A murder mystery party without pictures is a crime in itself. Guests show up ready to sleuth, flirt, and finger-point in full costume—so give them a photo backdrop that’s as dramatic as the night itself. Whether you’re going glam, gritty, or a little goofy, photos are the best way to remember every twist, gasp, and plot reveal.

What’s in this blog:

• Backdrops for every theme
• Prop ideas to elevate pics
• Mugshot station upgrade info

Luckily, you don’t have to do it all yourself. Let’s dive into how to make your event picture perfect.

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Backdrop Ideas for Popular Murder Mystery Themes

One of the easiest ways to create a showstopping photo backdrop is to match it to your theme. Here are some ideas inspired by a few crowd-favorite mysteries from The Murder Mystery Company:

Til Death Do Us Part (Modern Wedding)
Backdrop Ideas: A floral arch with fake vines and hanging string lights. Add a cheeky “Just Died” sign to complete the look.

Best Laid Plans (1930s Hollywood Whodunnit)
Backdrop Ideas: Think vintage movie premiere—red velvet curtains, a “Now Showing” marquee sign, and a faux Hollywood Walk of Fame star with the victim’s name. Add in some gold stanchions or a director’s chair for that old-school cinema flair. It’s glitzy, dramatic, and perfect for a night of murder and movie magic.

Death of a Gangster (1920s Speakeasy)
Backdrop Ideas: Channel the Prohibition era with an alleyway or brick wall background, “Speakeasy Entrance” sign, and some faux barrels or crates stacked nearby. Add touches like vintage lanterns, flapper silhouettes, or an “Employees Only” curtain to mimic a hidden club entrance. Bonus points for a fake password sign or a chalkboard menu listing bootleg cocktails.

Midnight at the Masquerade (Masquerade Ball)
Backdrop Ideas: Dramatic drapes in deep jewel tones, hanging gold masks, and twinkling fairy lights. Classy, mysterious, and photo-ready.

I Love the 80s to Death (1980s Battle of the Bands)
Backdrop Ideas: Neon lights, cassette tapes, fake band posters, and inflatable guitars. Total throwback energy.

Good Riddance (1990s Mall Opening)
Backdrop Ideas: Faux storefront signs, bright geometric patterns, shopping bags, and a food court-style bench. It’s pure 90s nostalgia—no pager required.

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Killer Photo Prop Ideas to Match the Scene

What’s a backdrop without props? The right accessories take your photos from cute to committed to the bit. Here are some prop ideas that pair perfectly with any murder mystery game night:

• Magnifying glasses and clue folders
• Fake mustaches and monocles
• “Detective of the Night” award signs
• Evidence markers and caution tape
• Blood-splattered roses (faux, we promise)
• Champagne flutes or teacups for dramatic toasts
• Suspect placards (“Totally Innocent,” “Definitely Suspicious”)
• Theme-specific accessories like masquerade masks, 80s sunglasses, or wedding veils

Props help guests pose in character, giving you hilarious, in-theme photos that’ll end up in group chats, scrapbooks, and social feeds for weeks.

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Upgrade to the Mugshot Station Backdrop

If you’re looking for a photo moment your guests will never forget, The Murder Mystery Company’s Mugshot Station upgrade is a killer choice. This backdrop add-on features a light-weight wall complete with height lines and that classic mugshot layout.

Perfect for pre-show photo ops or a “you caught me” moment at the end, the mugshot backdrop is:

• Theme-flexible and works with any mystery
• A hilarious contrast to formal costumes or goofy props
• Easy to set up and fits into most venues (you just need at least 9′ tall ceilings)

Note: this upgrade is for the backdrop only—props, signs, and lighting aren’t included. But even on its own, it’s a show-stealer. Guests love posing like they just got caught red-handed… and you’ll love having the photos to prove it.

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Want help planning your photo-worthy mystery party?
Call 888-643-2583 or fill out one of the contact forms on the page you’re viewing now to get started with The Murder Mystery Company. From immersive stories to camera-ready décor, they bring everything you need to host a night full of laughs, drama, and memories.