Photo booth hire packages from Gatwick Sound Photo Booth currently start from £395. The final price depends on the booth format, operating time, venue location, access requirements and level of customisation.

This is why two quotes described as “photo booth hire” can differ considerably. One may cover a short, simple setup, while another includes a hosted experience, customised prints, digital sharing, a backdrop and several hours of operation.

Understanding what is included makes it easier to compare quotes and choose a package that fits the event.

How much is photo booth hire in 2026?

Gatwick Sound Photo Booth packages start from £395. This starting price does not mean that every booth, venue and event costs the same.

A quote is normally based on:

the type of booth;
the length of the hire;
the event date;
the venue location;
delivery and access requirements;
print and digital options;
branding or personalisation;
backdrop requirements; and
any additional entertainment services.

The clearest way to obtain an accurate figure is to provide the event date, venue and preferred booth format when requesting a quote.

Why photo booth prices vary

The camera is only one part of the service. A complete booking may also involve transport, installation, lighting, software, printing equipment, an attendant and removal after the event.

A supplier must allow enough time to:

prepare and test the equipment;
travel to the venue;
unload and install the booth;
operate the experience;
manage prints or digital delivery; and
dismantle and transport the equipment after the event.

Venue access can make a significant difference. A ground-floor function room with nearby parking is easier to serve than a central London venue with timed loading, restricted parking and several floors of equipment movement.

The booth format affects the quote

Different booths require different equipment, transport and operating space. They also create different types of content.

Traditional photo booth

A traditional booth provides still photographs and may include instant prints, digital copies and a backdrop. It is familiar to guests and works across weddings, parties, proms and corporate events.

The price can change according to the hire duration, printing arrangements, backdrop and level of personalisation.

Magic Mirror

A Magic Mirror is a full-length interactive booth. Its size and construction make delivery and installation more involved than a compact setup.

Access is therefore an important part of the quote. Stairs, small lifts, narrow corridors and long routes from the unloading point can affect whether the mirror is suitable for the venue.

Selfie Pod

A Selfie Pod has a smaller footprint and focuses on digital photographs and sharing. It may also use filters, customised overlays or AI background replacement.

The quote depends on whether the pod is hosted, how the content is delivered and which custom options are required.

360 video booth

A 360 booth creates short videos rather than traditional still photographs. It requires a platform, rotating camera arm, lighting, software and active supervision.

It also needs more operating space and queue management. Branding, video effects and digital delivery can add further preparation to the booking.

How hire duration affects the price

Longer operating periods normally cost more because they require additional staff time and consumables. However, booking the booth for the whole event is not always necessary.

For a wedding, the most effective period may begin after dinner and speeches. At a company party, the booth might open during arrivals or after the formal programme.

A carefully timed three-hour booking can sometimes produce more participation than a longer hire that begins while guests are eating or listening to presentations.

When requesting a quote, distinguish between:

supplier arrival time;
installation and testing time;
the advertised operating period; and
equipment collection time.

The booth hire period usually refers to the time it is available to guests, not the complete amount of time the supplier spends at the venue.

Does location affect the price?

Yes. Travel distance, parking and venue access may all affect the final quote.

Gatwick Sound Photo Booth covers London, Sussex, Surrey and Kent. Events within this area can still involve very different transport requirements.

For example, a venue may have:

paid or restricted parking;
a timed loading bay;
a long route from the vehicle;
stairs without lift access;
security check-in procedures;
limited setup periods; or
a late collection requirement.

Providing the complete venue address allows these factors to be included accurately rather than added later.

Are delivery, setup and collection included?

Do not assume every quote includes the same services. Ask whether the stated price covers:

delivery to the venue;
installation and testing;
removal after the event;
travel charges;
parking costs; and
late-night collection.

A cheaper headline price may not represent the final amount if these elements are charged separately.

Does an attendant affect the price?

A hosted booth includes an attendant during the operating period. The attendant explains the process, organises groups, manages printing and keeps the area ready for the next guests.

This is particularly important for a Magic Mirror or 360 booth. The 360 platform needs supervision, while the mirror benefits from help with the touchscreen, groups and guestbook.

Ask whether the attendant is included for the full hire period and whether additional staffing is required for a larger event.

Are prints included?

Printed photographs involve paper, ink, printing equipment and design preparation. Packages may differ in the number and type of prints supplied.

Before booking, check:

whether prints are included;
how many copies each group receives;
the size and layout of the print;
whether a custom template is included;
whether reprints are available; and
whether digital copies are also supplied.

A digital-only package may have different operating requirements from a booth providing prints throughout the event.

Does customisation cost more?

Basic personalisation may be included, while more complex branding can require additional design and production.

Custom options can include:

names and event dates;
company logos;
branded print templates;
digital overlays;
custom booth screens;
AI background designs;
physical branded backdrops;
video introductions and closing frames; and
a customised online gallery.

For weddings, a simple design matching the stationery may be sufficient. Corporate launches and exhibitions may require several approved assets and a more detailed review process.

What other additions can affect the quote?

Optional extras may include a guestbook, specialist backdrop, additional operating time or extended digital features.

The event may also require coordination with other entertainment. Booking a booth alongside DJ services can simplify communication, but the package should clearly explain what each service includes.

Review the available photo booth and entertainment services before requesting a combined quotation.

How to compare photo booth quotes

Comparing only the final price can be misleading. Create a simple list of what each supplier provides.

Check the following points:

booth type and appearance;
guest operating time;
delivery and collection;
on-site attendant;
prints and digital copies;
custom artwork;
backdrop;
online gallery;
travel and parking;
setup requirements; and
support if equipment develops a problem.

Real event photographs and recent reviews can also help assess presentation, reliability and the way the attendant works with guests.

Is the lowest price the best value?

Not necessarily. A lower-priced package may be suitable for a simple event if it includes everything you need.

However, it may offer poor value if important items are missing or the booth is unsuitable for the venue. Additional charges for travel, staffing, prints or setup can also narrow the difference between quotes.

Value depends on whether the service:

fits the venue;
suits the audience;
operates for the right period;
produces the required content;
includes reliable support; and
reflects the expected standard of the event.

How to receive an accurate quote

Include the following information with your enquiry:

event date;
venue name and full address;
type of event;
estimated guest numbers;
preferred booth format;
required operating time;
print or digital preferences;
branding requirements; and
any known access restrictions.

If you are unsure which booth would suit the event, describe the venue, audience and type of content you want. The supplier can then recommend an appropriate format instead of quoting for unsuitable equipment.

Photo booth packages from £395

Gatwick Sound Photo Booth packages currently start from £395. The final quote is based on the booth, venue, duration, travel and custom requirements.

To receive pricing for your event, request a custom quote with the date and venue details.