Rent vs. Buy: Which Is the Smarter Photo Booth Option for Your Event?

Planning an event means making countless choices, venue, food, décor, and entertainment. If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re considering a photo booth. The question is: should you rent a photo booth or invest in buying one outright?

Nico Schaff

2 min reading time

Let’s break down the differences so you can decide which option fits your event, your budget, and your long-term goals.

The True Cost to Rent a Photo Booth

When you look at the cost to rent a photo booth, you’re typically paying a one-time fee for your event. With KRUU, this includes everything you need:

  • Hundreds of prints included (Premium comes with 2 rolls of photo paper, over 300 photos, good for 20+ hours of picture-taking. Basic includes a similar quantity with a different printer type.)
  • Customizable templates to match your theme
  • A sleek, open-air design that fits any venue style
  • Nationwide shipping and easy self-setup instructions

The beauty of renting? You only pay for what you need. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or birthday party, renting ensures you get a professional-quality photo booth without the ongoing costs of ownership.

Romantic proposal leading to wedding: Couple kissing in front of illuminated floral heart with candles at outdoor venue.

The Investment of Buying a Photo Booth

Buying a photo booth may sound appealing if you’re thinking about long-term use. For example, a company that hosts regular events or a professional photographer looking to expand services might consider it. However, there are hidden costs to keep in mind:

  • High upfront investment (often thousands of dollars)
  • Maintenance, storage, and upgrades
  • Software fees for editing or sharing
  • Limited flexibility, once you’ve purchased a model, you’re locked in

For most one-time or occasional event hosts, buying simply isn’t cost-effective.

Rent vs. Buy: Which Option Wins?

  • For one-time events: Renting is hands down the smarter, more budget-friendly choice. You get all the fun, style, and functionality without the commitment.
  • For frequent, professional use: Buying could pay off if you’re in the events industry and plan to use the photo booth weekly.

But for 90% of weddings, parties, and corporate events, the cost to rent a photo booth is far more practical.

Wedding decor idea: Hanging photo booth prints. String of polaroid pictures as a creative party garland & memory.

Why Renting with KRUU Makes Sense

Choosing KRUU means more than just affordability. You’re getting:

  • A stress-free experience with simple setup and return
  • High-quality prints that guests will cherish
  • A cloud photo gallery (available in the KRUU App after your event) where guests can relive the memories

With KRUU, you avoid the hassle of long-term ownership and focus on what really matters: enjoying your event.

Final Thoughts

If you’re weighing the cost to rent a photo booth against buying one, the decision comes down to frequency. For most event hosts, renting provides professional quality, customizable style, and unbeatable value, without breaking the bank.

Your event deserves unforgettable moments, and a KRUU Photo Booth delivers exactly that.