At first, a classic enclosed booth sits tucked in a corner. Guests slip in two at a time, the curtain closes, and a few minutes later they come out laughing. It’s charming, and it’s also a line of six people waiting for a three-person booth.
At the second, an open air photo booth stands near the bar with a styled backdrop and no walls. A bridal party of twelve piles in, a grandmother wanders over from her table to see what’s happening, and the whole room ends up part of the fun.
Same night, same city, very different energy. The booth style you choose shapes how your guests behave, how many photos you get, and whether the booth becomes the talk of the night or a corner nobody visits.
This guide breaks down the real differences between open air and enclosed photo booths, including space, cost, privacy, and group size. It also covers which one fits your wedding, corporate event, prom, or party, so you can book with confidence.
What Is an Open Air Photo Booth?
An open air photo booth is a photo setup with no walls or curtain. A camera, lighting, and a screen or mirror face a designated photo area, usually with a backdrop behind it. Guests step up, strike a pose, and the booth captures photos, GIFs, or video that can be printed or shared instantly.
Because nothing encloses the space, the booth is visible from across the room. Guests can see who’s in it, hear the laughter, and decide to join. That visibility is the main reason open air booths became the standard at modern weddings and corporate events.
Open-air booths come in several formats:
- Classic open booth: a camera, ring light, and backdrop with a touchscreen for guests to control.
- Mirror photo booth: a full-length touchscreen mirror that prompts guests with animations and messages before snapping the photo. It’s one of the most popular choices for upscale events because it looks sleek and doubles as a decor piece. See our Mirror Photo Booth Chicago page for how it works.
- Glam photo booth: an open setup with beauty-style lighting designed for flattering, editorial-looking portraits.
- Roaming photo booth: an attendant with a camera who moves through the room capturing candid and posed shots.
What Is an Enclosed Photo Booth?
An enclosed photo booth is a self-contained unit with walls, a curtain, or both. Guests step inside, sit or stand on a small bench, and a camera captures a short series of photos, often in the classic four-frame strip.
It’s the style most people picture from arcades, malls, and old movies, and that nostalgia is its biggest strength. The curtain gives guests a bit of privacy, which makes people more willing to make silly faces, steal a kiss, or try a pose they wouldn’t try in front of a crowd.
The trade-off is capacity and visibility. Most enclosed booths fit two to four people comfortably, and only the person at the curtain knows what’s happening inside.
Open Air vs. Enclosed: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor |
Open Air Photo Booth |
Enclosed Photo Booth |
| Group size |
6 to 15+ guests, depending on backdrop width |
2 to 4 guests |
| Space needed |
Roughly 8 x 8 ft, plus room for guests to queue |
Roughly 4 x 4 ft for the unit, plus queue space |
| Privacy |
Low; photos are taken in public view |
High; the curtain creates a private moment |
| Setup |
Backdrop, camera, lighting; typically quick |
Move in a single unit; can be heavy and bulky |
| Cost |
Varies widely; premium formats like mirror booths cost more |
Often comparable or lower for basic units |
| Photo style |
Group shots, full-length, custom backdrops |
Strips, close-up portraits, nostalgic look |
| Guest experience |
Social, visible, easy to join |
Intimate, quirky, one group at a time |
| Customization |
Backdrops, overlays, props, branding |
Mostly limited to print layout and strip design |
Pros and Cons of Each
Open Air Photo Booth
Pros
- Fits big groups. Wedding parties, sports teams, and coworkers can all fit in one frame.
- Customizable backdrops. You can match florals, sequins, neon signs, or a branded step-and-repeat to your theme.
- More social. The booth is part of the party instead of tucked away from it.
- Better for branding. Logos, overlays, and custom prints work naturally with an open layout.
- Faster throughput. Guests join and leave without waiting for a door to open.
Cons
- Less privacy. Shy guests may hesitate to pose in front of a room.
- Needs a bit more floor space to look good and keep a line from tangling with foot traffic.
- Lighting depends on the venue. A good provider brings controlled lighting, but very bright or very dark rooms need planning.
Enclosed Photo Booth
Pros
- Private and nostalgic. Guests feel free to be goofy.
- Works in busy venues. The booth carries its own mini environment, so it doesn’t rely on the room’s lighting or background.
- Classic photo strips feel like a keepsake.
Cons
- Small capacity. Large groups can’t fit, and lines build fast at a 200-guest event.
- Limited backdrop and branding options.
- Heavier and bulkier to transport and place, which can be tricky in older Chicago venues with narrow elevators or tight load-in.
- Less visible, so fewer guests notice it.
Which Is Best for Your Event? A Quick “Choose This If…” Guide
Weddings
Choose open air if you want group photos with the whole bridal party and relatives, and you want the booth to feel like part of the reception. An open-format wedding photo booth rental also lets you match the backdrop to your florals and color palette. At a ballroom reception like those at The Drake Hotel, a mirror booth near the cocktail space looks like it belongs.
Choose enclosed if your guests are mostly couples and friends who love the retro strip look, and you want a quiet, playful corner away from the dance floor.
Corporate Events
Choose open air if you want branded content. A corporate photo booth with custom overlays and instant social sharing turns attendees into promoters. For launches and sponsor activations, a brand activation booth makes the booth part of your marketing, with logos on every photo and digital share.
Choose enclosed if the event is small and informal, and you only need a fun giveaway.
Trade Shows and Conventions
Choose open air. Visibility is everything on a busy show floor, whether at McCormick Place or a hotel ballroom. An open setup draws attention from the aisle, captures lead information, and works with trade show booth services that tie photos to your brand. Open air also lets people see the experience before they join.
Holiday Parties
Choose open air for office parties and seasonal events where you want fast turnover and group photos. A holiday party booth with themed backdrops and props keeps energy high all night.
Proms and School Dances
Choose open air for group photos and a steady flow of students. Couples can still get their moment, and chaperones can see what’s going on.
Birthdays and Milestone Parties
Choose either, depending on the vibe. Open air suits big, social celebrations like a Sweet 16 or a milestone birthday. Enclosed suits smaller gatherings where you want that retro feel.
Outdoor and Summer Events
Choose open air, with a plan. Chicago summers are made for lakefront and rooftop events, but sun glare, wind, and weather affect any booth. Shade, a stable surface, and power access matter more than the booth type. See the FAQ below for specifics.
Want Something Even More Interactive?
If your guests are the type to try anything, a 360 booth rental takes the open-air concept further: guests stand on a platform while a camera arm rotates around them, creating slow-motion videos that look great on social media. It’s a common add-on to a mirror booth for events that want variety.
Cost and Space Considerations
What Affects Photo Booth Pricing in Chicago
Pricing varies by provider, booth type, and event details. In general, these are the main factors:
- Booth format. A mirror booth or glam setup typically costs more than a basic enclosed unit because of the equipment and finish.
- Rental length. Most providers price by the hour, with multi-hour packages that lower the hourly rate.
- Customization. Custom backdrops, branded overlays, and printed layouts can add cost.
- Add-ons. Instant prints, guestbooks, GIFs, social sharing, and props are often included or offered as upgrades.
- Attendant and travel. A trained attendant is usually part of the package. Venue location, parking, and load-in difficulty can affect fees.
How Much Space Do You Really Need?
For an open air photo booth, plan for roughly an 8 x 8 foot area for the booth and backdrop, plus extra room so guests can queue without blocking walkways. A mirror booth stands upright against a wall or open area, so it often takes less floor space than a backdrop-and-camera setup.
For an enclosed booth, the unit itself is smaller, but it’s bulky to move and still needs queue space around it.
Tips for Chicago venues:
- Ask your venue about load-in rules, freight elevators, and power access before booking.
- Place the booth near the bar or lounge, not the dance floor, so guests can visit without missing the action.
- Avoid placing it near the main entrance, where it can create a bottleneck.
What We’ve Learned From Running Booths at Chicago Events
After setting up booths at weddings, corporate launches, and holiday parties across the city, a few patterns come up again and again:
- Placement beats everything. A booth tucked behind a coat check gets a fraction of the use of one near the cocktail area.
- Lighting makes or breaks the photo. A good booth brings its own controlled lighting and uses a quality camera. That’s the difference between a flattering photo and a flat one, especially in dim ballrooms.
- A friendly attendant matters. Guests are far more likely to jump in when someone welcomes them, helps with props, and gets a shy group started.
- The first five minutes set the tone. When the host or the wedding party takes the first photos, everyone else follows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people fit in an open air photo booth?
Most open air photo booths comfortably fit 6 to 15 guests, depending on the backdrop width and camera setup. Mirror booths typically work best for groups of up to 8 to 10, while wider backdrop setups can handle larger crowds. Enclosed booths usually fit 2 to 4 people.
Do I need an attendant for an open air photo booth?
Yes, an attendant is strongly recommended. They run the equipment, help guests with props and poses, manage the line, and troubleshoot technology so your guests keep having fun and you stay focused on your event. Most professional rentals include one.
Can an open air photo booth work outdoors?
Yes, with planning. Outdoor events need a level surface, shade to reduce glare on screens and mirrors, access to power, and protection from wind and rain. A tent, patio, or covered area works best. Tell your provider about the venue early so they can bring the right lighting and equipment.
Is an open air or enclosed photo booth better for weddings?
For most weddings, open air is the better choice because it fits the bridal party, family groups, and large friend groups, and the backdrop can match your wedding décor. Enclosed booths work if you want a retro, private feel for a smaller guest list.
How much does an open air photo booth rental cost in Chicago?
Rates vary based on booth type, rental duration, and add-ons. Premium formats like mirror booths generally cost more than basic units. Request a quote with your date, venue, and guest count for exact pricing.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
If your event has more than about 50 guests, if you want group photos, or if the booth is meant to be part of the party, open air is the better fit. It’s social, flexible, and easy to customize for weddings, brand events, and large celebrations. If you want a small, private, retro-style experience, an enclosed booth can still be a lovely touch.
The best booth is the one your guests will actually use. That’s why open air formats like the mirror booth, glam booth, and 360 booth have become so popular with Chicago event planners: they turn photos into an experience instead of a line.
If you’d like extra coverage on the day, our event photography services pair well with any booth, so you get both candid moments and fun keepsakes.
Planning an Event in Chicago?
At Chicago Mirror Booth, we help couples, planners, and brands choose the right setup for their space, guest count, and style. Check availability or request a quote on our website, or find us and read recent reviews on our Google Business Profile.
We’d love to help you plan an experience your guests will still be talking about long after the last dance.
