Types of booth, how to build a DIY one, props that work, what to ask when hiring, and the alternatives.
Updated · 5 min read·By the DropSnaps team
Quick answer
You can hire a wedding photo booth, build a DIY one with a backdrop, good lighting, a phone or camera on a tripod and a basket of props, or skip the booth and let guests share their own photos to one page from a QR code. A QR code next to a DIY booth puts its photos in your album with all the others.
Questions people ask
What can I do instead of a photo booth at a wedding?
A backdrop with props and a tripod, an instant-camera guest book, a photo scavenger hunt, or a QR code that lets every guest share their own photos to one page, shown live on a screen.
What props work best in a wedding photo booth?
Speech-bubble signs, frames, hats, glasses and anything themed to the two of you. Fewer, better props beat a pile of tangled ones.
A photo booth is one of the most-used things at any wedding: it gives guests a reason to grab friends, dress up and pull faces. You can hire one, build your own for a fraction of the cost, or skip the booth and turn the whole room into one. Here are the ideas, the props and the alternatives.
Types of wedding photo booth
Open-air booth. A camera, a backdrop and props, with no enclosure, so big groups fit in.
Enclosed booth. The classic curtained box: cosy, private and good for silly photos.
Magic mirror. A full-length mirror with a touch screen, animations and a printed photo.
360 booth. A camera that spins around guests on a platform to make slow-motion videos.
GIF or boomerang booth. Short looping clips, sent straight to guests' phones.
Instant camera corner. An instant camera on a table, with props and a guest book to stick photos in.
How to make a DIY wedding photo booth
Pick a spot with a plain wall, space for a group and a power socket.
Add a backdrop: a flower wall, sequin curtain, balloon arch, neon sign or simply a draped sheet.
Light it well. A ring light or two soft lamps either side; the evening is darker than you think.
Set up the camera: a phone or camera on a tripod, with a Bluetooth remote or a timer.
Add props in a basket, and a sign that says what to do.
Collect the photos. Put a QR code next to the booth so guests share the photos they take there. They'll appear with all the others, and on the screen if you're running a live slideshow.
Wedding photo booth props
Oversized sunglasses and heart-shaped glasses
Hats: top hats, cowboy hats, flower crowns, party hats
A roaming photographer for an hour during the evening, catching groups on the dance floor.
A selfie spot with a ring light and a neon sign.
A live photo wall, where everyone's phone becomes the photo booth and the screen shows the results. See our live photo wall guide.
Hiring a photo booth: what to ask
How many hours, and is an attendant included?
Are props, prints and a guest book included?
Will you get every photo afterwards, and how (an online gallery, a download)?
How much space and power does it need, and can it go outdoors?
What happens if the booth breaks down on the day?
Whatever you choose, collect everything in one place: a QR code by the booth means guests' phone photos join the booth's and nobody has to chase them afterwards. For more ideas, see our wedding games and photo challenges and wedding photo ideas.
