When Is the Best Time to Have a Photo Booth at Your Event? (Expert Tips from a Virginia Beach Photo Booth Company)

One of the most common questions we get from couples, corporate planners, and party hosts is:

“When should the photo booth be open?”

The timing of your photo booth can make a huge difference in guest participation, energy, and the overall experience. After running hundreds of events across Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and the Hampton Roads area, we’ve seen exactly what works — and what doesn’t.

Here’s our expert breakdown to help you schedule your photo booth for maximum fun and unforgettable memories.

Best Photo Booth Timing for Weddings

Cocktail Hour (Great for Early Energy)

Opening the booth during cocktail hour gives guests something fun to do while you’re taking portraits.

Why it works:

Guests are relaxed and excited

Lines stay short

Great way to capture candid moments early

Pro tip: Cocktail hour works best with open-air DSLR photo booths that don’t feel cramped or hidden.

After Dinner & Speeches (The Sweet Spot)

This is hands-down the best time to open your wedding photo booth.

Why it works:

Guests are loosened up and ready to have fun

Dance floor energy is high

You’ll get the most creative, hilarious photos

At VA Shoreline Events, we typically recommend opening the booth right after dinner and formalities to maximize participation.

Late-Night Photos (Fun but Optional)

Late-night booths capture wild, fun moments — but attendance drops as guests leave.

Best for:

Smaller weddings

After-party vibes

VIP or extended packages

Best Photo Booth Timing for Corporate Events

After Presentations or Awards

Corporate guests are more likely to engage after formal programming is complete.

Why it works:

Breaks up the event

Encourages networking

Creates branded keepsakes employees actually keep

Many Virginia Beach and Norfolk companies use photo booths as a reward moment, not a distraction.

During Happy Hour or Networking

Perfect for holiday parties and employee appreciation events.

Bonus: Branded templates and digital sharing increase internal engagement and social media exposure.

Best Photo Booth Timing for Birthday & Celebration Parties

Mid-Event = Maximum Participation

Opening the booth too early can feel awkward; too late and guests may miss it.

Ideal timing:

30–45 minutes after guests arrive

Once music, drinks, and conversation are flowing

This is especially effective for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, and graduation parties in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach.

How Long Should a Photo Booth Be Open?

Here’s what we recommend based on experience:

2 hours: Smaller events or add-on experience

3 hours: Most weddings and parties

4+ hours: Large weddings, corporate events, or VIP experiences

Longer booth time = more relaxed guests and better photos.

Why an Attended Photo Booth Makes Timing Easier

Having an on-site attendant means:

Smooth transitions between event moments

Help managing guest flow

Perfect photo quality all night

This is why our Party and VIP packages are so popular — your booth runs flawlessly while you enjoy your event.

Final Tip from VA Shoreline Events

The best photo booth timing depends on:

Your event type

Guest count

Venue layout

Energy level

That’s why we help every client customize their timeline — whether it’s a Virginia Beach wedding, Norfolk corporate event, or Chesapeake birthday party.

Ready to Plan Your Photo Booth Experience?

If you’re not sure when to schedule your booth, we’re happy to help.

📍 Serving Virginia Beach, Norfolk & Chesapeake📸 Premium DSLR Open-Air Photo Booths🎉 Weddings • Corporate Events • Celebrations

👉 Contact VA Shoreline Events today and let’s make your event unforgettable.