How Much Does It Typically Cost to Rent a Photo Booth in Calgary?

Planning an event in Calgary and thinking about adding a photo booth? It’s one of the easiest ways to get your guests laughing, mingling, and walking away with fun keepsakes. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, birthday, gala, or fundraiser, a photo or video experience adds energy and personality to your celebration.

One of the most common questions people ask is:
“How much does it typically cost to rent a photo booth in Calgary?”

Instead of focusing on fixed numbers, it’s more helpful to understand the factors that shape the investment so you can choose a service that fits your event goals and your budget.

What Actually Affects Photo Booth Costs in Calgary?

Photo and booth rentals in Calgary don’t have a one-size-fits-all price. The total cost depends on several key elements you can adjust based on your priorities.

The main factors include:

• Type of experience you choose
• Length of your rental
• Level of customization or branding
• Included features and add-ons
• Travel and setup requirements
• Experience and quality of the provider

Once you understand how each of these works, it becomes much easier to compare quotes and determine real value.

1. The Type of Experience You Choose

One of the biggest pricing factors is the specific service you select. Each experience requires different equipment, staffing, editing time, and technology.

Here’s how the core services compare:

Photography

Professional event photography offers full coverage of your celebration. This includes key moments, candid guest interactions, and overall event atmosphere.

Because this service involves a dedicated photographer, professional gear, and post-production editing, pricing is typically based on coverage hours and the scope of final deliverables. Photography is ideal for clients who want complete event documentation beyond booth-style interactions.

Digital Booth

A Digital Booth focuses on instant digital delivery. Guests can capture photos, GIFs, or short video clips and receive them immediately via text, email, or QR code.

Since there’s no on-site printing, Digital Booth experiences are often streamlined and cost-efficient while still offering:

• Custom overlays
• Branded screens
• Instant sharing
• Online galleries

This is a popular choice for corporate events, brand activations, and modern weddings where social sharing matters most.

Print Booth

The Print Booth blends the charm of classic photo strips with modern image quality. Guests receive physical prints on the spot along with digital copies.

Because this setup includes professional printers, print materials, ink, and maintenance, it typically sits at a mid-range investment level compared to digital-only setups.

Print Booths are perfect for:

• Weddings
• Galas
• Birthday parties
• Events where guests love tangible keepsakes

360 Video Booth

The 360 Video Booth delivers a high-energy, immersive experience. Guests stand on a platform while a rotating camera captures cinematic slow-motion video from every angle.

This service requires:

• Specialized rotating equipment
• Additional floor space
• Trained attendants
• Advanced video processing

Due to the technology and production involved, 360 Video Booth experiences are generally considered premium offerings and are extremely popular for brand launches, corporate events, and upscale celebrations.

Branded Booth Solutions

For corporate clients, Branded Booth Solutions take customization even further.

These experiences may include:

• Custom-branded overlays
• Data capture integration
• Custom microsites
• Branded start screens
• Fully wrapped booth exteriors
• Integrated campaign visuals

The more customized and campaign-driven the build, the more it influences the overall investment. This option is ideal for trade shows, sponsorship activations, and experiential marketing events in Calgary.

2. How Long You Need the Service

Rental duration plays a major role in overall pricing.

Instead of focusing strictly on hourly rates, consider:

• How long your event runs
• When guest engagement will peak
• How many guests you expect

Shorter events may only need coverage during peak hours. Larger weddings and corporate functions typically benefit from extended time so guests can participate throughout the night.

Many providers structure packages around a core time block with extension options available.

3. Customization and Branding Level

Customization significantly impacts pricing, especially for Digital Booth, Print Booth, 360 Video Booth, and Branded Booth Solutions.

You can think of it in three tiers:

Essential Customization

• Personalized photo templates
• Event name and date
• Logo placement
• Coordinated backdrop

Enhanced Customization

• Multiple layouts
• Themed overlays
• Brand color integration
• Custom start screens

Full Branded Experience

• Campaign-aligned creative
• Branded user flow
• Custom visual environments
• Integrated marketing strategy

The more creative development and design time required, the more it affects the final package.

4. Features and Add-Ons That Influence Pricing

Modern booth services offer far more than simple snapshots.

Depending on the service selected, add-ons may include:

• Unlimited sessions
• Instant prints (Print Booth)
• Instant sharing (Digital & 360 Video Booth)
• Online galleries
• GIFs and short-form video clips
• Video messages
• Custom overlays
• Premium backdrops
• Advanced branding integrations

If you’re working within a tighter budget, prioritize the features that directly enhance guest experience or brand exposure.

5. Travel, Setup, and Venue Logistics

Your event location and venue layout can also influence cost.

Important factors include:

• Whether the venue is in central Calgary or outside city limits
• Loading access and setup restrictions
• Indoor vs. outdoor requirements
• Power access and floor space (especially for 360 Video Booth)

An experienced provider will review logistics in advance to ensure smooth setup and avoid unexpected day-of issues.

6. Experience and Equipment Quality

Not all providers operate at the same level of quality.

Established companies typically invest in:

• Professional cameras and lighting
• Commercial-grade printers
• Reliable sharing software
• Trained attendants
• Backup equipment

While budget setups may appear more affordable initially, reliability and quality matter—especially for milestone events and branded activations.

7. How to Plan a Service That Fits Your Budget

Here’s a simple way to align your investment with your priorities:

Define Your Primary Goal

• Full event coverage → Photography
• Instant social sharing → Digital Booth
• Physical keepsakes → Print Booth
• High-impact interactive experience → 360 Video Booth
• Marketing-driven activation → Branded Booth Solutions

Match Time to Your Schedule

Book coverage during peak engagement moments.

Choose Customization Intentionally

Start with a solid base and add only what enhances your event meaningfully.

Request a Tailored Package

Many Calgary providers, including Cosmo Booth, build custom quotes instead of forcing one-size-fits-all bundles.

Why a Photo or Video Experience Is Still Worth It

Beyond cost, consider the value:

• Encourages interaction
• Creates shareable content
• Provides instant keepsakes
• Enhances brand exposure
• Captures moments traditional photography may miss

In a city like Calgary where events range from elegant weddings to corporate summits—a well-executed booth or photography service adds measurable impact to guest experience.

Why Calgary Event Hosts Choose Cosmo Booth

Cosmo Booth specializes in premium:

• Professional Event Photography
• Digital Booth Experiences
• Print Booth Experiences
• 360 Video Booth Activations
• Fully Customized Branded Booth Solutions

Each experience is designed to feel modern, polished, and aligned with your event goals.

With Cosmo Booth, you can expect:

• High-quality cameras and lighting
• Custom overlays and branded designs
• Professional on-site attendants
• Instant sharing and online galleries
• Reliable execution from start to finish

Every event is unique, which is why Cosmo Booth builds tailored packages based on your guest count, venue, event type, and creative vision.

Ready to Plan Your Calgary Photo Booth?

If you’re planning an event in Calgary and wondering what your investment might look like, the best next step is to share:

• Event date
• Venue
• Event type
• Estimated guest count
• Preferred service (Photography, Digital Booth, Print Booth, 360 Video Booth, or Branded Booth Solutions)

From there, you can receive a customized quote that reflects your exact needs.

Cosmo Booth would be happy to help you design an experience that’s fun, elevated, and unforgettable while staying aligned with your budget.

Contact us