How Much to Charge for Photo Booth Rental
Photo booth operators typically charge $150–$400 per hour with a three-hour minimum, putting a standard wedding package at $600–$1,200. Enclosed and 360 booths sit at the top of that range, selfie stations at the bottom. Idle time bills at roughly half your hourly rate, and add-ons — unlimited prints, custom backdrops, guest books, props — are where the margin lives.
Hourly and package rates
| Booth type | Typical hourly |
|---|---|
| Selfie station | $100–$200 |
| Enclosed / open-air booth | $150–$300 |
| 360 booth | $250–$400 |
Most operators sell packages, not hours. A three-hour wedding package at $600–$900 is the volume of this market.
Idle time
Bill it at about half your hourly rate. During dinner the booth is closed but you’re still there and the equipment is still tied up — that’s not free time, it’s cheaper time.
Where the margin is
- Unlimited prints — a common $100–$200 upgrade with modest consumable cost.
- Custom backdrop / template — $75–$200, mostly design time you can reuse.
- Guest book service — $100–$150, almost pure margin.
- Extra hours — full rate, stated in advance.
Why the minimum matters
Setup, teardown, and travel cost the same regardless of event length. A three-hour minimum isn’t a sales tactic; it’s the point below which the job stops paying for the truck.
Related: photo booth invoice template and photo booth rental business software.
Frequently asked questions
What is idle time and should I charge for it?
Idle time is when the booth is set up but closed, usually during dinner. Charge about half your hourly rate. You're still on-site with equipment committed, so free idle time is simply an unpaid hour.
Should I have a minimum booking?
Yes — three hours is the standard. Load-in, setup, teardown, and travel cost the same for a one-hour booking as a four-hour one, so a minimum is what keeps short events from losing money.
Is a 360 booth worth the higher price?
It commands $150–$250 more per hour in most markets and books well for milestone birthdays and corporate events. The equipment costs more and setup is longer, so the premium is real work, not just novelty pricing.