How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Photo Booth?
Published on
At OutSnapped, the number one question our clients ask us is "How much does it cost to rent a photo booth?"
For a three-hour event, photo booth rental costs can range from approximately $1,500 to $5,500 or more, depending on the type of experience, level of customization, staffing, printing, and additional features. Because every event is different, the final price depends on what you want the experience to include.
When comparing photo booth rental prices, it's important to look beyond the base rate. The booth setup, package features, event duration, branding, creative requirements, and add-ons can all affect the final quote.
Below, we'll break down the biggest factors that influence photo booth rental costs so you can understand what you're paying for and choose the right experience for your 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.
Today's photo booth options also extend well beyond traditional enclosed and open-air setups, with experiences ranging from classic printed photo strips and 360 video to AI photo booths, professional headshots, and mobile-first experiences.
Compare OutSnapped's Photo Booth Experiences
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 & Photo Booth Add-Ons
In addition to the standard package features, many photo booth companies offer add-ons that can affect the final price. Depending on the experience, these might include instant printing, AI photo transformations, 360 video, custom branding, branded galleries, event mosaics, lead capture, or additional analytics and reporting.
Ask what's included in the base package and what's considered an add-on so you can accurately compare quotes between vendors.
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
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 & 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
The cost of renting a photo booth depends on the type of experience, event duration, staffing, customization, printing, and any additional features you choose. A simple photo booth setup will typically cost less than a fully branded experience with custom creative, AI, video, lead capture, or advanced event technology.
When comparing quotes, focus on what's included rather than price alone. Ask about setup and breakdown, staffing, customization, digital delivery, printing, support, and any additional fees so you can compare vendors fairly.
Not sure which photo booth experience is right for your event? Explore OutSnapped's photo booth options, from classic printed booths and 360 video to AI experiences, professional headshots, and mobile-first activations.
See All Photo Booth Products & Experiences