In short: In Essex and London, most photo booth hire in 2026 costs between about £300 and £500 for 2–3 hours, with wedding packages and add-ons taking some bookings to £600 or more. At VIP Photo Booth Hire, 3-hour packages start at £399 (Sunday–Wednesday), our ultimate wedding package is £499 and travel is always included.
Photo booth prices can look confusing because every company bundles things differently. This guide explains what you should expect to pay, what pushes the price up or down, and the questions to ask before you book – whether your event is in Chelmsford, Romford or a barn in the middle of the countryside.
Typical photo booth hire prices in 2026
Looking across photo booth companies in Essex, London and the surrounding counties, prices usually fall into these bands:
| Type of hire | Typical length | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic booth or selfie pod | 2 hours | £250–£350 |
| Standard party booth with attendant | 3 hours | £350–£450 |
| Wedding package (guest book, personalised prints) | 3–4 hours | £450–£600 |
| Premium / multi-booth / add-on bundles | 3–5 hours | £600–£1,200 |
Prices are a guide only – always check exactly what is included, because a cheap headline price can grow quickly once you add the attendant, prints, a guest book and travel.
Our photo booth hire prices
| Package | What you get | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Party package | 3 hours, attendant, unlimited prints, props, video messages, online gallery | From £399 (Sun–Wed), £425–£449 (Fri & Sat) |
| Ultimate wedding package | 3 hours, unlimited double prints, personalised guest book with engraved plaque, personalised banner, memory stick | £499 (normally £550) |
| Midweek kids party | 1.5 hours, attendant, unlimited prints, props, 25 fridge magnets or key rings | £325 |
| Photo booth + one casino table | Booth, roulette table with croupier, casino manager, 3 hours | £699 |
| Photo booth + two casino tables | Booth, roulette and blackjack with croupiers, 3 hours | £799 (Sun–Wed), £899 (Fri & Sat) |
Every package includes delivery, set-up, a uniformed attendant, props, full public liability insurance and travel anywhere we cover – see our current offers and packages.
What affects the price of photo booth hire?
- Day of the week. Fridays and Saturdays (especially May–September and December) are in highest demand, so midweek and Sunday events are usually cheaper.
- Length of hire. Most packages are 2–3 hours of running time. Extra hours cost more, and some companies also charge for “idle time” if the booth has to be set up hours before it is used.
- Type of booth. Open selfie pods are usually cheapest; enclosed booths, large booths for groups and novelty booths cost more.
- Prints. Check whether prints are unlimited and whether guests get one copy each or double prints (one for them, one for your guest book).
- Extras. Guest books, personalised banners, green screen, USB sticks, keyrings and magnets can all add to the cost.
- Travel. Many companies charge mileage beyond a set radius, plus Dartford Crossing, congestion or ULEZ charges in London. We include all travel in our quotes.
What should always be included?
- An attendant who stays with the booth all night
- Unlimited prints during the hire time
- A good prop box
- Delivery, set-up and collection
- Public liability insurance (we carry £10 million) and PAT-tested equipment
- A digital copy of every photo or an online gallery
How to get the best value
- Book early for summer Saturdays and Christmas party season.
- Ask whether a midweek or Sunday date is cheaper.
- Choose a package that already includes the guest book if it is a wedding – it is usually cheaper than adding one.
- Check travel and idle-time charges before comparing headline prices.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a photo booth for 3 hours?
In Essex and London, 3 hours with an attendant typically costs £350–£450. Our 3-hour packages start at £399 Sunday to Wednesday and £425–£449 on Fridays and Saturdays.
How much is a wedding photo booth?
Most wedding photo booth packages cost £450–£600. Our ultimate wedding package is £499 and includes a personalised guest book with an engraved plaque, a personalised banner, unlimited double prints and a memory stick of every picture.
Do photo booth companies charge for travel?
Many charge mileage outside a set radius, plus crossing and congestion charges. VIP Photo Booth Hire includes travel in every quote across Essex, London, Kent, Suffolk, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire.
How much deposit do I need to pay?
We ask for a £175 deposit to secure your date. The balance can be paid on the night or by bank transfer.
Ready to check your date? Get a free quote or call 07855 792850 / 01277 654236.