Photo Booth Rental Cost in Los Angeles: 2026 Complete Guide

Planning an event in Los Angeles and wondering how much a photo booth will cost? You're asking the right question. Photo booth rental costs in Los Angeles typically range from $475 to $1,350, depending on the type of booth, rental duration, and features you choose. As the founder of Captured Celebrations, an award-winning photo booth company serving LA County since 2023, I've helped hundreds of clients navigate these decisions. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about photo booth rental costs so you can budget confidently and get the best value for your celebration.

Average Photo Booth Rental Cost in Los Angeles

If you're looking for a quick answer: most photo booth rentals in Los Angeles fall between $600 and $1,100 for a standard 3-4 hour package. However, the full range spans from $475 for basic open-air setups to $1,350+ for premium mirror booths with all the features.

Here's why Los Angeles pricing tends to run higher than the national average:

Premium Market: LA is home to some of the country's most stunning venues, from the Four Seasons to historic estates like Castaway. Vendors serving these upscale locations maintain equipment and service standards to match.

Travel and Logistics: Los Angeles County covers over 4,700 square miles. A photo booth company traveling from Pasadena to Malibu faces different logistics than one serving a smaller city. Travel time, fuel costs, and venue load-in requirements all factor into pricing.

Competition and Expertise: The LA market is competitive, which means established companies invest heavily in the latest technology, professional training, and exceptional service to stand out. The photo booth industry has experienced significant growth, with the global market expected to reach over $730 million, reflecting how popular these entertainment options have become at celebrations.

Quick Pricing Tiers at a Glance:

• Budget-friendly: $475-$600 (basic open-air, 3 hours, digital-only or limited features)

• Mid-range: $750-$1,100 (open-air with prints, retro mirror digital-only, 3-4 hours)

• Premium: $1,100-$1,350 (retro mirror with prints, 3-4 hours, full features)

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What Affects Photo Booth Rental Costs?

Understanding the factors that influence pricing helps you make informed decisions about where to invest and where to save. Here are the seven key elements that determine how much you'll pay to rent a photo booth in Los Angeles:

1. Booth Type and Style

The style of photo booth you choose has the biggest impact on cost. Here's what's available:

Open Air/Backdrop Booth: An open setup with backdrop and external camera, perfect for large groups. This is the most affordable option at $475-$750.

Retro Mirror Photo Booth: An interactive, touch-screen mirror that guests love. The technology investment and elegant presentation means these run $850-$1,350.

Studio Quality Booth: High-resolution photos with professional lighting for a polished look. Ideal for corporate events and luxury weddings.

Roamer Booth: A roaming attendant with professional equipment captures photos anywhere at your event, creating flexible coverage for cocktail hours and large venues.

Drop-Off Booth: Budget-friendly option where we deliver and pick up the booth, but you run it yourself without an attendant. Perfect for backyard parties and casual gatherings.

AI Photo Booth: Cutting-edge technology that transforms guests into AI-generated characters or themed portraits. Great for brand activations and creative parties.

2. Rental Duration

Most photo booth companies offer 3-4 hour packages, with pricing that increases with time. A typical pricing structure might look like:

• 3 hours: Base rate ($475-$850 depending on booth type)

• 4 hours: +$150-200

• Each additional hour: $150

Keep in mind that setup and breakdown time (usually 30-60 minutes each) isn't included in your rental hours. Some companies charge overtime fees if your event runs long, so clarify this upfront.

3. Event Location

Where your event takes place significantly affects cost. Here's what companies consider:

Venue Accessibility: Is the booth going up three flights of stairs or rolling in from the parking lot? Difficult load-ins may incur additional fees.

Service Area: Most companies have a standard service radius. In Los Angeles County, which spans over 4,700 square miles, expect travel fees of $50-150 for venues outside the company's primary area.

Parking and Logistics: Some venues (looking at you, downtown LA) require parking permits, valet fees, or specific delivery windows. These costs often pass to you.

4. Guest Count

While most modern photo booths offer unlimited photos during your rental period, guest count still matters for:

Print Quantities: If you want physical prints, companies need to stock enough photo paper. Events with 200+ guests might see slight price increases.

Digital-Only Options: Opting for digital sharing only (no prints) can save you $125-275, and it's better for the environment too.

5. Add-ons and Customization

The base package gets you the booth, but these popular add-ons affect your final cost:

• Custom backdrop: $75-200

• Premium props package: Included in most packages

• Photo album or guestbook: $175

• Custom print design: Usually included free

• Social media sharing: Included in all packages

• Green screen technology: Custom quote

• Corporate branding for events: Usually included

• Flower wall upgrade: $200

• Audio guestbook add-on: $250 when booked with photo booth

• Glam experience (black & white portraits): $250 add-on

• 4x6 print upgrade: $150

6. Day and Season

Just like wedding venues, photo booths cost more during peak times:

Wedding Season (May-October): Saturdays in summer command premium pricing. You might pay 20-30% more than an off-season weekday.

Weekend vs. Weekday: Saturday bookings are typically the most expensive. Friday evenings and Sundays often have moderate pricing, while weekday events may qualify for discounts.

Holidays: New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day, and major holidays often come with premium pricing due to high demand. According to wedding industry research, about 60% of couples plan to include interactive elements like photo booths at their receptions, making them one of the most sought-after wedding vendors.

7. Technology and Features

Modern photo booths offer impressive technology that affects cost:

Instant Printing: High-quality dye-sublimation printers that produce lab-quality prints cost more to operate than basic inkjet printers.

Social Media Integration: Instant sharing via text, email, or social media is standard now and included in most packages.

Interactive Features: Touch-screen mirrors with animations, signature capabilities, and custom prompts add significant value.

GIFs and Boomerangs: Dynamic content options that guests love to share on social media, included in mid-tier packages and up.

LED Studio Lighting: Professional lighting for editorial-quality photos, included in premium packages.

Photo Booth Pricing by Type: What You'll Actually Pay

Let's break down specific costs for each booth style so you know exactly what to expect. At Captured Celebrations, we offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

Open Air/Backdrop Booth: $475-$750

What You Get: A professional backdrop with external camera setup that accommodates groups of any size. The open design encourages natural interaction and allows everyone to join in the fun.

Captured Celebrations Packages:

• Bronze ($475): 3 hours, unlimited digital photos, standard backdrop, props, custom template, instant sharing, attendant included

• Silver ($600): Everything in Bronze + unlimited GIFs and Boomerangs

• Gold ($750): Everything in Silver + unlimited 2x6 prints + LED studio lighting

Best For: Budget-conscious events, large groups, quinceañeras, birthday parties, and celebrations where group photos matter more than privacy. The open setup keeps energy high and guests engaged.

Real Example: We provided an open-air booth with custom backdrop for a quinceañera in Glendale (Gold package, 3 hours, 100 guests) for $750, which included bilingual attendant service, unlimited prints with custom design, and GIFs that the teens loved sharing on Instagram.

Retro Mirror Photo Booth: $850-$1,350

What You Get: An interactive, full-length mirror with touch-screen prompts that guides guests through posing, taking photos, and adding fun animations or signatures. This combines vintage glamour with modern technology.

Captured Celebrations Packages:

• Retro Silver ($850): 3 hours, unlimited digital photos, festive props, custom template, one backdrop, attendant included

• Retro Gold ($1,100): Everything in Silver + unlimited 2x6 prints with custom print layout

• Retro Signature ($1,350): 4 hours, unlimited 4x6 prints, themed props, custom template + personalized start screen, enhanced LED lighting

Best For: Upscale weddings, elegant celebrations, events where the photo booth itself is a statement piece. The mirror's glamorous appearance and interactive features create an unforgettable guest experience.

Real Example: A wedding at the Langham Pasadena booked our Retro Signature package ($1,350). The bride loved that guests could write messages directly on their photos using the touchscreen, creating a unique interactive guestbook experience. The 4x6 prints were perfect for guests to take home as favors.

Studio Quality Photo Booth: Custom Quote

What You Get: Crisp, high-resolution photos with professional lighting for a polished, editorial look. Perfect for creating magazine-quality images at your event.

Typical Package Includes:

• Professional studio-grade equipment

• Enhanced lighting setup

• High-resolution image capture

• Custom backdrop options

• All standard features (sharing, gallery, attendant)

Best For: Corporate activations, luxury weddings, brand events, and celebrations where image quality is paramount.

Real Example: A tech company's product launch in Santa Monica used our Studio Quality booth with custom branded backdrop and professional lighting, creating polished images perfect for their marketing materials.

Roamer Photo Booth: Custom Quote

What You Get: Instead of guests coming to a stationary booth, an attendant roams your event with professional equipment, capturing candid moments and posed shots wherever the action is.

Typical Package Includes:

• 2-4 hours of roaming service

• Professional photographer/attendant

• Instant digital sharing

• Props for interactive photos

• Digital gallery

• Optional print station

Best For: Cocktail hours, networking events, outdoor weddings where guests are spread across large spaces, and events where mobility matters more than a photo booth station.

Real Example: A networking event for the Burbank Chamber of Commerce used our roaming booth service for 3 hours. The attendant captured over 300 photos, mixing candid shots with posed photos using fun props, and every attendee received their photos via text within minutes.

Drop-Off Photo Booth: Budget-Friendly Option

What You Get: We deliver the booth to your venue, you run it yourself during your event (up to 6 hours), and we pick it up afterward. No attendant, but all the fun.

Package Includes:

• Delivery and pickup (within 25 miles)

• Up to 6 hours of use

• Unlimited photos, GIFs, and Boomerangs

• One custom photo template

• Instant sharing via text/email

• Online gallery

• Easy setup instructions

Best For: Backyard parties, house celebrations, school events, PTA functions, church gatherings, office parties, community block parties, and DIY events where you want to save money and don't mind managing the booth yourself.

Real Example: A backyard birthday party in Burbank rented our drop-off booth for a full afternoon. The host's teenage daughter and her friends managed the booth themselves, and everyone loved having access to it all day without the pressure of a limited time window.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Many first-time photo booth renters get surprised by costs they didn't anticipate. Here's what to watch for in contracts and quotes:

Travel Fees: Companies often have a service radius (typically 20-30 miles from their base). Outside this area, expect travel fees ranging from $50-200 depending on distance. Always confirm whether travel is included in your quote.

Setup and Breakdown Charges: At Captured Celebrations, setup and breakdown are always included in our pricing. However, some companies charge separately for this service, especially for complex installations or venues with difficult access. This can add $50-150.

Overtime Penalties: If your event runs over, overtime rates kick in. These often cost more per hour than your base rate, sometimes $150-300 per additional hour. Know your timeline and communicate if things change.

Equipment Damage Deposits: Less common but some companies require a damage deposit ($100-300), refunded if equipment is returned in good condition. We don't charge damage deposits at Captured Celebrations.

Last-Minute Booking Fees: Need a booth in less than two weeks? Expect to pay a rush fee of 10-25% because companies have to juggle schedules and possibly turn away other bookings.

Venue-Specific Requirements: Some high-end venues require additional insurance certificates, union labor, or specific setup times. These administrative requirements can add $50-200 to your cost.

Print Overage Charges: While "unlimited prints" is standard with our packages that include printing, some companies cap prints per guest or per hour. Exceeding these limits might incur $0.50-1.00 per additional print.

Attendant Gratuity Expectations: While not a hidden cost per se, it's customary to tip your booth attendant 15-20% if they provide excellent service. Factor this into your budget.

How to Get the Best Value for Your Photo Booth Rental

You don't have to break the bank to have an amazing photo booth experience. Here are proven strategies to maximize value:

Money-Saving Tips:

1. Book Off-Season or Weekdays: The easiest way to save 20-30% is choosing a Friday evening, Sunday, or weekday event. Off-season dates (November through April, excluding holidays) often come with discounts.

2. Consider Digital-Only: If you're environmentally conscious or working with a tight budget, skip physical prints and go digital-only. Our Bronze package at $475 gives you everything except prints, saving $125-275 compared to packages with printing.

3. Book Early: Planning a wedding? Book your photo booth 6-12 months in advance. Early booking often qualifies for discounts, and you'll secure your first-choice vendor before they're booked up. We offer 10% off for bookings made 6+ months out.

4. Ask About Package Inclusions: Sometimes paying slightly more for an "all-inclusive" package saves money compared to adding features à la carte. Compare the math carefully.

5. Consider Rental Duration Carefully: Do you really need 5 hours? Photo booths typically see the most action during cocktail hour and reception. A strategic 3-hour placement might be perfect and save $150-300.

6. Drop-Off Option: If you're comfortable managing the booth yourself and have tech-savvy friends who can help troubleshoot, our drop-off option provides huge savings while still giving guests a fun experience.

7. Bundle Add-Ons: If you're interested in multiple add-ons (like a guestbook and audio guestbook), ask about package deals. Many vendors offer discounts for bundling services.

Red Flags (What NOT to Compromise):

While saving money is great, don't cut corners on these critical elements:

Professional Attendant (for attended packages): A booth without an attendant is a disaster waiting to happen. Technical issues, paper jams, and guest questions require professional management. For weddings and important events, this isn't where to save money.

Equipment Backup: Ask if the company brings backup equipment. Professional vendors always have backup cameras, printers, and tablets on hand. Equipment fails, and you want someone prepared.

Insurance Coverage: Ensure your photo booth company carries liability insurance. This protects you and your venue if something goes wrong.

Clear Contract Terms: Read the fine print. Vague contracts that don't specify hours, services included, or cancellation policies should raise red flags. Professional companies provide detailed contracts.

Questions to Ask Before Booking Your Photo Booth

Don't sign a contract before asking these essential questions:

Essential Questions Checklist:

What's included in the base price? Get specifics: How many hours? Unlimited prints or digital-only? Props? Backdrop? Attendant? Don't assume anything.

How many hours of service? Confirm whether stated hours include setup/breakdown or just guest-facing time. Most companies count only the hours when the booth is active.

Are prints unlimited or capped? Some companies limit prints per guest (like 2 strips each). Others offer truly unlimited. Know which you're getting.

Is an attendant provided? Always verify that a professional attendant manages the booth throughout your event (unless you're specifically booking a drop-off package).

How much setup and breakdown time is required? Most booths need 30-60 minutes before and after. Ensure your venue access aligns with these needs.

Are there travel fees? Ask specifically about your venue location. Distance-based fees can surprise you if not discussed upfront.

What's the cancellation policy? Life happens. Understand the terms if you need to cancel or reschedule, and whether deposits are refundable.

Do you bring backup equipment? Professional companies always have backup cameras, tablets, and printers. This is non-negotiable.

What digital sharing options exist? Can guests receive photos via text, email, or QR code? Is there a digital gallery they can access later? Social media integration?

Can we customize the print design and backdrop? Most companies include custom print design. Confirm what's included versus upcharges.

Do you offer bilingual services? For LA's diverse community, this matters. At Captured Celebrations, our bilingual English/Spanish service ensures all guests feel comfortable and included.

What makes your company different? This open-ended question reveals what vendors value and helps you gauge their passion and professionalism.

Captured Celebrations: Our Pricing Philosophy

At Captured Celebrations, transparency isn't just a buzzword—it's how we've built an award-winning business serving Los Angeles County since 2023. Here's what sets us apart:

Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Fees: Our quotes include everything you need. No surprise charges on the invoice, no last-minute fees. What we quote is what you pay. Setup, breakdown, travel within our service area, custom templates—it's all included.

Packages for Every Budget: Whether you're planning an intimate backyard celebration or an elegant wedding at the Four Seasons, we have options. Our open-air packages start at $475, while our premium Retro Signature experiences go up to $1,350. There's something for every vision and budget.

Bilingual Service: As a Latina business owner who started this company after planning my daughter's quinceañera, I understand the importance of cultural connection. We offer full English/Spanish bilingual service, ensuring every guest feels welcome and can fully enjoy the experience.

Award-Winning Quality: We're not just saying we're good. We've been recognized as Best Wedding Photo Booth 2025 and Best Single Operator 2024 by industry peers. We've been featured in the LA Times Latino Wedding Vendor Guide. These aren't just accolades—they represent our commitment to excellence at every event.

Real Los Angeles Experience: We know LA venues inside and out. From navigating Castaway's unique load-in requirements to coordinating with event staff at the Burbank Marriott and Four Seasons Westlake Village, we bring local expertise that out-of-area vendors can't match.

Community Investment: We're active members of the Montrose and Burbank Chambers of Commerce, and we sponsor community events like Día de los Muertos festivals. When you book with us, you're supporting a local, family-owned business that gives back.

Multiple Booth Options, One Company: Retro Mirror, Open Air, Studio Quality, AI-powered, Roamer, Drop-Off—we offer them all. This means if you want to compare options, you're working with one trusted partner, not juggling multiple vendors.

Final Thoughts: Getting the Right Photo Booth at the Right Price

Photo booth rental costs in Los Angeles typically range from $475 to $1,350, with most events landing in the $600-$1,100 range for a quality 3-4 hour package. The exact price depends on your booth type, rental duration, location, and features, but now you know exactly what influences those numbers.

Remember: the cheapest option isn't always the best value. What matters most is finding a photo booth company that understands your vision, provides reliable service, and creates an experience your guests will love. Whether that's capturing the elegance of a mirror booth at your Langham wedding or the budget-friendly fun of a drop-off booth at your backyard celebration, invest in quality and you won't regret it.

The right photo booth doesn't just capture photos—it creates moments, generates laughter, and gives your guests tangible memories they'll treasure. That's worth investing in wisely.

Ready to discuss options for your event? Contact Captured Celebrations for a custom quote tailored to your vision, venue, and budget. We'll help you find the perfect booth experience without any hidden surprises—just great photos, happy guests, and memories that last forever.

Contact Us: 📞 Call/Text: (747) 895-4473 📧 Email: info@capturedcelebrations.com 📍 Serving: Los Angeles County including Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Santa Clarita, La Crescenta, Palmdale, and surrounding areas

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a photo booth cost for a 4-hour wedding in Los Angeles?

For a typical 4-hour wedding photo booth in Los Angeles, expect to pay between $850-$1,350 depending on the booth style and features. At Captured Celebrations, our Retro Signature package at $1,350 includes 4 hours of service, unlimited 4x6 prints, a retro mirror booth with interactive touch-screen, themed props, custom template and start screen, enhanced LED lighting, professional attendant, and complete digital gallery. For a more budget-friendly option, our Open Air Gold package at $750 for 3 hours (+ $150 for 4th hour = $900 total) includes unlimited 2x6 prints and LED lighting. This includes unlimited photos, digital sharing, props, a professional attendant, and usually custom print design.

What's included in a typical photo booth rental?

Most standard photo booth rentals from Captured Celebrations include: a professional attendant for the duration of service (for attended packages), unlimited photo sessions during your event hours, instant sharing via text/email, a props package, custom print design, backdrop (for open-air setups), online gallery of all photos taken, and professional setup and breakdown service. Our premium packages add features like unlimited prints, GIFs and Boomerangs, interactive mirror technology, enhanced LED lighting, and 4x6 print options. All of this is included in our quoted price with no hidden fees.

Are there cheaper alternatives to traditional photo booths?

Yes! Our Open Air Bronze package starts at $475 for 3 hours with unlimited digital photos—perfect for budget-conscious events. Digital-only options (no prints) save you $125-275 compared to packages with printing. Our Drop-Off booth is another budget-friendly option where you manage the booth yourself during your event, eliminating attendant costs while still providing guests with unlimited photos, GIFs, and Boomerangs. For very tight budgets, consider a shorter rental period (3 hours instead of 4) or booking off-season weekday dates for potential discounts.

Do I need to tip the photo booth attendant?

While tips aren't required, it's customary to tip your photo booth attendant 15-20% if they provide excellent service. Your attendant manages equipment, assists guests, troubleshoots technical issues, and ensures everything runs smoothly throughout your event. If your attendant goes above and beyond—staying late, handling difficult situations gracefully, or providing exceptional guest interaction—showing appreciation with a tip is a nice gesture that's always appreciated.

How far in advance should I book a photo booth for my event?

For weddings, book 6-12 months in advance, especially if you're planning a Saturday during peak season (May-October). Popular dates book up quickly with top vendors. For corporate events or parties, 2-3 months is usually sufficient, though holiday parties and New Year's Eve need 4-6 months advance booking. At Captured Celebrations, booking early often qualifies you for early-bird discounts (typically 10% off) and ensures you get your preferred booth style and time slot. Plus, it's one less thing to worry about as your event approaches!

What's the average cost difference between booth types?

At Captured Celebrations: Open Air booths ($475-$750) are most affordable and perfect for budget-conscious events; Retro Mirror booths ($850-$1,350) command a premium due to the interactive technology and elegant presentation; Studio Quality, Roamer, and specialty experiences are priced based on specific needs and event requirements. The difference between our most affordable option (Open Air Bronze at $475) and our premium experience (Retro Signature at $1,350) is about $875, so choose based on your priorities and budget. Every package includes professional service, custom templates, and digital galleries.

Are there hidden fees I should know about?

At Captured Celebrations, what we quote is what you pay—setup, breakdown, and travel within our standard service area (Los Angeles County) are all included. However, venues outside our typical service radius may have travel fees ($50-200). Overtime rates apply if your event runs longer than booked ($150/hour). Some venues require special insurance certificates or permits, which we handle but may pass along the cost. We're completely transparent about any potential additional costs during the quoting process, so you'll never be surprised by your final invoice. That's part of our award-winning service commitment.

Can I negotiate photo booth rental prices?

Our pricing is fair and transparent, reflecting the quality equipment, professional service, and award-winning experience we provide. However, we do offer several ways to save: off-season or weekday discounts (events November-April excluding holidays), early booking incentives (10% off for bookings 6+ months out), and occasionally promotional pricing during slower periods. If you're booking multiple services or have flexibility on dates, ask about available discounts. We'd rather work with you to find a package that fits your budget than see you go without a photo booth experience. Respectful conversation about your budget is always welcome!