Hiring a photobooth for an event adds fun, and lasting memories for everyone involved with little effort. It encourages interaction, breaks the ice, and creates a lively atmosphere where people can relax, have fun, and share their less serious sides. Modern photobooths offer instant, high-quality prints and digital sharing, so guests leave with a personalised keepsake. Affordable, versatile, and suitable for weddings, parties, or corporate events, they enhance the overall experience and provide both hosts and guests with lasting value.
What Makes Up a PhotoBooth?
In Melbourne, there are heaps of photobooth styles to pick from, like classic enclosed booths, open-air setups, mirror booths, and even cool 360-degree booths. Each one brings a different vibe and can fit perfectly with your event theme or venue. They’re not just machines sitting in the corner — they’re playful, interactive experiences that get everyone involved and give your guests a keepsake to look back on after the big day.
6 Key Things That Influence Cost
1. Type of booth
The style of photobooth you choose plays a big role in cost. Standard enclosed or open-air booths are generally cheaper, while mirror booths or 360-degree setups are more advanced, offering extra features and interactive experiences that increase the price.
2. Day and time
Events held on weekends, evenings, or during popular wedding seasons usually attract higher rates because of demand. Booking a photobooth for a weekday or off-peak time may be more affordable, giving you the same experience for a lower price.
3. Hire duration
How long you book the booth for will affect the cost. A two-hour hire is usually much cheaper than an all-night package. Longer hire times often include extra prints, digital uploads, or attendants to keep things running smoothly.
4. Package inclusions
Photobooth companies often offer tiered packages. Basic ones may include just prints, while premium options can include unlimited sessions, custom photo strips, themed props, backdrops, and online galleries. The more extras you add, the higher the total cost will be.
5. Travel and setup
If your event is held outside central Melbourne or requires extensive setup, you might be charged additional delivery and travel fees. Venues with tricky access, tight spaces, or extra labour needs can also increase costs due to longer setup times.
6. Branding & customisation
Customisation makes photobooths more personal but can also raise the price. Adding your event logo, personalised backdrops, themed props, or tailored digital templates involves more design work. These upgrades create a unique experience but come at a premium cost.
Breakdown of Package Types
Generally, there are three levels you will come across when hiring a photobooth:
Basic Packages
If you just want a no-fuss booth to keep the fun going, basic packages usually sit between $300 and $500 for 2–3 hours. You’ll still get unlimited snaps, a few props, and a simple backdrop for guests to enjoy.
Mid-Range Packages
Want something with a bit more wow factor? Mid-range options usually cost between $500 and $800 and often include open-air booths, some customisation, and longer hire time. Perfect for weddings, birthdays, or work parties where presentation and guest experience matter.
Premium Packages
For the full red-carpet treatment, premium booths can cost anywhere from $800 up to $1,500+. These often include fancy extras like mirror booths, luxury props, instant social sharing, and an attendant to keep everything running smoothly. Some even come with themed setups, roaming booths, or custom branding to really make your event stand out.
Company Comparison
Here’s a comparison chart featuring a collection of several top photobooth companies in Melbourne. Note: these are package starting prices or tiers; extras, customisation and travel fees may apply.
| Company | Duration | Type / Features | Price (AUD) | Notes / Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Day Little Booth | 3 hrs | Standard package, premium backdrop | $650 | Friendly attendant |
| Big Day Little Booth | 3 hrs | Gold package, premium backdrop | $975 | Flower wall option |
| Rewind Booths | 4 hrs | Larger package, more features | $690 | “Rewind Premium” |
| Rewind Booths | 5 hrs | Full package | $790 | “Rewind Exclusive” |
| Snaptime Photobooths | 5 hrs | Same inclusions for longer time | $850 | 5-hour option |
| Snaptime Photobooths | 2 hrs | Mirror / open / enclosed premium style | $660 | Premium booth option |
| Fun Photobooths | 2 hrs | Digital (no prints) / instant sharing / simple setup | $100 | Classic 2-hour package |
| Fun Photobooths | 2 hrs | With prints & props | $200 | Booth & prints option |
| Pixel Booth | 2 hrs | Open‑air, DSLR, prints, props, online gallery | $400 | Base 2-hour rate |
| Pixel Booth | 5 hrs | Longer hire, same core features | $695 | 5-hour package |
Things to consider:
- The ranges among these providers for 2–5 hours tend to fall between $100 (very basic digital only) up to around $850+ for premium or extended packages.
- Some companies (Lavish, Boothalicious) don’t publish fixed prices; they prefer custom quotes.
- Some “cheap” packages (e.g. Fun Photobooths’ $100) skip prints or include fewer extras.
- Always check inclusions: props, prints, backdrops, digital copies, attendant, delivery.
- Prices may rise for weekends, peak seasons, or if your venue is far away (travel fees).
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Tips for getting the best value when hiring a photobooth
1 – Check What’s Included: Don’t just look at the price—see what you’re actually getting. Unlimited prints, props, backdrops, digital copies, and an attendant can make a big difference, and sometimes a slightly higher price is worth it.
2 – Pick Off-Peak Times: Weekdays or off-season events are usually cheaper than weekends or wedding season. If you can be flexible with your date, you could save a fair bit.
3 – Hire for the Right Length: Think about how long your guests will actually use the booth. No point paying for extra hours if it’ll just sit empty.
4 – Look for Free Customisation: Some booths come with themed props, backdrops, or personalised prints included. Getting this stuff for free adds value without costing extra.
5 – Bundle With Other Services: If you’re hiring a DJ, catering, or other event extras, ask if the photobooth company has bundle deals. It can often save you money and keep things simple.
Conclusion
Now that you know what can affect the cost of hiring a photo booth in Melbourne, you’re ready to pick the right one for your event. Remember, it’s not just about taking pictures—photo booths create fun, interactive memories that your guests will be talking about long after the party’s over.
