Planning a wedding in Toronto comes with so many decisions — from choosing the perfect venue to figuring out flowers, music, and the little touches that make the day feel personal. One question that comes up often is: “Should we rent a photo booth?” It sounds fun, but is it really worth it?

My Own Wedding Planning Experience

When I planned my own wedding, I had a small budget and a DIY approach. I decided not to rent a photo booth, partly because of cost, but also because I wanted to maintain a timeless and elegant vibe. I felt like a traditional photo booth — especially the ones with bright lights, props, and silly themes — might clash with the classic, understated aesthetic I was aiming for.

As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen photo booths in action at many different weddings, from DIY setups with ring lights and smartphones to fully professional booths with elegant backdrops and high-quality prints. Guests almost always use them, and it’s amazing how much joy and laughter they bring. While I didn’t have one myself, I can see why they’re so popular: they create fun moments and tangible keepsakes that your guests can take home.

Different Styles of Photo Booths

Photo booths have evolved far beyond the traditional enclosed box. Here are some of the most common styles you’ll see at Toronto weddings:

• Classic Enclosed Booth – The traditional setup with walls, a camera, and a screen inside. Often comes with props and prints photo strips. Perfect for small groups or couples who want that nostalgic photo strip experience.

• Open-Air / Modern Booth – Uses a camera on a stand with a backdrop or green screen. Can fit larger groups, blends well with wedding decor, and often has a professional look without the boxed-in feel.

• DIY Photo Corner – A backdrop, a ring light, and a camera or smartphone. Often combined with fun props. This is a budget-friendly option and works well for intimate weddings or micro-weddings.

These setups cover the majority of Toronto weddings. Other experiences, like audio guest books or live art/photo painters, are fun alternatives, but they don’t function as traditional photo booths.

Pros and Cons to Consider

Like anything wedding-related, a photo booth has trade-offs.

Pros:

• Fun for all ages
• Creates lasting memories
• Can be themed to match your wedding vibe
• Encourages guest interaction

Cons:

• Adds an extra line item to your budget
• Takes up space (important to consider Toronto venue size)
• Some guests may not use it if it’s optional
• You might already get plenty of candid shots from your photographer

Photo Booth Pricing in Toronto (2026)

Here’s a general guide for what you might expect to pay for a photo booth rental in Toronto in 2026:

Type of Photo Booth	Average Price	Notes
Classic enclosed booth	$600–$1,200	Prints strips or 4x6 photos; usually includes props
Open-air / modern booth	$800–$1,500	Fits larger groups; integrates with wedding decor
DIY photo corner	$150–$500	Requires setup and camera; great for small weddings or micro-weddings

Pricing varies depending on rental duration, weekend vs. weekday, included prints, props, and delivery/setup. Open-air and professional booths tend to be more expensive because they often come with attendants, high-quality cameras, and premium backdrops.

Alternatives to Traditional Photo Booths

If a traditional photo booth isn’t right for your wedding, there are some creative alternatives that can still give your guests fun keepsakes:

• Audio Guest Book Booth – Guests leave voice messages instead of just photos.

• Live Art / Photo Painter – A live artist draws or paints your guests while they pose, creating a unique memento.

• Disposable Cameras on Tables – Encourage guests to capture candid moments throughout the night.

• Photo Challenges or Hashtag Stations – Guests take photos with their phones and share them online using a hashtag.

These experiences aren’t strictly photo booths, but they can provide a similar sense of fun and guest interaction.

Final Thoughts

Photo booths are a “nice-to-have” for Toronto weddings. They’re not essential, but they can add a lot of personality, laughter, and keepsakes for your guests. Whether you go for a classic enclosed booth, an open-air setup, or a DIY corner, the key is choosing a style that fits your wedding’s theme and budget.

For my own wedding, I opted out, favoring a timeless, elegant aesthetic and keeping costs down. As a photographer, though, I’ve seen countless couples benefit from including a booth — the smiles, silly poses, and mementos make it a hit every time.

If your venue can accommodate it and your budget allows, a photo booth is a fun way to add entertainment and lasting memories for your guests. Even small touches, like a DIY corner, can create moments that people remember for years.