When you’re planning a wedding or party, there are tonnes of decisions to make; but one of the most common questions we get asked here at Jellybean is “How long should I book a Photo Booth for?”
And honestly? It’s a brilliant question – because getting the timing right can really make a difference. We work at over 450 weddings and events a year, so we’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and how to make sure you’re getting the best value from your booked time.
What Do You Actually Get With Your Booth Hire?
Before we dive into how long to book us for, it’s worth knowing what’s actually included in your time with us. Because it’s more than just a camera, one of our team and a printer! (some of our competitors don’t even provide printers or even people on hand!)
Here’s what you can expect when you hire a booth with Jellybean:
- Unlimited visits to the booth during your booked time.
- A fully trained, friendly member(s) of #TeamJellybean.
- A massive selection of fun props in one of our huge trunk cases – think wigs, glasses, signs, and inflatable craziness.
- Personalised photo templates to match your theme by our in-house graphics team.
- Instant prints for your guests to take home
- A full digital gallery after your event password protected of course.
- Guestbook and USB
- Set-up and pack-down included – we handle all of it.
So really, when you book us, you’re not just getting a booth – you’re getting an experience for your guests, and some unforgettable moments captured forever.
How Long Should You Book For?
It all depends on the type of event, the number of guests, and the energy of the people at your event. We’ve pulled together a breakdown based on what we’ve learned from hundreds of events each year along with ensuring you get the most out of your booking, the best value and a Photo Booth that is used for the full duration :
2 Hours – Short, Sweet & Perfect for Smaller Gatherings
If you’re hosting a smaller wedding or celebration – around 80 guests or fewer – two hours is usually spot on.
Everyone gets a chance to jump in, grab a prop, and have a laugh. There’s enough time for people to come back for seconds, but it doesn’t feel rushed.
We typically offer our 2-hour packages for Sheffield-based events only. Why? Because we believe in being fair to our team. Sending someone an hour or two out for just two hours of booth time just wouldn’t feel right – they deserve to make the most of their travel time too! ❤️
3 Hours – Our Most Popular Package and the best value
Got between 80 and 150 guests? Or maybe your friends and family just love to party or want to celebrate your big day in style? Then 3 hours is bang on.
This gives you a really lovely flow to the evening. People can pop in early on, head to the bar or dancefloor, then come back later with a different group of mates (or after a few drinks – the pictures get funnier as the night goes on, trust us 😂).
Three hours lets you:
- Make sure all your guests have time to take part
- Keep the fun going throughout the reception
- Create a guestbook full of proper memories
If you’re not quite sure which package to go for, this is a safe bet for most weddings and parties.
4 Hours – Go Big or Go Home! (For 150+ Guests or Extra Lively Crowds and School Proms)
Planning a big celebration? Got more than 150 guests? Or do your friends just live for the camera?
Then 4 hours is definitely worth considering.
- Guests can keep returning throughout the night
- You don’t get a long queue forming early on
- You give the booth space to breathe between the first visit and that final group shot when everyone’s feeling the buzz
Plus, if you’ve got extra evening entertainment (like a band, sparklers, outdoor games), spacing things out with a longer booth hire keeps everything flowing nicely without anyone feeling like they’re missing out.
Bonus Tip: Early Evening Receptions & Twilight Weddings
If your reception starts earlier – maybe after a twilight ceremony or daytime drinks reception – your “evening do” is probably a bit longer than most.
In that case, it’s worth stretching your booth time a bit. Even just an extra hour can keep the energy up and make sure the booth is a hit all the way through.
Twilight weddings are gorgeous – and your guests will likely be with you from late afternoon until late evening, so give them plenty of time to enjoy every bit of it.
Also one last tip… our booths and mirrors do lose interest at around 11:30pm (usually when the alcohol has kicked in so much that Uncle John is just dancing to ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ and annoying the DJ. We have found that around 11:30pm-12:00am is a good time to plan to close the booth as the guests’ engagement drops off and the last thing you want is a booth not being used.
Final Thoughts from Me (And I know a lot about Booths)
Look – at the end of the day, it’s your party. We’re just here to help you make it amazing with my huge team of engaging Jellybeaners.
Whether it’s two hours of chilled fun or a full four-hour boothing it, we’ll help guide you to what’s best based on your plans, guests, and your energy.
We don’t upsell for the sake of it. We want you to walk away from your night with amazing memories, and for your guests to be laughing at the prints for weeks afterward. And we will be honest with you too. So if you are unsure how long to book, or want an individual recommendation based on your venue, your numbers and your timings then please do get in touch. We’ve probably worked at your venue quite a number of times and we can ensure you get the best value for your booking.
