Which Instant Camera Should You Buy for Your Wedding?

An instant camera can give your guests something fun to do and leave you with a collection of candid photos from the reception. I used one at my wedding as an alternative to a guestbook. Before long, people were passing it around, and I ended up with a pile of spontaneous photos that still live on my refrigerator.

If you’re choosing a camera for your own wedding, the main decision is usually between Fujifilm Instax and Polaroid. They have different looks, costs, and levels of reliability, so think about how you plan to use the camera before you buy.

Instax or Polaroid?

For a wedding, Instax is usually the practical choice. In my experience, its film is more reliable and less expensive, which matters when guests are taking photos throughout the night. It’s also easy to find in bulk. Mini film is a good fit for a guestbook because the prints are small enough to tape or glue onto a page, while the wider format gives guests more room for group photos.

Polaroid film has a distinctive, dreamy look that Instax doesn’t quite replicate. It can also be less predictable. I’ve had Polaroid Originals photos come out with a strong magenta cast, and some of the film has felt more like an experiment than a sure thing. That unpredictability can be part of the appeal if you love the artistic look, but it may be frustrating if you’re counting on every guest to leave you a usable photo.

My quick take: Choose Instax for dependable, affordable reception photos. Choose Polaroid if you prefer its look and are comfortable with a few imperfect results.

Fujifilm Instax Mini

If you want a simple camera for a guestbook or reception table, I’d start with the Instax Mini 11. The camera is relatively inexpensive, and the film is reliable and easy to find, including in bulk from B&H Photo or Adorama.

The small prints work well for a traditional guestbook: guests can take a photo, add a note, and leave it for you. Just buy extra film. Guests often take more pictures than you expect.

*2026 UPDATE**: There are tons of new instax cameras on the market since I worte this article back in 2020, but the best one for weddings, in my opinion, is still the entry-level Instax Mini, which is now the* Mini 13.

Fujifilm Instax Wide

I’ve probably used my Instax Wide the most. I used it at my wedding, and the wider frame was great for group photos. The camera itself is straightforward, but the larger prints give guests more room to fit themselves and their friends into the shot.

Fujifilm Instax Square

The Instax Square is a nice middle ground if you like the classic square instant-photo look. I love its small square format and the analog feel. The camera fits easily into a bag or purse and offers some creative control without being overly complex. The square film costs a little more than Instax Mini film, but I think the format is worth it.

Polaroid OneStep cameras

If you’re drawn to Polaroid’s look, the OneStep 2 and OneStep+ are options to consider. They use i-Type film, and the cameras have features older models didn’t, including a rechargeable battery. The newer model also connects to a smartphone for additional exposure and settings controls.

An older Polaroid 600 camera can be a fun choice if you already own one or love the vintage style. You can look for one on eBay or through a refurbished-camera seller like Retrospekt. Keep in mind that 600 cameras use 600 film, which powers the camera. i-Type film doesn’t have a battery, so it won’t work in a 600 camera.

The SX-70 is another classic Polaroid camera. I have one from my grandmother’s collection that I hope to bring to shoots once I get it repaired. It has a beautiful vintage appeal, but for a wedding guestbook, I’d choose a dependable camera that you’ve tested beforehand.

A few tips for using an instant camera at your wedding:

Set the camera, film, pens, and guestbook supplies together in one easy-to-find spot. Add a short sign asking guests to take a photo, add a note, and place it in the book. Assign someone to keep an eye on the table and refill the film if needed.

Test the camera before the wedding, and bring extra batteries or a charger if the model uses them. Store spare film according to its packaging instructions, especially if your wedding is outdoors or in hot weather. I live in Texas, so heat is something I always keep in mind.

For most couples, I’d choose Instax Mini for a classic guestbook or Instax Wide for larger group shots. If you love Polaroid’s more unpredictable, artistic look, it can still be a memorable part of the day—just bring extra film and go in expecting some variation.

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