Hire Photo Booth London: 7 Features to Look for Before Booking

May 31, 2025 - 18:07

When planning a memorable event in London—be it a wedding, corporate party, birthday celebration, or brand launch—hiring a photo booth is a fantastic way to engage guests and capture lasting memories. But not all photo booths are created equal.

With dozens of hire companies in London and an ever-expanding range of technology, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. So how do you make sure you’re booking the right one?

In this guide, we break down the 7 essential features to look for before you hire a photo booth in London. Whether you’re after vintage charm, modern digital innovation, or immersive 360-degree experiences, these criteria will help you choose a booth that delivers wow-factor and value.

1. High-Quality Camera & Lighting Equipment

The most important part of any photo booth? The photos.
It might sound obvious, but many people overlook camera specs when hiring. A good-looking setup won’t matter if the photos come out grainy or dark.

What to look for:

DSLR or Mirrorless Cameras – Avoid webcams or low-resolution tablets.
Studio-Grade Lighting – Softboxes or ring lights ensure flattering, evenly lit images.
High-Resolution Prints – Crisp 4x6 or 2x6 photo strips with rich detail.

London is known for its dimly lit venues—think warehouses, basements, and cocktail bars—so professional lighting is a must. Don’t be afraid to ask vendors for sample photos from past events.

2. Custom Branding & Design Options

If you're planning a wedding, corporate function, or product launch, customisation is key. A great photo booth should feel like an integrated part of your event—not a random corner setup.

Customisable elements to ask about:

Photo overlays and print templates (names, dates, logos)
Backdrops (flower walls, branded step-and-repeats, neon signage)
User interface screens (on mirror or touchscreen booths)
Photo frames, filters, and props to match your theme

For corporate events or influencer activations, on-brand experiences increase both engagement and shareability. Make sure the booth vendor offers fully branded experiences—not just generic props.

3. Instant Sharing Capabilities

In the age of TikTok and Instagram, people expect to share fun content immediately. A top-tier photo booth should allow your guests to instantly access and share their images or videos.

Look for:

Wi-Fi enabled booths with live sharing stations
Text or email delivery of photos and GIFs
Social media integration with hashtags, branded overlays, or QR codes
Live gallery links so all your photos are collected in one online album

Especially for events in trendy parts of London (Shoreditch, Soho, Canary Wharf), real-time sharing is a powerful way to build buzz and create user-generated content on the fly.

4. On-Site Attendant & Professional Support

You’re already juggling catering, entertainment, and guest coordination. The last thing you need is to troubleshoot a photo booth mid-event.

That’s why every quality photo booth hire in London should come with an experienced on-site attendant. Their job? Make sure everything runs smoothly while engaging with your guests.

Benefits of having a photo booth attendant:

Sets up and dismantles the booth on time
Assists guests with prints, props, and digital sharing
Handles technical issues without bothering the host
Keeps the booth tidy and the queue moving

Bonus tip: Ask if they wear branded uniforms or themed attire—it adds polish to your event's presentation.

5. Wide Range of Booth Styles & Experiences

London is one of the most diverse and creative cities in the world, and your booth should match that energy. Depending on your theme, audience, and venue, one style of booth might suit better than another.

Popular booth options in 2025:

Classic Enclosed Booths – Nostalgic, private, and perfect for weddings.
Open-Air Booths – Spacious and flexible for larger groups or branded setups.
Mirror Booths – Elegant, interactive touch-screen mirrors for high-end events.
360° Video Booths – Record slow-motion video from every angle—perfect for social media.
GIF / Boomerang Booths – Fast, fun, and ideal for younger, tech-savvy audiences.
AI & Virtual Booths – Add themed backgrounds or effects using augmented reality.

When comparing quotes, ask vendors what types of booths they offer and if you can upgrade your package to include more interactive elements.

6. Unlimited Prints & Digital Copies

One of the biggest let-downs at events is when guests find out they’re limited to one photo or print per group. Avoid disappointment by confirming what’s included.

Must-have deliverables:

Unlimited photo sessions during the hire period
Multiple prints per session (especially for group shots)
Full digital gallery delivered post-event (within 24–72 hours)
Optional guestbook creation with duplicate prints and handwritten notes

Some vendors even offer branded USB drives or cloud albums. Ask in advance how you’ll receive the digital files and whether they're included in your package price.

7. Transparent Pricing & Reliable Reviews

Finally, don’t ignore the fine print. The best photo booth companies in London will be upfront about pricing, inclusions, and policies.

Questions to ask before booking:

What’s included in the quoted price?
Are travel, setup, and VAT included?
What’s the cancellation or rescheduling policy?
Is there a deposit? When is final payment due?
Do you have liability insurance (required by most London venues)?
Can I see real reviews from recent events?

A professional vendor will never shy away from these questions. Look for companies with 4.5+ star reviews, real photo examples, and an active presence on platforms like Google, Trustpilot, and Instagram.

Bonus Tip: Book Early (Especially in Peak Seasons)

London’s event scene is thriving, especially during wedding season (May–September) and the Christmas party period (late November to mid-December). If you’re planning your event during peak months, book your photo booth at least 3–6 months in advance.

This ensures:

You get your preferred booth style and custom options
Better pricing (early bird discounts may apply)
Enough time for branded designs and digital templates to be finalised

Last-minute bookings not only limit your options—they often cost more.

Conclusion: Book With Confidence and Make Your Event Unforgettable

Hiring a photo booth in London should feel exciting—not overwhelming. By focusing on these seven essential features, you’ll ensure your event is not only fun and interactive, but also professionally executed and worth every penny.

Whether you’re planning a chic wedding in Chelsea, a corporate gala in Canary Wharf, or a birthday blowout in Brixton, the right photo booth will elevate your event and give your guests an experience they’ll never forget.