Photo Booth vs. Photobooth: Which Spelling Is Actually Correct?
It’s amazing how something as small as a single space can cause so much confusion. Most people type the phrase without thinking twice—until they stop and wonder if it’s actually spelled the right way. In the event industry, you’ll see both “photo booth” and “photobooth” on websites, signs, and social media, which has sparked a long-running debate.
So which one is correct?
The simple answer is: photo booth (two words). But the story behind why both versions exist is a little more interesting.
What Do the Dictionaries Say?
Major dictionaries agree that photo booth is the proper spelling. Merriam-Webster defines it as a small enclosed space with an automated camera where people can take pictures, and every reputable reference source lists the term as two separate words.
In English, words are only combined into one when long-term, widespread usage makes it unavoidable. Since photography-related compound nouns usually remain open (written as two words), “photobooth” has never been formally adopted by language authorities.
Why “Photo Booth” Is the Correct Form
The phrase is made up of two distinct words:
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Photo – the image being captured
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Booth – the structure where the experience takes place
Grammar rules typically keep these types of compounds separated unless decades of universal usage turn them into a single word. Style guides favor the two-word version because it’s clearer and follows traditional writing conventions.
How “Photobooth” Became Popular
Even though it’s not technically correct, “photobooth” became widely used thanks to branding and digital trends. One word looks cleaner in logos, fits better on signage, and works perfectly for hashtags. Social media platforms, in particular, helped push the single-word spelling into everyday use.
Search engines also treat both versions as interchangeable, which allowed “photobooth” to gain just as much visibility online despite not being the official form.
Which One Should You Use?
Photo booth (two words) is best for:
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Websites and blogs
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Contracts and proposals
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Professional and formal writing
Photobooth (one word) can work for:
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Logos and branding
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Hashtags
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Casual marketing and social media
Many companies use both strategically, depending on where and how the term appears.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes the smallest details—like a single space—can shape how a brand is perceived and how easily people find your services online. While “photo booth” is the grammatically correct choice, both spellings have earned a place in modern event culture.
No matter how you spell it, one thing never changes: a great photo booth experience creates unforgettable memories—and that’s exactly what we deliver at Magic Moment Photo Booth.
