Photo Booth Rental Cost Guide 2025: How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Photo Booth?

Headshot of Puddles Photo Booth owner
Connor Eggerman
18 June 2025
9 min read
Group photo with a wedding photo booth rental in Portland, OR

Photo Booth Rental Cost Guide

Thinking about renting a photo booth for your wedding, party, or corporate event? You’re not alone—and you're probably wondering how much a photo booth rental costs.

To give you the most accurate idea of what you should expect to pay for a photo booth, we analyzed pricing from 89 photo booth rental companies across 26 of the top cities in the U.S.

This guide breaks down average costs by booth type and region, so whether you're pricing out a Glam Booth in LA or a Selfie Station in Chicago, you’ll get a real sense of what to expect.

Table of Contents

Photo Booth Rental Prices: 2025 Average Cost Breakdown

How much does it cost to rent a photo booth in 2025? The average cost to rent a photo booth in the U.S. is between $550 and $1,100 for a 3-hour rental, depending on the booth type, location, and additional add-ons.

To give you some extra intel here are the statistics you need to know, at a glance:

  • The average photo booth costs between $550 and $1,100 for a 3 hour rental, giving you an hourly rate anywhere from $180-$400 per hour. 
  • The type of photo booth drastically affects the rental cost. Our analysis found that Selfie Stations are the most affordable photo booth rental option ranging from $300-$940, while Glam Bots are the most expensive ranging from $2,000-$5,500.
  • Where you’re located has a meaningful impact on price. If you live in the Southwestern states of the US you’ll be paying the lowest prices on average. For those in the Northeast, I’m sure you’re used to it but you’ll be paying the most. 
  • Add-Ons and customizations can add hundreds to your rental cost. If you’re looking to make your photo booth unique with flower walls, custom designs, photo albums, etc. you can expect to add anywhere from $150-$800 in additional costs depending on what you choose to do. 

Types of Photo Booths and What They Cost

First things first—not all photo booths are created equal. Let’s take a quick tour through the most popular types and what you can expect to pay for each.

Average Photo Booth Rental Costs by Photo Booth Type

Based on data from 89 companies across 26 of the top U.S. cities

Booth Type
Average 3 Hour Rental Cost
Hourly Rate
Total Cost Range
Selfie Station
$556
$185/hr
$300 – $940
Open-Air
$870
$290/hr
$500 – $1,750
Glam Booth
$1,180
$393/hr
$740 – $2,295
360 Booth
$1,170
$390/hr
$675 – $2,500
Enclosed Booth
$1,337
$446/hr
$800 – $2,300
Van Booth
$1,393
$464/hr
$938 – $2,000
Photo Lounge
$2,000
$667/hr
$895 – $3,500
Glam Bot
$3,500
$1,167/hr
$2,000 – $5,500

Open-Air Photo Booths

Open-Air photo booths are your classic backdrop + professional camera photo booths that come with printed photos. Much like the name suggests these are open-air, which means they’re not enclosed like the old school photo booths you’ll find at a bar. These are super flexible and perfect for all kinds of events, from weddings to casual parties.

  • Best For: Weddings, birthdays, holiday parties, corporate events and brand activations
  • Good to Know: Great for large groups, easy to customize with custom backdrops or props. Will need at least a 7x7ft space. 

Cost of Open-Air Photo Booths

The national average cost for an Open-Air photo booth rental is $870 for 3 hours, giving you an hourly rate of $290/hour. Based on our nation-wide analysis we found that the total cost for the typical 3 hour Open-Air rental can range from $500-$1,750.

Portland, Oregon photo booth rental with festive guests at white flower backdrop

Glam Photo Booths

While Glam Booths are a type of Open-Air photo booth, they add a few hundred bucks to the bottom line as they come with a black and white filter as well as a skin smoothening filter to give you that flawless glow.  

  • Best For: Weddings, galas, holiday parties, high-end events
  • Good to Know: While we love the black and white look, some people at your event may want colored photos. Check with your photo booth provider to ask if they can provide both options on the day of the event. This should not be an issue nor should it cost extra. Also ask to see photo examples. Some companies go a little too hard on the skin smoothening filter to the point where people look like porcelain dolls. Steer away from this, unless that’s your thing.  

Cost of Glam Photo Booths

The national average cost for a Glam photo booth rental is $1,180 for 3 hours, giving you an hourly rate of $390/hour. Based on our nation-wide analysis we found that the total cost for the typical 3 hour Glam Booth rental can range from $740-$2,295. 

Glam photo booth rental with stylish couple in sunglasses posing

Enclosed Photo Booths

If you’ve been to a bar or a movie theater there’s a good chance you’ve hopped in one of these. Enclosed photo booths give you that traditional "booth" feel—curtains, privacy, and all the nostalgia.

  • Best For: Guests who like a little privacy or want that retro experience. Events where solo photos or small group photos (3-4 people) are preferred over large group photos.
  • Good to Know: Enclosed photo booths may be harder to come by and can be a bit pricier than other options. They will also limit the group size compared to open-air booths.

Cost of Enclosed Photo Booths

The national average cost for an Enclosed photo booth rental is $1,337 for 3 hours, giving you an hourly rate of $446/hour. Based on our nation-wide analysis we found that the total cost for the typical 3 hour Enclosed photo booth rental can range from $800-$2,300.

Modern enclosed photo booth rental with agave plant near curved roof building
Enclosed photo booth by Homestead Photo Booth

Selfie Stations

Selfie stations are a compact, open-air setup designed for guests to take their own photos using a touchscreen interface. These are also considered “iPad Photobooths” as the photos are taken from the camera of an iPad rather than a professional camera. Selfie stations tend to be user-operated, requiring no attendant, making them the most cost-effective choice.

  • Best For: Casual events and events with lower budgets.
  • Good to Know: While some companies offer prints with their selfie stations, most don’t. These are typically digital only rentals. Selfie Stations come with several capture methods including photos, GIFs, and Boomerangs.

Cost of Selfie Stations

The national average cost for a Selfie Station rental is $556 for 3 hours, giving you an hourly rate of $185/hour. Based on our nation-wide analysis we found that the total cost for the typical 3 hour Selfie Station rental can range from $300-$940

Group posing for a selfie station photo

360 Photo Booths

360 photo booths are an open-air, interactive setup that captures a full 360-degree video of guests as a rotating camera arm spins around a small platform that guests stand on. 

  • Best For: High-energy events, brand activations, corporate events
  • Good to Know: 360 photo booths require more space than most other photo booths (up to 10x10ft). It’s important to know your audience. If you’re going to have a more shy crowd, this isn’t your best photo booth option. 

Cost of 360 Photo Booths

The national average cost for a 360 Photo Booth rental is $1,170 for 3 hours, giving you an hourly rate of $390/hour. Based on our nation-wide analysis we found that the total cost for the typical 3 hour 360 Photo Booth rental can range from $675-$2,500.

Glam Bot Photo Booths

A Glambot photo booth is a high-end, open-air setup using a robotic arm and high-speed camera to capture cinematic, slow-motion videos in ultra-HD. There’s a high probability you’ve seen videos of celebrities using these at Hollywood red-carpet events.

  • Best For: High-end events like weddings, corporate galas, or red-carpet activations
  • Good to Know: Glam Bots are harder to come by but are gaining popularity as a few companies have started to manufacture these at scale. This is by far the most expensive photo booth option as it has the most high tech features, requires the most space, and has an extensive set up. 

Cost of Glam Bot Photo Booths

The national average cost for a Glam Bot Photo Booth rental is $3,500 for 3 hours, giving you an hourly rate of $1,167/hour. Based on our nation-wide analysis we found that the total cost for the typical 3 hour Glam Both Photo Booth rental can range from $2,000-$5,500.

Van Photo Booths

A van photo booth rental is a mobile, enclosed photo booth housed inside a vintage or retro-style van, often a restored Volkswagen Bus. It’s simultaneously an aesthetic statement piece to add to an event and a fun photo booth. 

  • Best For: Weddings, corporate parties, festivals, or outdoor events
  • Good to Know: Van photo booths are great options for outdoor events where the weather can get windy or there’s not a great spot to set up for other photo booth options (think uneven ground, no electrical outlets, remote locations, etc.). 

Cost of Van Photo Booths

The national average cost for a Van Photo Booth rental is $1,393 for 3 hours, giving you an hourly rate of $464/hour. Based on our nation-wide analysis we found that the total cost for the typical 3 hour Van Photo Booth rental can range from $938-$2,000.

Vintage green and white photo booth rental van with rustic desert backdrop
Van photo booth by Homestead Photo Booth

Photo Lounges

A photo lounge rental is an open-air, mobile photo studio. These are high-end experiences that come with a photoshoot-style setup. This means there’s no photo booth machine but rather a professional photographer that’s helping pose guests and capture high-quality images. 

  • Best For: High-end weddings, galas, holiday parties
  • Good to Know: Photo Lounges are highly versatile since it is a photographer taking photos rather than a machine. You can get full body shots, group shots, headshots, etc. Photo Lounges can also take up a good amount of space (10x10ft).

Cost of Photo Lounges

The national average cost for a Photo Lounge rental is $2,000 for 3 hours, giving you an hourly rate of $666/hour. Based on our nation-wide analysis we found that the total cost for the typical 3 hour Photo Lounge rental can range from $895-$3,500.

Average Photo Booth Rental Cost by Region

We didn’t want to rely on rough estimates, so we dug into real numbers. After analyzing pricing from 89 photo booth companies in 26 of the most in-demand U.S. cities, here’s what the average photo booth rental costs in each region and across the most popular booth types:

Cities included in each region:

  • West: Seattle, Los Angeles, Portland, Las Vegas, San Diego, Denver, Spokane
  • Southwest: Austin, Dallas, Houston, Albuquerque, Phoenix
  • Southeast: Nashville, Charlotte, New Orleans, Atlanta, Miami, Jacksonville
  • Northeast: DC, Philadelphia, New York, Boston
  • Midwest: Kansas City, Detroit, Indianapolis, Chicago
Average 3 hour photo booth rental costs compared across different US regions

Average Open-Air Photo Booth Rental Cost by Region

  • West: $934
  • Southwest: $768
  • Southeast: $812
  • Northeast: $975
  • Midwest: $882

Average Glam Booth Rental Cost by Region

  • West: $1,387
  • Southwest: $1,039
  • Southeast: $1,073
  • Northeast: $1,550
  • Midwest: $1,122

Average 360 Photo Booth Rental Cost by Region

  • West: $1,257
  • Southwest: $1,021
  • Southeast: $1,171
  • Northeast: $1,550
  • Midwest: $997

Average Selfie Station Rental Cost by Region

  • West: $622
  • Southwest: $549
  • Southeast: $493
  • Northeast: $605
  • Midwest: $492

Average Enclosed Photo Booth Rental Cost by Region

  • West: $1,089
  • Southwest: $1,708
  • Southeast: $1,485
  • Northeast: $1,350
  • Midwest: $899

What Affects the Cost of Renting a Photo Booth?

Okay, so you’ve got a general idea of what each type of photo booth costs. But what else goes into that number? Here are some of the biggest pricing factors to keep in mind:

1. Rental Duration

Most photo booths are priced by the hour, with 2 to 4 hours being pretty standard. The longer you book, the more you’ll pay—but you might get a better rate per hour with a longer rental.

2. Location & Regional Pricing

Where you’re located makes a big difference. Photo booth rental in New York City? Expect to pay top dollar. In a smaller town or city? Prices are often lower.

Pro Tip: Some companies charge travel fees if your venue is outside their service area. If you book a company that’s located in a major city but your venue is 30+ miles away, you can expect to pay a travel fee on a per mile basis. This can range from $0.50 - $2.00 per mile round trip. 

3. Day of the Week & Time of Year

Saturday in June? Peak pricing. Tuesday in February? You might snag a deal. Like most event services, photo booth rentals tend to cost more during wedding season and on weekends but this will vary by company. 

4. Add-Ons & Custom Features

Want a custom photo strip design? A scrapbook for your guests? A branded backdrop or fancy props? These extras can all add to your final price depending on the photo booth company you work with. At Puddles Photo Booth custom photo template designs, unlimited prints, and backdrops are all table stakes and don’t cost extra, but that’s just us. Below are a few of the most popular add-ons you’ll find with photo booth rentals:

Idle Time

Idle time, often used during weddings, allows the photo booth to remain on-site but turned off (e.g., during dinner) at a reduced rate, typically half the hourly cost or less. This option maximizes value by keeping the booth available for peak times like cocktail hour without paying full price for downtime.

Backdrops

The vast majority of companies will offer basic backdrops free of charge. For more elaborate backdrops like flower walls or hedgewalls you can expect to pay an additional $250-$500 to add to your photo booth package. 

Photo Templates

If you’re going with a photo booth that offers prints you’re going to get a photo template design to accompany them. Some companies include the design and 1-2 revisions for free, but may charge for additional revisions, while others (like us) provide this service at no extra cost.   

Unlimited Prints

While many photo booth companies advertise "unlimited prints," the term can be misleading. Always check the fine print, as "unlimited" may be capped at a limit like 200 printed photos, with additional fees applied if you exceed that amount.

Photo Albums

Custom engraved photo albums where guests can include their photos and a message are extremely popular, especially for weddings. These can range in price from $150-$300.

Audio Guestbooks

Many photo booth companies will offer audio guestbooks as an additional add on. These are the cute retro phones where you can record a message. Costs for an audiobook add on can range from $100-$500. 

5. Setup, Delivery & Labor

Most companies include setup and breakdown in their pricing, but always double-check. If the booth needs to be delivered far or set up hours early, there might be an additional fee.

DIY Photo Booth vs. Professional Rental

You might be wondering: “Could I just DIY this?” Short answer: maybe. But it depends on your goals. 

Yes, there are budget companies out there that will ship a DIY photo booth to you for $200 and let you have at it. You could also create your own rig and channel your inner MacGyver if that’s your thing. 

I might be biased over here but the real cost is in the photo quality.

Unless you have photography experience there’s a strong chance that even if you had the exact same gear as a professional photo booth company, you’d still get different results. 

Lighting, camera settings, software, etc. There’s a number of nuanced aspects that go into getting a great photo from a photo booth set up.

We’re not saying you can’t DIY, but if quality and remaining stress free is a priority to you then we’d recommend against it. 

Rent a Photo Booth from Puddles Photo Booth

If you're looking to rent a photo booth for an event, wedding, or party, look no further.

At Puddles Photo Booth we have a variety of open-air photo booths available to rent year round. From traditional black and white photo booths, to selfie stations, we got what you need. If you have any questions or photo booth needs, don't hesitate to reach out.

XOXO,

Connor - Owner of Puddles Photo Booth

Frequently Asked Questions About Photo Booth Rentals

How much does it cost to rent a photo booth?

The average photo booth costs between $550 and $1,100 for a 3 hour rental. This varies based on booth type, duration, region, and add-ons.

What’s the cheapest photo booth rental option?

Selfie Stations are usually the most affordable option, starting around $550 for a 3-hour rental.

How much does a wedding photo booth rental cost?

For weddings, most couples spend between $800–$1,600 depending on the booth type and duration. Assuming you’d like a photo booth active during cocktail hour, and 2-3 hours after dinner you can expect to be on the higher side around $1,200-$1,600.

What is included in a photo booth rental package?

Most packages include setup, an attendant, props, backdrops, and digital copies. If prints come with the booth you’ve chosen you’re likely to get unlimited prints and custom photo template designs.

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