Photo booths have become almost as common at weddings in Australia as live music, photo walls and champagne toasts. But as couples weigh up costs, space and priorities, many ask: Is a photo booth at a wedding really worth it?

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your style, your guests and the vibe you want for the big day. A booth can be a hilarious icebreaker, create memorable keepsakes and give everyone a chance to let loose, but it’s not essential for every celebration. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits, alternatives and creative photography booth ideas to help you decide whether a booth deserves a spot at your reception, and how to make it a fun, personalised part of your wedding day.

Why couples love a photo booth at weddings

There’s a reason why photo booths are still trending year after year. For starters, they’re a total entertainment hit. Guests of all ages, from kids to grandparents, love stepping into a booth, experimenting with props and snapping silly or sweet photos. Unlike digital-only memories, the instant photo strips or prints give everyone a tangible keepsake to take home, which is a fun reminder of the day. While your professional photographer captures the big moments like the ceremony, speeches and first dance, a booth picks up all the spontaneous, candid fun that often gets missed. It’s also a brilliant icebreaker; props and group shots get people chatting and laughing, even guests who might not know each other well. Plus, it’s inclusive: everyone can join in, whether they’re keen dancers or prefer to hang back.

In short, a photo booth at a wedding isn’t just about the photos. It's about giving people a fun, interactive way to enjoy themselves between formalities, creating memories that feel playful and personal.

Is a photo booth a replacement for a photographer?

Absolutely not. A photo booth is meant to complement your wedding photographer, not replace them. Your photographer’s role is to capture the big, emotional moments; think your vows, the first kiss, formal portraits and all the heartfelt highlights that you’ll treasure forever. The photo booth, on the other hand, is all about the spontaneous fun: the laughter, inside jokes, silly poses and late-night antics that might not make it into your main photo album. Many couples in Australia choose to have both.

Perhaps a smaller photography package alongside a photo booth at the reception, which lets them enjoy a perfect mix of polished, professional keepsakes and candid, light-hearted shots that show the real personality and energy of the day.

How long should you hire a photo booth?

Most couples in Australia find that 3 to 4 hours is the sweet spot for a photo booth at a wedding. This usually covers the cocktail hour, when guests are mingling while the bridal party is busy with formal photos. It also includes the post-dinner period, when everyone has relaxed a bit and is ready to have fun. The best part is often during dancing time, when props, silly poses and group shots are at their peak. If your crowd loves getting in front of the camera, you can always extend the hire, but make sure your package includes unlimited photo sessions, a booth attendant to keep everything running smoothly and digital copies of the images for you to enjoy later.

Where to set up your wedding photo booth

Location is almost as important as the photo booth itself, since it affects how much your guests will use it. A spot near the dance floor works well because the energy of the music draws people in, but make sure it’s not directly on the dance floor so it doesn’t get in the way. Placing the booth close to the bar or dessert table is another great idea, as these are naturally high-traffic areas where guests can pop in between drinks or snacks. You could also set it just outside the main reception room if you want to avoid crowding inside. For a more curated feel, consider a quiet corner decorated with props and lighting to create a dedicated ‘photo zone’ that feels special and inviting. Most photo booth providers recommend leaving at least 2.5m by 2.5m of space to accommodate the backdrop, lighting and a few guests at a time, ensuring everyone has room to pose comfortably.

Fresh photography booth ideas for weddings

A standard backdrop and a few props will always get the job done. But if you want something a little more you, it’s worth taking things up a notch. Here are some photography booth ideas that are trending in Australia right now:

Customised backdrops 

Go beyond a plain backdrop and make it personal. Think your names in a stylish font, your wedding date, neon signage, or even a backdrop that matches your colour palette. It instantly turns every photo into a keepsake.

Seasonal or themed props 

Match your booth to the vibe of your day. Beach accessories for summer ceremonies, rustic florals and wooden elements for country weddings, or sparkly disco pieces for couples who love a retro moment. Props are small, but they set the whole mood.

Digital sharing stations 

People love instant gratification. With a sharing station, guests can text or email their photos on the spot — perfect for social media, family group chats or just having a laugh later.

Guestbook station 

Level up your traditional guestbook by giving guests a space to stick their photo strips and write a quick message. It turns a simple book into a fun, heartfelt scrapbook you’ll actually want to flip through.

Green screen fun 

If you want something playful, green screens open up endless possibilities. Swap backgrounds with Paris, Bondi Beach, or even something completely out there like a galaxy scene or your favourite movie set.

Adding these little personal touches makes your booth part of your story, not just an add-on.

Eco-friendly photo booth ideas

If you’re planning a more sustainable wedding, you don’t have to skip the photo booth to stay true to your eco-goals. It’s actually pretty easy to make the setup greener with a few thoughtful choices.

Start by using recyclable or reusable props instead of single-use plastics. Think wooden signs, fabric accessories or props you already own. Many couples also choose digital-only packages, which means guests can save their photos straight to their phones without needing endless paper prints.

Another simple swap is opting for LED lighting instead of traditional bulbs. LEDs use far less energy and still give you bright, flattering photos. You can also get creative with handmade backdrops using materials like fabric, dried flowers or greenery, rather than buying something mass-produced that you’ll only use once.

If you already have decor pieces from your ceremony or reception, like florals, signage or draped fabrics, you can repurpose them to style the booth area. It keeps everything cohesive and cuts down on waste.

With just a few small tweaks, you can keep the booth fun, stylish and totally planet-friendly without sacrificing the experience for your guests.

How to get the most out of your photo booth

A photo booth can be a massive hit at your wedding, but a few simple tweaks can make it even more fun and memorable for everyone. One of the easiest ways to boost engagement is to have your MC announce when the booth is open. A quick shoutout ensures guests know it’s there and gives them a little nudge to check it out, especially early in the night.

Placement also plays a huge role. Putting the booth somewhere visible, near the dance floor, bar or another high-traffic spot, naturally encourages people to wander over. If it’s tucked away in a corner, guests might forget it exists, so keeping it close to the action helps keep it busy.

Adding a small sign with playful prompts can also make a big difference. Simple suggestions like ‘Grab a prop’, ‘Take a group photo’ or ‘Leave one for the guestbook’ give guests an easy way to join in without feeling awkward. It sets the tone and makes the whole experience feel more inviting.

It’s also worth keeping the props organised throughout the night. A quick tidy-up every now and then keeps everything looking fresh and stops the area from getting cluttered. Guests are more likely to jump in when the space feels neat and fun rather than chaotic.

And of course, don’t forget to use the booth yourselves. Some of the sweetest and funniest photos come from the couple popping in together, especially later in the evening when everyone’s relaxed and having a great time. It’s a lovely way to capture candid memories you’ll actually want to look back on.

Alternatives to a photo booth at weddings

If a photo booth doesn’t fit your budget, venue or style, there are plenty of other ways to create interactive photo memories at your wedding.

You could place disposable cameras on tables for a retro, playful touch. Guests will love snapping candid shots, and you’ll get some fun surprises when the film is developed. Another option is a Polaroid wall, where guests take instant prints and pin them up to create a growing collage throughout the night. A wedding hashtag is a simple, digital-friendly idea that encourages guests to share photos on Instagram, giving you a virtual gallery of memories.

For a mix of both, hire a roaming photographer with props who can wander the room, capturing spontaneous moments while keeping the vibe light and fun. These alternatives still deliver plenty of entertainment and laughs while keeping things simple and personalised.

Is a photo booth worth it?

In most cases, yes, a photo booth at a wedding is definitely worth considering. While it’s not absolutely essential, it often ends up being one of the most memorable and talked-about features after the day. A photo booth at wedding receptions brings an extra dose of joy, laughter and interactive fun, while giving guests tangible keepsakes they can take home and treasure. If your priorities include creating candid memories, keeping everyone engaged and adding a playful element to the celebration, a booth is a fantastic investment. Whether you opt for classic props, custom backdrops or more innovative photography booth ideas, the right setup can take your reception to the next level. 

On the other hand, if you’re aiming for a super-minimalist vibe, need to keep costs down or have very limited space at your venue, a full photo booth might not be practical. In that case, some fun alternatives, like disposable cameras, Polaroid walls or a roaming photographer with props, can be a great fit. Either way, the goal is to capture those spontaneous moments that make your wedding day feel truly unforgettable.

Ready to compare options? Find and book trusted photo booth hire providers near you today.