Wedding Restroom Trailer vs. Porta Potty: Complete 2025 Guide
The complete comparison of luxury restroom trailers versus upscale porta potties for outdoor weddings. Includes costs, features, how many you need, and expert tips for making either option work beautifully.
Port Pottimer
11 min read • Updated January 2025
Quick Answer
Choose a restroom trailer if: 75+ guests, formal wedding, budget $800+, venue has power
Choose upscale porta potties if: Under 75 guests, casual/rustic theme, tight budget, limited access
Cost comparison for 100 guests: Trailer $1,200-1,800 total | Porta potties $650-900 total (4 deluxe units + hand wash)
In This Guide
Planning an outdoor or rustic wedding? Your guests will remember two things: the food and the restrooms. One wrong decision here can overshadow everything you've planned—but get it right, and no one will even think about it (which is exactly what you want).
The two main options are luxury restroom trailers (mobile bathrooms that rival indoor facilities) and upscale porta potties (premium single units with nicer features). This guide breaks down everything you need to make the right choice for your wedding.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Luxury Restroom Trailer | Upscale Porta Potty |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (100 guests) | $1,200-1,800 | $650-900 |
| Flushing toilets | Yes - porcelain | Some models only |
| Running water sinks | Yes - hot & cold | No (add separate station) |
| Climate control | A/C + heat | No |
| Full-length mirrors | Yes | Small or none |
| Interior finishes | Wood, granite, tile | Plastic/fiberglass |
| Electricity required | Yes (or generator) | No |
| Space required | 20x10+ feet, vehicle access | 4x4 feet per unit |
| Guest experience | Like indoor bathroom | Acceptable with upgrades |
| Booking lead time | 2-4 months | 2-4 weeks |
Luxury Restroom Trailers: The Premium Choice
Restroom trailers are essentially mobile indoor bathrooms. They're pulled by truck, set up at your venue, and connected to power. Inside, your guests find an experience nearly identical to a nice restaurant restroom—flushing toilets, running water, climate control, and elegant finishes.
What's Included
- Porcelain flushing toilets (2-10 stalls depending on trailer size)
- Running water vanity sinks with hot and cold water
- Climate control - A/C for summer weddings, heat for winter
- Full-length mirrors for dress adjustments and photos
- Elegant interior finishes - hardwood floors, granite counters, decorative lighting
- Separate men's and women's sides on larger trailers
- Sound system/ambient music in premium models
- Fresh water tank and waste holding tank - fully self-contained
Types of Restroom Trailers
- 2-stall (2+0 or 1+1): Smallest option, good for 50-75 guests. $800-1,200
- 3-stall (2+1): Popular for 75-125 guests. Often has 2 women's + 1 men's. $1,000-1,500
- 4-stall (2+2): Equal men's and women's, 100-175 guests. $1,300-2,000
- 6-8 stall: Large trailers for 175-300+ guests. $2,000-3,500
- ADA-accessible trailers: Wheelchair-accessible options. Add $200-400
When to Choose a Trailer
- 75+ guests (where the cost-per-person makes sense)
- Formal, black-tie, or upscale wedding
- Venue has no indoor restrooms or only very limited facilities
- Hot summer or cold winter wedding (climate control matters)
- Photos may be taken near the restroom area
- Long reception (5+ hours) where guests will use facilities multiple times
Trailer Requirements
- Power: 110V/20-30 amp electrical hookup OR generator rental ($150-300)
- Access: Truck must be able to deliver—check for low branches, narrow paths, soft ground
- Space: Approximately 20x10 feet for a 3-stall trailer, plus approach area
- Level ground: Trailer needs reasonably level placement (small adjustments possible)
- Water/waste: Self-contained tanks; no hookups needed for most events under 8 hours
Upscale Porta Potties: The Budget-Friendly Option
Not all porta potties are the blue boxes you see at construction sites. Deluxe, VIP, and "wedding-grade" porta potties offer significant upgrades in size, features, and appearance.
Types of Upscale Units
- Deluxe/VIP units: Larger interior, better ventilation, nicer appearance. $150-225/unit
- Flushable units: Foot-pump or battery-powered flushing. $175-275/unit
- High-rise units: Taller ceiling, more spacious feel. $150-250/unit
- ADA-accessible units: Wheelchair accessible, handrails, larger space. $200-350/unit
What You Get (and Don't Get)
Included:
- Larger interior space than standard units
- Flushing capability (some models)
- Hand sanitizer dispensers
- Coat hooks, shelves, mirrors (small)
- Better ventilation and deodorizers
- Solar-powered interior lighting
- Cleaner, newer appearance
Not included (add separately):
- Running water sinks → Add portable hand wash station ($75-150)
- Climate control → Not available; place in shade
- Full-length mirrors → Provide a freestanding mirror nearby
When to Choose Porta Potties
- Smaller weddings (under 75 guests)
- Budget is the primary concern
- Casual, rustic, or backyard wedding vibe
- Venue has some indoor facilities but needs overflow capacity
- Limited space or vehicle access for trailer delivery
- No power available at the venue
How Many Do You Need?
Weddings need more restroom capacity than typical events due to dress complexity, alcohol service, and longer duration. Use this formula:
Wedding Restroom Formula
1 restroom stall per 25-35 guests
+ 1 dedicated unit for wedding party (optional but recommended)
+ 15-20% more if open bar
Full Cost Breakdown by Guest Count
| Guests | Trailer Cost | Trailer Size | Porta Potty Cost* | Units Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $800-1,200 | 2-stall | $400-600 | 2-3 deluxe |
| 75 | $1,000-1,500 | 3-stall | $500-750 | 3-4 deluxe |
| 100 | $1,200-1,800 | 3-4 stall | $650-900 | 4 deluxe |
| 150 | $1,500-2,200 | 4-5 stall | $850-1,200 | 5-6 deluxe |
| 200 | $2,000-2,800 | 5-6 stall | $1,100-1,500 | 6-8 deluxe |
| 250+ | $2,500-3,500+ | 6-8 stall or 2 trailers | $1,400-1,800 | 8-10 deluxe |
*Porta potty costs include hand washing stations. Add $100-200 for delivery if not included.
Additional Costs to Budget
- Generator rental (if no power): $150-300
- Attendant service (restroom monitor): $150-250 for 4-6 hours
- Extra supplies basket: $30-50 (hairspray, mints, safety pins)
- Decorations: $50-150 (signage, flowers, lighting)
- Mid-event servicing (events 6+ hours): $50-100
Venue Considerations
Farm & Barn Weddings
- Check venue access—many farms have narrow lanes or soft ground
- Restroom trailers work well but confirm truck access with venue
- Power may not be available; budget for generator
- Place restrooms on firm, level ground (not grass that could get muddy)
- Consider distance from barn—guests shouldn't walk too far at night
Backyard Weddings
- Space is often limited; porta potties may fit better than trailers
- Trailer delivery may require crossing neighbor's property
- HOA rules may restrict what you can place and for how long
- Indoor home bathrooms may serve as backup, but don't rely on them solely
Winery & Estate Venues
- Often have some facilities but need overflow capacity
- Aesthetic standards may be higher—trailers often preferred
- Venue may have preferred vendors or requirements
- Power hookups usually available
Beach & Waterfront
- Sand makes trailer placement difficult; porta potties often better
- Wind direction matters for placement
- May need extra servicing due to sand/humidity
- Check permit requirements for temporary structures
Decorating & Disguising Tips
Whether you choose trailers or porta potties, presentation matters. Here's how to elevate the experience:
For Restroom Trailers
- Entry décor: Potted plants, flowers, or greenery at the entrance
- Pathway lighting: String lights or luminaries leading to the trailer
- Interior touches: Fresh flowers, nice hand towels, ambient scent
- Signage: Elegant "Restrooms" sign matching your wedding style
- Amenity basket: Hairspray, mints, pain relievers, tissues, sewing kit
For Porta Potties
- Privacy screening: Fabric panels, lattice walls, or freestanding screens
- Create a "room": Tent or canopy over the unit entrance
- Greenery camouflage: Potted plants, hedge panels, or arbors
- Pathway treatment: Gravel path, stepping stones, or outdoor rugs
- Lighting: Solar path lights, battery lanterns, or string lights
- Signage: Fun or elegant signs—"The Loo," "Powder Room," "Pit Stop"
- Freestanding mirror: Full-length mirror near the units
- Hand washing station: Style it with flowers, nice soap, real towels
Pro Tip: Always check with your rental company before decorating.
Most allow exterior decorations but may restrict interior modifications. Get approval first to avoid damage charges.
Questions to Ask Your Provider
- Can I see photos of the actual unit I'll receive? (Not stock photos)
- What's included in the price? (Delivery, setup, pickup, supplies)
- What year was this unit manufactured/refurbished?
- What power/water hookups do you need?
- Can you deliver the day before? (Reduces wedding-day stress)
- What's your cancellation/weather policy?
- Do you offer attendant service? (Someone to monitor cleanliness)
- What cleaning supplies are provided?
- Do you have backup units available? (In case of emergency)
- Have you serviced this venue before? (They'll know access issues)
The Final Verdict
Choose a Restroom Trailer If:
- • 75+ guests
- • Formal or upscale wedding
- • Budget allows $800-2,500
- • Venue has power access
- • Hot summer or cold winter wedding
- • Venue has no or very limited indoor facilities
- • Guest experience is a top priority
Choose Upscale Porta Potties If:
- • Under 75 guests
- • Casual, rustic, or backyard theme
- • Budget under $800 for restrooms
- • Limited space or vehicle access
- • No power available
- • Supplementing indoor facilities
- • Short event (under 4 hours)
The Bottom Line
For most weddings with 75+ guests, a luxury restroom trailer is worth the investment. The cost difference isn't as dramatic as you'd expect (often just $300-600 more than porta potties with hand washing), and the guest experience is dramatically better.
For smaller, casual weddings or venues with access challenges, well-presented upscale porta potties work beautifully. Invest in decorations, add hand washing stations, and stock supplies—no one will complain.
Ready to find options in your area? Browse wedding restroom rentals or search by location to compare local providers. Texas, California, Florida, and New York have extensive options for wedding rentals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a luxury restroom trailer cost for a wedding?
Luxury restroom trailers typically cost $800-$2,500 for a weekend wedding, depending on size and features. A 2-stall trailer runs $800-$1,200, while a 4-6 stall trailer for larger weddings costs $1,500-$2,500. This usually includes delivery, setup, and pickup.
How many restroom stalls do I need for my wedding?
Plan for 1 restroom stall per 25-35 guests for weddings. For 100 guests, you need a 3-4 stall trailer or 4 deluxe porta potties. Add 1 extra unit for the wedding party. If serving alcohol, add 15-20% more capacity.
Can you decorate porta potties for a wedding?
Yes! Popular decorating options include: privacy screens or fabric draping, potted plants and greenery, string lights on paths, cute signage ('The Loo,' 'Powder Room'), flower arrangements, and wedding-themed hand towels. Always check with your rental company first for approval.
Do restroom trailers need electricity?
Yes, most luxury restroom trailers require electricity for lighting, ventilation, flushing systems, and climate control. If your venue lacks power access, you'll need a generator rental ($150-$300 extra). Some trailers have built-in generators.
How far in advance should I book wedding restroom rentals?
Book restroom trailers 2-4 months before your wedding date. During peak wedding season (May-October), book even earlier—popular trailers can be reserved 6+ months out. For porta potties, 3-4 weeks is usually sufficient, but book early for Saturday weddings.
What's the difference between a porta potty and a restroom trailer?
Porta potties are self-contained single units with holding tanks—no running water or flushing (though some deluxe models have flushing). Restroom trailers are full mobile bathrooms with flushing toilets, running water sinks, climate control, mirrors, and elegant interiors similar to indoor restrooms.
Can porta potties work for a formal wedding?
Deluxe or VIP porta potties can work for smaller formal weddings (under 75 guests) if properly presented. Key strategies: choose the highest-grade units available, add hand washing stations, create privacy screening, provide quality supplies, and ensure mid-event servicing for longer receptions.
What questions should I ask a wedding restroom rental company?
Key questions: Can I see photos of the actual unit? What's included in the price? Do you provide cleaning supplies? What power/water do you need? Can you deliver the day before? What's your cancellation policy? Do you offer attendant service? How recently was the unit manufactured/refurbished?
Have more questions? Check out our farm wedding guide, our complete FAQ section, or contact us for personalized recommendations.
Planning Your Wedding?
Find luxury restroom providers who specialize in weddings