Enclosed Photo Booths Are Back: Why They’re One of 2026 and 2027’s Biggest Wedding Trends
Everything old is cool again — and the classic enclosed photo booth is officially having its moment.
For years, photo booths at weddings and events became more open, more digital, and more minimal. Open-air booths gave guests room to pile into a photo, show off the backdrop, and capture high-quality images that felt worlds away from the tiny photo strips we grew up with.
And we still love them.
But lately? Couples are craving something a little different.
Enter the enclosed photo booth: private, nostalgic, slightly unexpected, and somehow even more fun now than we remember it.
Except this isn’t the photo booth sitting outside the movie theater in 2003.
Today’s enclosed photo booths combine that old-school experience with modern cameras, flattering lighting, elevated design, custom prints, and all the technology you expect from a luxury photo booth experience.
Basically, the enclosed booth grew up.
And we’re very into it.
What Is an Enclosed Photo Booth?
An enclosed photo booth creates a private space where guests can step inside, close the curtain, and take their photos away from the rest of the party.
It’s the experience most of us picture when we hear the words classic photo booth: squeeze inside, pull the curtain, get ready for the countdown, and see what happens.
That little bit of privacy completely changes the experience.
With an open-air photo booth, taking the photo becomes part of the party. Other guests can watch, jump in, and see what’s happening.
Inside an enclosed booth, the camera gets guests all to themselves.
And that’s usually when the best photos happen.
Why Are Enclosed Photo Booths Making a Comeback?
Weddings have become incredibly polished. Every detail is considered — the florals, stationery, linens, signage, lighting, cocktails, tablescapes and, yes, the photo booth.
But couples are also looking for experiences that feel genuine.
An enclosed photo booth gives you a little bit of both.
It can be a beautiful part of the event design on the outside while creating a completely different experience once guests step behind the curtain.
There’s also the nostalgia factor.
So many of us remember squeezing into photo booths with friends, waiting for those strips to print, and walking away with photos that somehow stayed tucked into a wallet, pinned to a bulletin board, or stuck to a refrigerator for years.
Bringing that experience into a wedding feels familiar without feeling dated.
A little nostalgic. A lot iconic.
The Privacy Is Part of the Fun
There’s something about closing that curtain.
Suddenly, your guests aren't posing for a photographer. They're not standing in the middle of a reception with everyone watching. And they're definitely not worrying quite as much about getting the perfect picture.
They just have a moment to themselves.
That tends to mean bigger personalities, sillier poses, more kisses, more laughs and photos that actually feel like the people in them.
It’s one of the reasons we love enclosed photo booths for weddings. You still get beautiful, high-quality images — but the experience feels spontaneous.
And when you look through the gallery afterward, you get to see a side of the party you probably missed while you were busy, you know... getting married.
Enclosed vs. Open-Air Photo Booth: What’s the Difference?
We get this question a lot, and the answer really comes down to the experience you want to create.
An open-air photo booth gives guests more room and puts the action out in the open. It’s great for larger group photos, beautiful backdrops, and events where you want the booth to become part of the energy in the room.
An enclosed photo booth creates a more intimate experience. Guests step inside, close the curtain, and get their own private photo moment.
Neither is necessarily better — they just create completely different vibes.
If you love the idea of a beautiful backdrop, big group photos and an open setup, one of our open-air booths may be the perfect fit.
If you want something nostalgic, unexpected and a little more intimate, an enclosed booth might be calling your name.
The Old-School Experience — Without the Old-School Photos
Here's where we leave the mall photo booth behind.
You can have the nostalgia without sacrificing photo quality.
Modern enclosed booths can pair the experience of a traditional photo booth with professional-quality cameras, flattering lighting, custom photo templates and modern digital capabilities.
So your guests still get that feeling of stepping behind a curtain and waiting for their photos...
just without the questionable fluorescent lighting.
It’s the best part of the old-school photo booth, upgraded for a modern event.
Meet The Classic
We wanted an enclosed booth that captured everything we loved about the original photo booth experience — without actually looking like an old photo booth.
So we created The Classic.
The Classic is Tipsy Twins’ timeless enclosed photo booth designed for weddings, corporate events, parties and shorter brand activations throughout Orange County and Southern California.
Its black metal and oak frame gives it a subtle retro feel, while the clean lines and elevated finishes allow it to work beautifully alongside a modern wedding design.
And because it has a relatively small footprint and installs quickly, it gives you the enclosed experience without requiring a massive installation.
Guests step inside.
The curtain closes.
And for a few minutes, they get their own little moment away from the party.
That’s The Classic.
Why We Love The Classic for Weddings
Your wedding photo booth shouldn't feel like something that was dropped into the corner of the reception.
It should feel like it belongs there.
That's one of our favorite things about The Classic.
Its neutral wood, black detailing and clean design work with a wide range of wedding aesthetics — from coastal and garden weddings to modern, editorial and black-tie celebrations.
But the real magic happens inside.
Throughout the night, couples disappear behind the curtain. Grandparents get talked into taking a photo. Bridesmaids squeeze together. Friends come back for round two... and three.
And everyone walks away with a little piece of the night.
For the couple, the gallery becomes a completely different perspective on their wedding — all the moments happening while they were somewhere else.
Enclosed Photo Booth Rentals in Orange County & Los Angeles
Tipsy Twins is based in Newport Beach and provides photo booth rentals throughout Orange County, Los Angeles and Southern California.
We work with weddings and events throughout Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano and beyond.
Whether you're planning an intimate coastal wedding or a full-scale reception, our goal is the same: create a photo booth experience that looks just as good as the rest of your event.
For couples specifically searching for a vintage or enclosed photo booth rental in Orange County, The Classic gives you the nostalgia of a traditional enclosed booth with the elevated design and modern experience you'd expect at today's weddings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Enclosed Photo Booths
What is the difference between an enclosed and open-air photo booth?
An enclosed booth gives guests a private space behind a curtain to take their photos, while an open-air booth places the camera and backdrop out in the room. Open-air booths generally work well for larger groups, while enclosed booths create a more intimate, nostalgic experience.
Are enclosed photo booths good for weddings?
Absolutely. Enclosed booths work especially well at weddings because they give guests an experience in addition to the photos themselves. They can also create some of the funniest and most candid images of the night because guests have a little privacy behind the curtain.
Do enclosed photo booths still take modern, high-quality photos?
They can! The experience may feel nostalgic, but the technology doesn't have to be. The Classic combines the charm of an enclosed booth with modern photo booth technology and high-quality imagery.
Can an enclosed photo booth match my wedding aesthetic?
Yes. The Classic was intentionally designed with an elevated, neutral look so it can complement a variety of event styles. Photo templates and other elements of the experience can also be customized to coordinate with your event.
Where does Tipsy Twins offer enclosed photo booth rentals?
Tipsy Twins is based in Newport Beach, California and serves events throughout Orange County, Los Angeles and Southern California.
Ready to Bring the Enclosed Photo Booth Back?
We may be biased, but we think some things deserve a comeback.
The Classic takes everything we loved about old-school photo booths — the curtain, the privacy, the anticipation, the photo strips and the slightly chaotic energy inside — and turns it into an elevated experience designed for today's events.
If you're planning a wedding or event in Orange County, Los Angeles or Southern California and looking for an enclosed photo booth that feels nostalgic without looking dated, we'd love to show you The Classic.
Come for the nostalgia. Stay for the photos.