360 Photo Booth vs Open-Air Booth: Which Is Right for Your Event?

Two booth styles come up in almost every conversation we have with event planners: the 360 video booth and the open-air photo booth. Both are fun, both are hosted, and both work at weddings, birthdays and corporate events. But they create very different things. One produces slow-motion videos made for social media. The other produces printed photos guests take home.

This guide compares them side by side so you can decide which suits your event, or whether you need both.

What is a 360 photo booth?

A 360 booth is a round platform with a camera on a rotating arm. One to seven guests step on, the arm sweeps around them, and seconds later they’re watching a slow-motion clip with music, effects and a custom overlay. They receive it by QR code, email or AirDrop, ready for Instagram or TikTok. Our 360 Video Booth comes with a host who manages every spin, coaches poses and keeps guests safe on the platform.

What is an open-air photo booth?

An open-air booth is a camera, screen and professional lighting set up in front of a backdrop, with no enclosure. Groups of any size can squeeze into the frame, and everyone around can see the fun happening. Our Mirror Photo Booth and Wooden Mirror Photo Booth both work this way, and the Classic Photo Booth can be set up to suit your space. Most include real unlimited instant prints plus digital copies, and our AI photo booth add-on works with our photo booths (Mirror, Wooden Mirror, Classic and Drop-off Selfie), not the 360 video booth.

360 booth vs open-air booth at a glance

When the 360 booth is the better choice

• You want social media content. Each clip is short, vertical-friendly and instantly shareable, which makes the 360 a favourite for launches, activations and Sweet 16s.
• Your crowd loves to dance. Twirling dresses, flying confetti and the whole bridal party in one shot. Opening the 360 right after the first dance is one of our favourite wedding moves.
• You want a wow factor. The platform, lights and moving arm draw people in from across the room.
• Outfits are part of the event. Cultural celebrations with outfit changes look spectacular in slow motion.

When an open-air booth is the better choice

• You want guests to leave with a keepsake. Real unlimited prints end up on fridges, in wallets and in guest books.
• Every generation is attending. Grandparents and flower girls both know what to do in front of a camera.
• Space is tight. Restaurant private rooms, condo party rooms and office lounges suit a compact footprint.
• The look of the room matters. A mirror booth blends into elegant décor, and the wooden mirror suits barns, vineyards and garden tents.
• Big groups want one photo. Open-air setups fit large groups that a 360 platform can’t.

Space, power and venue checklist

Both booths need one standard power outlet and a short line area. The 360 also needs a clear circle so the arm can turn safely. For outdoor events, both need cover from rain and direct sun, such as a tent or canopy. We arrive early to finish the 45 to 60 minute setup before guests walk in, and setup time doesn’t count toward your booked hours.

Should you book both?

For weddings and parties over about 100 guests, booking both is often the best experience. Guests get a video to post and a print to keep, and the crowd splits between two stations so neither line gets long. A common setup is the open-air booth from cocktail hour and the 360 opening once the dance floor fills.

Planning in a specific city? See how we set up in Brampton banquet halls, Hamilton venues and Oakville estates, or browse event ideas for birthday parties and corporate events.

Frequently asked questions