Planning an event? You’ve probably got the big stuff covered—the food, the music, the seating chart that took you three days to perfect. But if you’re looking for something that brings people together and gets them laughing, an open-air photo booth is your best bet.
This isn’t just another trendy add-on. It’s a fun, flexible activity that fits almost any event. It’s easy to use, makes people smile, and gives your guests something to remember the day by—whether that’s a goofy shot with friends or a candid group selfie.
So why do so many people choose an open-air photo booth for their events? Let’s break it down.
What is An Open-air Photo Booth?
An open-air photo booth is a simple yet stylish setup that includes a camera stand, lighting, a preview screen, and a backdrop. Unlike traditional photo booths, there are no walls or curtains. It’s open to the crowd, allowing guests to step in, strike a pose, and step out without feeling boxed in.
This design means more people can fit in one shot, and it makes it easier for guests to jump in on the fun. With space to move and options to customize, open-air photo booths work with almost any theme and layout.
What’s The Difference Between An Open-Air vs. Enclosed Photo Booth?
The main difference is the setup. Enclosed photo booths are the classic kind—like a mini-room with curtains or panels. They offer privacy and a cozy, retro vibe. Great for guests who like a bit of privacy when they take their silly shots.
Open-air booths, on the other hand, are all about being social. Guests can walk by, see others posing, and feel encouraged to join in. It’s casual, fun, and better for larger groups.
While enclosed booths are great for intimate moments, open-air setups are perfect when you want your guests to be part of the action.
In this guide, we’ve compared open-air vs enclosed photo booths.
Why Renting An Open-air Photo Booth is a Great Choice?
Still wondering if it’s worth it? Think about what you want your guests to remember. An open-air booth turns your event into a shared activity. It brings people together, gives them a reason to mingle, and leaves them with a fun keepsake to take home.
It’s also practical. With fewer moving parts and quicker setup, there’s less hassle on the big day. Plus, it looks great. A neat backdrop, some fun props, and a good camera setup—it’s a recipe for nonstop laughs and memorable photos.
Will It Fit for Any Event?
Absolutely. Open-air photo booths are super flexible and that’s the beauty of it. They work for:
- Weddings (indoor or outdoor): From ballroom receptions to beach ceremonies
- Corporate events: For conferences, product launches, or office parties
- Birthday parties: From kid-friendly fun to milestone celebrations
- Brand activations: Customize the booth to reflect your message
- Holiday parties: Think ugly sweaters and festive cheer
- Family reunions: Perfect for big group shots and generational photos
- School activities: Great for proms, school fairs, or graduation parties
Wherever people gather and celebrate, an open-air photo booth fits right in.
The Types of Open-air Photo Booths
Not all open-air photo booths are created equal. Here’s a quick look at the different types of open-air photo booths you can choose from, each with its own unique features and flair.
Glam Cam
Perfect for elegant and glamorous events, the Glam Cam or Glam Photo Booth focuses on smooth skin filtering and celebrity-look shots. With professional lighting designed to make everyone look their best and filters that smooth imperfections, these booths deliver photos your guests will love to share.
The Glam Cam typically features high-resolution cameras and larger preview screens so guests can perfect their pose before the shot. This option works beautifully for fashion-forward weddings and luxury corporate events where image quality matters.
360 Booth
For the ultimate wow factor, the 360 photo/video booth captures dynamic, spinning videos that show guests from every angle. A camera rotates around a platform where guests pose, creating short video clips that feel straight out of a music video.
This interactive experience gets guests moving and creates content perfect for social media sharing. The 360 booth makes a statement at product launches, milestone birthdays, and modern weddings where couples want something beyond traditional photography.
Mirror Booth
Combining technology with elegance, mirror photo booths feature a full-length mirror with an integrated touchscreen. Guests interact directly with the mirror’s surface, tapping to start the countdown and seeing animations and instructions on the mirror itself.
The sleek design blends seamlessly with sophisticated event décor while providing an interactive, almost magical experience.
Classic Booth
The classic photo booth setup focuses on simplicity and quality. A professional camera mounted on a stand faces a beautiful backdrop, with a separate screen showing preview images and countdown timers.
This versatile option works for any event type and typically comes with the most customization options for backdrops and print layouts.
Mini Booth
Compact and self-service, mini booths are perfect for smaller spaces or casual gatherings. No attendant needed, but still packed with fun features like GIFs and instant sharing.
The 10 Benefits Of Open-Air Photo Booth
These top 10 benefits of open-air photo booths show why they’re a smart and fun choice for any type of event.
1. More people can fit
No squeezing or stacking. Open-air booths accommodate large groups easily, typically fitting around four to seven people comfortably.
2. Space flexibility
No need for a huge setup area. These booths fit into corners, open areas, or against walls. Adjust as needed.
Typically, an open-air booth will require an 8×8 footprint and an 8-foot height clearance to accommodate the backdrop and equipment comfortably.
Not sure where to set up your photo booth? Explore these 8 of the best places to consider.
3. Matches any event style
From rustic barn weddings to sleek corporate gatherings, open-air booths blend with any aesthetic. Their customizable backdrops and adaptable equipment styling make them chameleons that complement rather than compete with your event design.
4. Everyone can see and join the fun
The visible nature of open-air booths creates contagious energy. When guests see others laughing and posing, they want to participate too.
This visibility helps draw in shy guests who might skip a booth they couldn’t see in action.
5. Works great indoors or outdoors
Whether your event is in a ballroom, backyard, or beach, this setup adapts easily. Just make sure there’s a power source.
6. Quick setup and cleanup
Open-air booths are versatile in both indoor and outdoor venues. Outside, they blend with natural scenery or garden settings, while most rental companies offer protective tents for unexpected weather.
This versatility lets you plan confidently for any location, knowing your photo fun stays protected from rain or harsh sunlight.
7. Instant photos to keep – digital or printed
Print out your shots or get them sent to your phone. You can even offer both. Many setups also allow guests to scan a QR code for instant downloads, making the process seamless and quick.
8. Social media interaction
Most open-air booth systems integrate seamlessly with social platforms, allowing guests to share their photos instantly with custom event hashtags.
This feature extends your event’s reach online and creates a digital album aggregating everyone’s experiences. For corporate events, this social sharing provides valuable brand exposure.
9. It’s quicker for guests to hop in and out
Without doors to open or curtains to navigate, the open-air experience flows more smoothly, reducing wait times and keeping lines moving. Guests spend less time waiting and more time enjoying your event.
This efficiency becomes particularly important at larger gatherings where entertainment bottlenecks can affect overall guest satisfaction.
10. It keeps guests entertained and engaged
Without doors to open or curtains to navigate, the open-air experience flows more smoothly, reducing wait times and keeping lines moving.
Guests spend less time waiting and more time enjoying your event. This efficiency becomes particularly important at larger gatherings where entertainment bottlenecks can affect overall guest satisfaction.
Factors to Consider Before Renting an Open-Air Photo Booth
Before booking your open-air photo booth, evaluate these important factors to ensure you select the right option for your specific event:
- Matches the theme event: Choose a photo booth, props, and backdrop that reflect your party’s personality. Talk to your photo booth vendor about customization options.
- Check the availability: Photo booth rentals book up fast during peak seasons. Reach out early to secure in your desired date.
- Type of photo booth you need: Know your options. Want something compact? Go mini. Want glam? There’s a booth for that too.
- Quality and fun props: Props matter. Ask your vendor what they offer and if they can customize for your theme.
- Space at your venue: Make sure there’s enough room for photo booth setup, especially for backdrops and group photos.
- Lighting conditions: Lighting dramatically affects photo quality. If your event is in the evening or outdoors, ask about lighting options. Good lighting makes great photos.
- Guest count: Larger crowds need faster booth options or extra attendants to keep the line moving.
- Power source: Open-air photobooths need electricity. Make sure your venue has an accessible outlet.
- Customization options: From photo overlays to backdrop designs, customization helps your booth feel part of the event.
- Vendor reputation & support: Read reviews. Look at sample photos. Make sure the company shows up on time and supports your event from setup to teardown.
- Budget, cost, and package details: Beyond the base rental fee, understand what each package includes. Know what you’re getting. Ask if props, backdrops, attendants, and digital copies are included. Get a quote and make sure there are no hidden fees.
Check out these 11 practical tips you need when hiring a photo booth rental company.
Are They Affordable?
Open-air photo booths fit a range of budgets, with pricing typically based on hours of operation and included features. Basic packages generally start around $395-700 for a few hours of service, while premium options – it can reach $1,500 or more for extended coverage. It also depends the type of photo booth you’re getting.
What affects the cost? Several factors influence pricing:
- Duration of rental
- Day of week and seasonality
- Print volume and size
- Digital delivery options
- Backdrop selection and customization
- Attendant service
- Travel distance for the vendor
- Add-on features like guest books or custom props
When evaluating affordability, consider the value beyond just the monetary cost. A quality photo booth:
- Serves as both entertainment and favor provider
- Creates lasting memories for you and your guests
- Generates content for social media sharing
- Functions as a social ice-breaker
- Requires no management from you during the event
Many hosts find that a photo booth delivers exceptional value per dollar spent compared to other entertainment options that don’t provide tangible keepsakes. When looking at your event budget, consider the photo booth an investment in both entertainment and memory preservation.
Bottom Line
An open-air photo booth offers the perfect blend of entertainment, memory-making, and social interaction for your next event. Whether you choose a sleek Glam Cam for a celebrity-look, an interactive Mirror Booth for a touch of elegance, a dynamic 360 Booth for shareable videos, a versatile Classic Booth for timeless appeal, or a compact Mini Booth for smaller spaces, there’s an option to match your specific needs and vision.
When selecting your booth provider, prioritize quality, customization options, and professional service to ensure your guests receive the best possible experience. Start your search early to secure availability, especially for peak season dates.For a quality photo booth rental in Southern California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County, call Stay Golden Photo Booth at 626-241-7778.
