A photo booth is one of the easiest ways to give guests something fun to do, especially the people who don’t dance all night.
But “photo booth” can mean wildly different things: grainy iPad stands with bad lighting, versus a professionally lit, staffed experience that produces photos guests actually keep.
This guide helps you choose a booth that fits your space, your crowd, and your priorities.
If you’re also shopping for rentals, we broke down what we include (open-air setup, prints, backdrops, attendant, and add-ons) here: Photo Booth Rentals.
Step 1: Decide what role the booth should play at your wedding
Pick the primary purpose:
- Guest entertainment (a social hub)
- Keepsake prints (guest book + souvenirs)
- Digital sharing (fast, modern, phone-friendly)
- Aesthetic enhancement (beautiful backdrop that becomes part of décor)
Once you know the purpose, the right booth type becomes obvious.
Open-air vs enclosed booths
Open-air (most popular for weddings)
Pros:
- fits larger groups (bridal party, families)
- flexible setup and backdrops
- feels more social (people watch and join in)
Cons:
- needs a clean background or a good backdrop
- needs proper lighting to look “premium”
Enclosed
Pros:
- private and playful for some guests
- consistent background
Cons:
- smaller groups
- can create long lines
- takes more space
For most wedding receptions, open-air wins because it handles groups and feels integrated into the party.
Print vs digital (and what guests actually use)
Prints
Best for:
- guest books
- older guests (they love a tangible keepsake)
- couples who want souvenirs that end up on fridges
What to confirm:
- print size (2×6 strips vs 4×6 cards)
- duplicate prints for guest book
- print speed and how lines are managed
Digital
Best for:
- fast sharing (text/email/QR)
- modern vibe
- couples who don’t want to manage guest book logistics
What to confirm:
- delivery method (QR, text, email)
- whether guests can opt out of sharing data
- how quickly guests receive images
Hybrid (often the best of both)
Prints for keepsakes + digital gallery for you.
The 5 photo booth details that determine quality
1) Lighting (the make-or-break factor)
Great booths use intentional lighting so faces look good in any venue.
Avoid booths that rely on:
- venue lighting
- the iPad screen
- harsh on-camera flash with no diffusion
2) Camera and lens quality
DSLR/mirrorless booths typically produce a more “pro” look than tablet cameras.
3) Attendant (yes, it matters)
A good attendant:
- keeps the line moving
- helps guests who are shy or confused
- resets props/backdrop area
- fixes small issues before they become big issues
4) Backdrop and placement
Put the booth where it’s easy to find but not blocking traffic:
- near the dance floor (high energy)
- near the bar (high foot traffic)
- not in a dark corner (bad photos, low usage)
5) Line management
If you want the booth used, you need:
- fast flow
- clear instructions
- enough time (2–3 hours is common)
Space and power: what to confirm with your venue
Ask your booth provider:
- how much space is required (width + depth)
- power needs and cord management
- whether the booth can run in tighter spaces
Subtle local reality: historic venues and barns can have limited outlet placement. Clean cable management keeps photos looking great.
How to make your photo booth a hit (simple tips)
- choose props that match your vibe (classy beats clutter)
- use a backdrop that fits your color palette
- announce the booth once early in open dancing
- keep it open during peak guest presence (not during dinner only)
The bottom line
The best photo booths are not “extras.” They’re a guest-experience feature that creates real memories and gives you a gallery of candid joy.
If you want a booth that looks great and gets used, focus on lighting, flow, and placement, not just price.
If you’d rather skip the research and see a done-for-you option, start here: Photo Booth Rentals.
Want help choosing a booth setup that fits your venue? Reach out and we’ll walk through options.
FAQs
How long should we have a photo booth at our wedding?
Two to three hours is common. If your reception is long or you have a big guest count, consider three hours.
Is open-air better than enclosed?
For most weddings, yes. Groups fit better and it feels more social. Enclosed can be fun if you want privacy and have space.
Are prints worth it?
If you want tangible keepsakes and a guest book, yes. Digital-only is great when you want speed and simplicity.