How long should I have a photo booth at my wedding?
Choosing the right length for your wedding photo booth rental is more than just a timing decision; it shapes how your guests experience one of the most fun and interactive parts of your celebration. From our work with Oregon couples, we understand the importance of finding a balance that keeps excitement high without stretching the booth’s appeal too thin. Three to four hours tends to hit that balance perfectly, covering the moments when guests are most eager to engage, while making the most of your investment. In this blog, we’ll break down why this timeframe works and how our services can support a seamless experience tailored to your unique day.
Why 3-4 hours works well
Covers Key Reception Times: A 3-4 hour rental can strategically cover the most active parts of your reception, ensuring maximum participation.
Maintains Guest Excitement: Having the photo booth available for just the right amount of time maintains its appeal. Guests are encouraged to visit while the excitement is high, instead of the booth becoming background noise or overlooked over a longer stretch.
We offer rental packages ranging from 2-4 hours. These options fit most weddings well, but we also provide add-on hours for longer celebrations. Whether you want the booth open during cocktail hour or later in the evening, we help design the timing to fit your day.
Strategic timing is key: When to have the Photo Booth open
Cocktail Hour only: Opening the booth during cocktail hour gives guests an engaging activity and serves as a great icebreaker while they mingle and wait for dinner.
Reception only: Starting the booth when the reception begins ensures the photo booth is available when guests are most relaxed and ready to have fun.
Split Sessions: Some couples choose to split their booth time across the evening:
Why Idle Time Matters? Most photo booth companies, including ours, arrive one to one and a half hours before the booth opens. Setting up too close to speeches or dinner risks interrupting important moments like toasts or the meal. Idle time gives you the flexibility to have the booth ready early without running it during quieter parts of the event, keeping your timeline smooth and uninterrupted.
Cocktail Hour (1–1.5 hours)
Dinner and Speeches (Idle Time): Pausing the booth during dinner and formal toasts keeps guests focused on the meal and speeches. Idle time allows the booth to stay set up but inactive at a reduced rate, saving costs while keeping it ready.
After Dinner (2–3 hours)
Factors that influence your Photo Booth rental duration
Several key factors influence how long the booth should be open to best fit your wedding day. Understanding these will help you find the perfect balance between capturing memories and keeping your day running smoothly.
Guest Count: Smaller-mid size weddings (under 200 guests) often require 2-3 hours, while larger weddings (200+ guests) might benefit from 4 or more hours to avoid long lines and rushed photos.
Budget: Since rentals are hourly, your total cost depends on your rental length. Alegría Photo Booth offers payment plans that allow you to break your total into eight installments.
Other Entertainment: If your schedule includes live music or performances, time your booth rental to avoid competing for attention or sitting unused.
Final thoughts
A well-timed photo booth brings energy and connection to your wedding. Our bilingual staff and customizable interface make sure the booth feels like a natural part of your celebration not an afterthought. We manage setup and timing with care, so you can focus on your guests while we capture the moments that matter.
