Photo booth hire is one of the easiest ways to add entertainment and keepable memories to an event.
But not all photo booths are the same — and what you need for a wedding is often different to what works best
for a party or a corporate event.
This guide covers what photo booth hire includes, typical UK pricing, space requirements and how to choose the right setup.
your guest flow, and how you want people to receive their photos (prints, QR code, email or all three).
What is photo booth hire?
Photo booth hire is the rental of a photo booth setup for a set number of hours at your event.
Guests step up, take photos (often with props and a backdrop), and receive their images as instant prints,
digital downloads via QR code, or both.
What’s usually included with photo booth hire?
Packages vary, but most professional suppliers include the essentials needed for a smooth event:
- Booth setup (camera, lighting, touchscreen experience)
- Guest photo experience (tap-to-start, countdown, photo capture)
- Delivery, setup and collection
- Backdrop and props (often optional upgrades)
- Instant prints (if you choose a printing package)
- Digital sharing via QR code, email or text
- Online gallery (sometimes included, sometimes add-on)
The right option depends on your venue and how “hands-on” you want the booth to be.
How much does photo booth hire cost in the UK?
Pricing depends on hire duration, whether you want unlimited prints, and how premium the booth experience is.
As a rough guide:
Budget / Short Hire
Often suited to smaller events or venues with very simple requirements.
Typically includes a basic setup and digital sharing.
Typical: low-to-mid hundreds
Most Popular (Print + Digital)
A balanced package that includes prints for guests plus QR/email sharing.
Great for weddings and parties where people want something to take home.
Typical: mid hundreds
Premium / Staffed / High-Output Events
Best for larger guest numbers, premium booth designs, brand activations, or events needing
structured data capture and support.
Typical: high hundreds to four figures
Corporate Branding & Activations
Includes branded overlays, custom screens, data capture options and production-style support.
Ideal for exhibitions, product launches and in-store experiences.
Typical: four figures (varies by scope)
Which type of photo booth is right for your event?
Different booths work best in different situations. Here’s a simple way to choose:
Open-air booths (like selfie pods)
- Best for: fast guest flow, larger groups, modern events
- Why: quick to use, flexible backgrounds, easy sharing
- Consider: can feel “open” in very formal venues unless styled well
Enclosed booths
- Best for: guests who want privacy, classic booth vibe
- Why: encourages sillier photos and repeated visits
- Consider: needs more space and access routes
Magic mirror-style booths
- Best for: weddings and elegant venues where the booth is part of the décor
- Why: interactive animations and a premium look
- Consider: can be slower at peak times (guest queues)
How much space do you need for a photo booth?
As a rule of thumb, allow enough room for the booth, backdrop, and a small queue.
Many setups work well in an area roughly the size of a small corner of the room, but larger backdrops
and premium layouts need more space.
confirm access details early. Smooth access = faster setup and fewer surprises.
What to ask before you book photo booth hire
- Is printing included? If yes, is it unlimited prints or a set amount?
- How do guests get digital copies (QR, email, gallery)?
- Is there on-site staffing, remote support, or both?
- Do you have PLI insurance and PAT-tested equipment?
- Can the template/overlay be customised to match our event style or branding?
- What happens if a printer or camera issue occurs on the night?
Photo booth hire for weddings vs parties vs corporate events
Weddings
Focus on a booth that looks good in photos, fits the venue décor, and runs smoothly during peak moments
(after first dance, during evening party).
Parties
Prioritise speed, fun props and instant sharing. Open-air booths often work best for busy party rooms.
Corporate
Branding, data capture, reliability and content output matter. A supplier with corporate experience
is usually worth it.
In-store activations
Footfall flow, quick user experience, and staff-friendly operation are key. Digital delivery and brand consistency
make the biggest difference.
Ready to explore photo booth hire options?
View PictureBlast photo booth options for weddings, parties and corporate events:
Photo Booth Hire
and our
Branded Photo Booths.
Tip: If you already know your venue and date, have your guest count and start/finish times ready — it speeds up quoting.
Frequently asked questions
Is unlimited printing really unlimited?
Usually it means unlimited prints within the hire time, but the number of prints per session (one copy or multiple copies)
can vary. Always confirm what “unlimited” includes.
Can we have both prints and digital sharing?
Yes — many setups include instant prints plus QR code sharing or an online gallery, which is ideal for guests who prefer digital.
Do we need an attendant?
Some hires are fully staffed, some are unattended with remote support, and some are a mix.
If your event is high-footfall or corporate, staffed is often safer.
Related:
Photo Booth Hire |
Branded Photo Booths |
Events We Cover