Today’s dilemma: Photobooth vs. Photo Booth

What the dictionary says

“Photo booth” (two words) is the traditional and formally accepted spelling. Merriam-Webster lists it as two words, defining it as a booth or enclosure for taking automatic photographs. Most major English language dictionaries follow the same convention, treating “photo” as a modifier and “booth” as the noun.

That said, language evolves. The single-word “photobooth” has become widespread enough that many style guides now accept both versions as correct, particularly in informal and marketing contexts.

How spelling differs by country and context

Usage varies significantly depending on where you are and what you are writing:

United States and United Kingdom – formal writing, invitations, and business documents tend to use “photo booth” (two words). This follows the dictionary standard and is considered the more professional form in these markets.

The Netherlands and much of Europe – “photobooth” (one word) is the dominant everyday spelling, both in Dutch-language contexts and in English communications within the region. If you search for photobooth services in the Netherlands, you will find that the single-word version is far more commonly used by suppliers and event planners alike.

Social media and marketing – the single-word “photobooth” is almost universally preferred in informal contexts, hashtags, and marketing materials. It is more compact, easier to use as a hashtag, and has become the standard in the events and experiential marketing industry.

Formal event invitations – if you are printing a wedding invitation or a corporate event brief, “photo booth” (two words) is the safer and more elegant choice.

Does spelling affect SEO?

This is a question we hear from event planners and marketing managers who are writing about photobooths on their own websites. The short answer is: not significantly.

Google is smart enough to understand that “photobooth” and “photo booth” refer to the same thing and returns the same search results for both spellings. You do not need to choose one version for SEO purposes – Google treats them as equivalent search terms.

That said, if you are writing content for a Dutch audience or the European market, “photobooth” (one word) is the more natural and commonly searched spelling in this region and is worth using consistently for that reason.

Which spelling does Smilen.nl use?

If you have ever tried to rent a photobooth in the Netherlands you might have noticed that “photobooth” is the more commonly used term in this part of the world – and that is why we use it in our everyday communications and on our website.

That said, we also respect where our industry began. “Photo Booth” appears in our logo as a nod to the traditional spelling. So technically we use both – and we make no apology for it. 🙂

In any case, whether you spell it one way or the other, there is no mistaking the fun and engagement that one of our photobooths can bring to your event. Whether you are planning a corporate event or trade show or a wedding and private party, we would love to help make it memorable.

Frequently asked questions

Is photobooth in the dictionary? “Photo booth” (two words) is the version listed in major dictionaries including Merriam-Webster. The single-word “photobooth” is widely used and accepted in informal and marketing contexts but has not yet been formally adopted by most major dictionaries.

Which spelling should I use for a formal event invitation? Use “photo booth” (two words) for formal printed materials such as wedding invitations, corporate event programmes, and official communications. Use “photobooth” (one word) for social media, marketing materials, and informal contexts.

Do Dutch people spell it differently than English speakers? In the Netherlands, “photobooth” (one word) is the dominant spelling in both Dutch and English language contexts. It is the term most commonly used by event suppliers, marketing agencies, and event planners in the Dutch market.

Does it matter which spelling I use when searching online? No – Google returns the same results for both spellings and understands them as the same search intent. Use whichever version feels most natural for your audience and context.

What about “fotobooth” — is that correct? “Fotobooth” is the Dutch language spelling and is commonly used in Dutch-language content. If you are writing in Dutch, “fotobooth huren” (rent a photobooth) is the standard search term used in the Netherlands.