Outdoor Photo Booth Hire: Yay or Nay in the UK?

Yay—but only with proper planning. This is England, after all…

Outdoor photo booth hire in the UK can be absolutely fantastic, especially in the warmer months. An open-air photo booth set against a backdrop of rolling hills, rustic barns, or garden flowers creates an unforgettable experience for your guests. We’ve seen it work beautifully at weddings, garden parties, and even large-scale festivals.

But the British weather is notoriously changeable. Without shelter or a backup plan, things can quickly unravel. Our booths require electricity, and prints don’t mix well with wind or rain. So while it’s a definite “yay” in terms of guest experience and visual appeal, it’s only a win if the practical side is sorted first—shelter, power, level ground, and ideally a backup indoor space.

With the right preparation, outdoor photo booth hire in the UK is not only possible—it’s brilliant.

Planning an outdoor event and searching for outdoor photo booth hire? You’re in the right place. At Mad Hat Photo Booth, we provide stylish, open-air photo booths that work beautifully for outdoor weddings, private parties, festivals, and corporate events across the Cotswolds, Oxfordshire, and Gloucestershire.

Before you book, here’s what you need to know about how outdoor photo booth hire works—and how to make it a success in the great (and sometimes unpredictable) outdoors of the UK.

Can a Photo Booth Be Set Up Outside?

Yes, it can. All of our photo booths are open-air by design, making them ideal for outdoor use. Whether you’re planning a summer garden wedding, a festival-style party, or a corporate do in the countryside, our booths create fun, high-quality photos with instant printouts and digital sharing—even in outdoor settings.

We currently offer three types of booths:

• The Icon Booth – A modern wooden booth with email sharing, branded video playback, and built-in Marshall speakers for custom music.
• The Retro Booth – A wooden booth with studio-quality photography, designed for timeless, high-end prints.
• The Selfie Pod – A compact, open-style booth perfect for smaller or more casual events. It includes one roll of paper (up to 400 prints), making it ideal for events with up to 140 guests.

All booths can be used outdoors—weather permitting and only when there’s suitable cover and access to electricity.

A Note on British Weather: What You Need to Plan For

Let’s face it—the weather in England can change at a moment’s notice. For outdoor photo booth hire to run smoothly, you’ll need to prepare for the elements:

• A covered area option is essential. A marquee, gazebo, stretch tent, or open-sided barn will protect your guests and the booth.
• Prints are not weatherproof. Even a light drizzle can damage them.
• All booths require electricity. We need a safe, reliable power source—whether from the venue or a weatherproof extension.

If you’re considering outdoor hire for a spring, autumn, or evening event, we strongly recommend planning ahead for changing weather.

Real Event Spotlight: Chipping Campden Garden Party

One of our favourite outdoor setups was for a private celebration in Chipping Campden. The booth was placed outdoors on a warm summer evening beside a beautiful marquee. With fairy lights strung across the garden and guests enjoying the open bar, the photo booth became a central point of fun. Guests captured memories against the soft Cotswold skyline, and the natural setting gave every photo that effortless, rustic charm.

Want to see more events like this? Visit our Blog for real stories and behind-the-scenes looks at outdoor weddings and parties.

What’s Included in Our Outdoor Photo Booth Packages?

• Instant prints (or up to 400 with the Selfie Pod)
• A fully customised print design
• A choice of stylish backdrops or the option to use your natural surroundings
• Instant digital sharing (with Icon and Selfie Pod)
• A friendly booth attendant to help everything run smoothly (Retro and Icon)
• Optional guest book for weddings and special events
• AI-powered filters and fun prop options
• Custom prints tailored to your event’s theme or brand

Explore your options on our Photo Booth Setup page for visual inspiration.

Ideal Events for Outdoor Photo Booth Hire

• Garden or marquee weddings
• Corporate summer parties or team-building retreats
• Outdoor brand activations
• Tipi or yurt celebrations
• Village fêtes and birthday parties
• Large-scale festivals (we’ve proudly served the Big Feastival)

Need a quote? Check our Pricing page for a breakdown of each package.

Recommended Outdoor Venues in the Cotswolds and Beyond

Here are some fantastic venues we recommend for outdoor-friendly events:

• Lapstone Barn, Chipping Campden – Beautiful gardens, rustic features, and ideal for both indoor and outdoor setups.
• Caswell House, Oxfordshire – A historic manor with manicured lawns and romantic outdoor ceremony spots.
• Barnsley House, Cirencester – Known for its elegant gardens and luxurious countryside atmosphere.
• Stone Barn, Cheltenham – A charming barn with views and an open courtyard ideal for booths.
• Oxleaze Barn, near Lechlade – Features open courtyards and flexible garden space for a perfect flow.

Looking for something more casual? You could also consider a private garden, a hired tipi, or a space at a National Trust location.

Event Feature: Outdoor Photo Booth at Belcombe Court

Another stunning outdoor event took place at Belcombe Court, an elegant country estate with beautifully landscaped gardens leading up to the main house. Our photo booth was set up in a dedicated outdoor space that connected the garden area to the dining entrance—making it the perfect stop for guests during canapés and cocktails. As people explored the grounds and admired the view, they stopped to capture spontaneous, joyful moments with friends and family. The natural setting provided an effortlessly elegant backdrop, and the relaxed timing—just before dinner—meant everyone could enjoy the booth at their own pace.

Planning Tips for Outdoor Photo Booth Hire

• Ensure the booth is placed on level ground—grass, patio, or decking all work
• Make sure lighting is arranged if your event runs into the evening
• Always confirm a power source with the venue or event organiser
• Check the forecast—and have a plan B for wet or windy conditions
• Don’t forget backup cover, even in summer

Need help? We’re happy to work with your planner or venue to make sure everything is in place.

What Happens if It Rains?

If rain is forecast, and no cover is provided, we won’t be able to set up outdoors. But we’re flexible. As long as there’s an indoor alternative with space and power, we can move the booth inside. This flexibility is one of the reasons why many clients choose the Selfie Pod—it can be quickly moved between spaces and needs minimal setup.

What Do Clients Say?

“We had the Mad Hat Photo Booth at our outdoor wedding and it was one of the best parts of the day. The setup worked perfectly under the marquee, and even with the wind picking up later in the evening, the team kept everything running smoothly. The prints were gorgeous and our guest book is now one of our most treasured keepsakes.”
— Emily & James, Gloucestershire

You can read more reviews on Google to see why we’re trusted by couples, planners, and corporate clients across the region.

Book Your Outdoor Photo Booth Today

If you’re planning an outdoor event and want to add energy, style, and unforgettable memories, an open-air photo booth is the perfect solution. Whether you’re going all-out with a luxury venue or keeping things relaxed in your garden, we’ll help you choose the right booth for your day.

Check availability now by visiting our Contact Page, or explore our Booths to find your perfect match.