How Much Does It Really Cost To Hire A Photo Booth?
If you're planning a wedding, birthday party or special event in 2027, chances are you've already started looking at ways to keep your guests entertained. And if a photo booth has made it onto your wish list, one of the first questions you're probably asking is: how much does it actually cost to hire one?
It's a fair question, but it's not always an easy one to answer. A quick search online can throw up prices ranging from around £100 to well over £800, which can leave you wondering what's included, why there's such a difference and whether paying more really makes a difference.
The truth is that photo booth hire comes in all shapes and sizes. From simple digital selfie stations to fully equipped enclosed booths with unlimited prints, personalised designs and an attendant looking after everything, there's something to suit most events and budgets.
So, let's take a closer look at what you can expect to pay for photo booth hire in 2027, what influences the price and, perhaps more importantly, what you should be looking for when choosing the right company.
So, how much does photo booth hire cost in 2027?
As a general guide, a professionally supplied photo booth package in the UK can cost anywhere from around £150 to £750 or more, depending on the type of booth, hire duration and what's included.
Prices can be higher in London and parts of the South East, while smaller digital-only setups and simpler packages can be considerably less.
Of course, these are general market guide prices rather than fixed industry rates. Every company operates differently, and the equipment, service and extras included can make a significant difference.
At Box Photo Booths, we've always believed that great entertainment shouldn't have to cost a fortune. That's why we've introduced a selection of packages designed to offer different experiences with our selfie pods starting at £195 for three hours of hire.
That's a lot of entertainment for your money!
Why are some photo booths £150 and others £700?
This is probably one of the biggest questions people have when comparing photo booth companies.
At first glance, two companies might appear to be offering exactly the same thing. Both advertise a photo booth, both turn up at your event and both promise plenty of fun. But once you start looking at the finer details, you might discover that the experiences are actually quite different.
The type of equipment being supplied is one of the biggest factors. A compact digital selfie pod, for example, will generally cost less to operate than a traditional enclosed booth with professional lighting, printing equipment and a larger setup.
Then there's the service itself. Is someone there to look after your guests? Are unlimited prints included? Can you personalise your photographs with your names, event date or company branding? Are props supplied? What about delivery, installation and collection?
All these little details add up.
It's also worth remembering that an established company with years of experience, properly maintained equipment and reliable backup arrangements has overheads that a newer or less established operator might not have.
None of this means you should automatically choose the most expensive option. Far from it. It simply means that when comparing prices, it's important to understand exactly what you're getting.
What should be included in a good photo booth package?
This is where I'd always recommend looking beyond the headline price.
A good photo booth experience should be about much more than simply having a camera in the corner of a room. You want something that's easy for your guests to use, produces great photographs and adds something genuinely enjoyable to your event.
For traditional photo booth hire, I'd look for a package that includes delivery, setup and collection, along with an attendant who can help guests and keep everything running smoothly.
If you're booking a print-inclusive package, check whether prints are unlimited or whether there's a restriction on how many photographs can be printed. It might not sound particularly important when you're booking, but it's something you'll appreciate when your guests are queuing up for another go!
Personalised photo templates are another lovely touch. Having your names, wedding date or event details included on the photographs makes them feel much more personal and gives your guests something to take home.
Props can add another layer of fun, too. Oversized glasses, silly hats and all those wonderfully ridiculous accessories have a habit of bringing out everyone's inner comedian!
Finally, don't forget the digital side of things. Many modern photo booths offer ways for guests to receive their photographs digitally, making it easy to share those slightly questionable poses with friends and family afterwards.
Does the type of photo booth affect the price?
Absolutely! And this is where things get a little more interesting because there are now so many different styles of photo booth available.
The traditional enclosed photo booth is still a favourite. There's something wonderfully nostalgic about squeezing your friends inside, pulling the curtain across and waiting for the photographs to appear. They're brilliant for weddings, parties and events where guests want to let their hair down.
Open-air photo booths offer something a little different. Without the traditional enclosure, they allow larger groups to get involved and can be styled to complement the surroundings. They're particularly popular at weddings where the appearance of the entertainment is just as important as the experience itself.
Then there are selfie pods. These tend to be more compact and contemporary, offering a simple way for guests to take photographs and share them digitally. They're ideal for venues where space might be limited or where a more modern look is preferred.
Magic mirrors bring another dimension to the experience. Combining a full-length mirror with interactive touchscreen technology, they offer something a little more eye-catching and can make a real feature at an event.
And let's not forget 360 video booths. These have become increasingly popular for corporate events, capturing guests from every angle as a camera moves around them. They're certainly a little different from your traditional photo booth!
Each style has its own advantages, and the price will generally reflect the equipment, technology and level of service involved.
The best choice isn't necessarily the most expensive one. It's the one that works best for your event, your venue and the kind of experience you want your guests to have.
Is it worth paying more for a photo booth?
In our opinion, it's worth paying for quality and reliability, but that doesn't necessarily mean spending a fortune.
Think about what you want from your photo booth. Is it simply something to keep guests entertained for a couple of hours, or are you looking for a more elaborate experience with printed keepsakes, personalised features and a particular style of setup?
One thing I'd always suggest is checking how long a company has been operating and whether you can see examples of its actual equipment at real events.
Photographs on a website can look fantastic, but it's worth making sure that what you see is what you'll actually receive.
Read a few reviews, check what's included and don't be afraid to ask questions before booking. A reputable company should be more than happy to explain its packages and help you choose something suitable.
We have some great Google Reviews, just tap us into Google!
Experience matters, too. Knowing how to work with different venues, dealing with unexpected little hiccups and making sure guests feel comfortable using the booth are all part of providing a good service.
At Box Photo Booths, we've been creating photo booth experiences since 2014. Over the years, we've seen the industry change enormously, from traditional enclosed booths to the wonderful variety of modern setups available today. One thing, however, has never changed: people love having fun and making memories!
When should you book your photo booth?
If you've got a particular date in mind, I'd always recommend getting in touch sooner rather than later.
Our Fotoautomat & Fotokabine generally are our most popular and require as much advance booking as you can, we except bookings up to 18 months or so in advance.
Our Old Bench & Rustic Tower tend to be a little less and we reccommend around 6-9 months in advance.
Our Selfie Pods, well we have so many that we will always have one available for something, but if youre after a specific one, get in touch as and enquire today.
Wedding season, particularly between May and September, can get incredibly busy. Saturdays are especially popular, and the same applies to December when Christmas parties and celebrations start filling up the calendar.
That doesn't mean you won't find availability at shorter notice, but booking early gives you a much better chance of securing the booth and package you really want.
It's also worth thinking about your venue when making a booking. Some booths need more room than others, and knowing the available space can help you choose the right setup from the beginning.
If you're unsure, speak to your photo booth company. A little planning beforehand can make all the difference on the day.
Affordable photo booth hire doesn't mean compromising on fun!
So, how much should you budget for photo booth hire in 2027?
Ultimately, that depends on what you're looking for. You might want a straightforward digital experience, a traditional enclosed booth with printed photographs or something a little more elaborate to make a statement at your event.
The good news is that there's plenty of choice, and you don't necessarily need to spend hundreds and hundreds of pounds to give your guests a fantastic experience.
At Box Photo Booths, we offer a range of different photo booth styles and packages to suit weddings, parties and events of all kinds.
Our packages include options for those looking for a more comprehensive experience, as well as those working to a budget.
We've been doing this since 2014, and we know that every event is different. Whether you're planning a relaxed countryside wedding, a big birthday celebration or a corporate event, we're always happy to help you find something that fits.
We cover Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Devon, Surrey, Cornwall and beyond, bringing a little extra fun to events across the UK.
So, if you're thinking about hiring a photo booth in 2027, why not take a look at what we have to offer?
Box Photo Booths
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