Your wedding is one of the most unforgettable days of your life, and the photos should reflect every joyful, spontaneous, and picture-perfect moment. While professional photographers focus on the ceremony and formal shots, a photo booth adds something different: unfiltered fun and genuine guest interaction.
But with so many wedding photo booth vendors out there, how do you know which company is the right fit for your wedding?
Let’s walk you through the must-knows so you can make the best decision with confidence.
1. Know What Style of Booth You Want
Start by deciding what kind of booth fits your wedding theme, venue space, and guest vibe. Some booths feel elegant and polished, while others are interactive or playful.
Choosing the right wedding photo booth style sets the tone for the kind of guest experience you want to create.
Glam Booth: Think flawless black and white portraits with a skin-smoothing filter. This booth creates a polished black and white or colored look with a skin-smoothing filter, popular for upscale weddings seeking a clean, celebrity-style photo finish.
Mirror Booth: This interactive, full-length mirror engages guests with voice prompts, animations, and even the ability to sign photos. It’s a hit at modern and stylish receptions.
Classic Booth: The open-air option with a prop bundle is perfect for a casual or playful vibe. Great for group shots and easily fits into most venue setups.
360 Booth: Ideal for high-energy celebrations. Guests step onto a platform as a camera circles them to capture fun, slow-motion videos. Great for dance floors and receptions.
Portrait Studio: For couples looking for studio-quality prints, this setup brings editorial-style photography directly to your venue. Clean, elegant, and flattering.
Mini Booth: A drop-off option that’s budget-friendly and self-serve. Compact, simple, and perfect for smaller venues or all-day coverage.
Once you’ve narrowed down your preferred booth style, the next step is making sure the photo booth provider is up to the job.
2. Review Photo Quality and Equipment
Not all photo booths deliver the same quality. Ask what type of camera and lighting the company uses. High-end booths should feature DSLR cameras, studio-grade lighting, and professional printing setups.
Don’t be shy about requesting sample images, both edited and unedited. You’ll want to see natural skin tones, crisp detail, and well-balanced lighting. Look for features like:
- Customized photo strip templates
- Skin-smoothing filters
- Instant color correction
- Consistent lighting, even in bright or low-light venues
At Stay Golden Photo Booth, all booths are equipped with pro-level gear, including studio lighting and DSLR cameras for flawless results. We treat every snap like it belongs in a wedding album.
3. Understand the Inclusions (and Exclusions)
Photo booth packages can vary widely. Always ask what’s included and what’s not.
Key features to clarify:
- Are unlimited prints included?
- Will guests receive a digital gallery?
- Are props provided?
- Is setup and teardown covered?
- Is an on-site attendant included?
- What’s the backup plan for tech issues?
Also, watch for hidden fees: some vendors charge extra for travel beyond a certain distance, custom template design, or early setup requests.
Always ask what’s not included. Reputable vendors like Stay Golden are transparent with pricing and include everything from delivery to on-site support.
4. Prioritize Reliability and Experience
When it comes to your wedding day, reliability is everything. You want a vendor who shows up on time, delivers what they promised, and knows how to handle any last-minute hiccups.
Here’s what to look for:
- 5-star reviews on platforms like Yelp and Google
- Years in business and number of events served
- A strong portfolio including weddings similar to yours
Fact: Stay Golden Photo Booth has over 850 five-star reviews and has served more than 7,500 events across Southern California. We’ve seen it all, from luxury weddings to backyard receptions.
5. Match the Booth to Your Wedding Theme
Your photo booth should blend seamlessly with your wedding style, not stick out like an afterthought. Ask about the customization options:
- Can you personalize backdrops?
- Do they offer custom-designed print templates?
- Can props or overlays be tailored to match your theme?
Hosting a garden wedding? Choose a floral wall or greenery backdrop. Glam affair? Go with champagne sequins. Modern minimalist? A white backdrop with sleek gold text might be your match.
Your wedding photo booth should fit your theme and space, not look random or poorly placed.
Here’s why a wedding photo booth is the best decision you will make.
6. Make Sure It’s Easy for Guests to Use
The last thing you want is a complicated setup that frustrates your guests. Ask how the photo booth company operates:
- Is there an attendant guiding guests?
- Can photos be texted or emailed on the spot?
- How many people can fit in one shot?
Stay Golden’s professional attendants keep the booth running smoothly and the energy high. Our on-site attendant helps guests of all ages use the booth easily, keeping the experience smooth and enjoyable for everyone.
7. Ask About Setup Time and Space Requirements
Logistics matter. Many wedding venues have strict timelines and limited floor plans, so knowing the photo booth’s space and power needs ahead of time can prevent last-minute surprises.
- Standard booth setups typically need an 8×8 space with 8-foot ceiling clearance
- Setup usually takes 30–60 minutes
- Outdoor weddings may require covered space and level ground
If your venue is on the smaller side, ask about Stay Golden’s compact options like our Mini Booth.
Make sure your photo booth is easily accessible and visible to your guests without disrupting the flow of the event.
8. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Photo booths are one of the most popular wedding entertainment features, especially during peak seasons. Book early to lock in your preferred date and booth type.
We recommend booking at least 2–4 months in advance. Be sure to:
- Ask to preview the custom template
- Confirm all inclusions in writing
- Review cancellation and rescheduling policies
Bottom Line
Choosing the best wedding photo booth company can be the difference between a chaotic corner and a highlight of your wedding night. You deserve a setup that reflects your style, delivers high-quality keepsakes, and delights your guests without stress. From studio-grade lighting to seamless service, every detail counts.
At Stay Golden Photo Booth, we specialize in making weddings unforgettable. We proudly serve Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and Riverside. With over 8 years of experience, top-tier equipment, fully customizable options, and a friendly, professional team, we’re here to help you create a photo experience that fits perfectly into your love story.
Ready to book your wedding booth? We make the process smooth and stress-free. Call 626-513-9805 or contact us today to check availability. We’ll help make your wedding celebration one to remember!
FAQs
What should I look for in a photo booth contract?
Your contract should clearly list the booth type, rental hours, setup and teardown details, what’s included (prints, props, attendants), cancellation policies, and any extra charges. Make sure all verbal promises are in writing.
Can I preview how the photo booth will look at my wedding?
Yes, reputable companies like Stay Golden provide previews of your custom backdrop, template design, and sometimes a sample photo layout. This ensures everything matches your theme.
What happens if the photo booth breaks down during the wedding?
A trusted photo booth vendor will always have a trained attendant on-site to troubleshoot any issues. Ask about backup equipment or contingency plans in case of technical problems.
Do I need to coordinate with the venue about power or space?
Most booths require a standard 120V outlet and an 8×8 ft. space. It’s a good idea to loop in your venue coordinator or planner to make sure everything is in place.
How do I know if a company is trustworthy?
Look for verified reviews, years in operation, a professional website, and a portfolio with real wedding setups. Bonus: Ask if they’ve worked at your venue or similar events.
Can I personalize the experience for my guests?
Absolutely. From custom templates and backdrops to themed props and digital overlays, you can tailor the booth to match your wedding perfectly. Ask your vendor what’s possible—the best ones, like Stay Golden, welcome personalization.
