth that seems to have bargain prices. As the only adage goes, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Most likely, the quality of service and experience won't be as high as you would hope.

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