How to collect photos from wedding guests

How to collect photos from wedding guests: the easiest way is to give them one link, usually as a QR code, that opens an upload page in their phone browser. Other options are shared cloud folders, group chats, a hashtag, disposable cameras and simply asking afterwards. Each asks something different of your guests.

Six ways, side by side

The method that collects the most photos is usually the one that asks the least of guests on the day.

Ways to collect guest photos
Method	Guests must	Quality	Private
QR code upload page	Scan and choose photos	Original files	Yes, if the service keeps galleries private
Shared cloud folder	Open the folder, often sign in	Original files	Everyone with the link sees everything
Group chat	Be in the group	Often reduced by the app	Within the group
Hashtag on social media	Post publicly	Reduced by the platform	No
Disposable film cameras	Pick one up and shoot	Film look; results vary	Yes
Asking afterwards	Remember, find and send	Varies	Yes

QR code upload page

You print one code. Guests scan it and send photos and videos from the browser. Nothing is installed. The photos land in one place while the day is still going on. The weak point is attention: guests need to be told the code exists.

Shared cloud folder

A folder in a cloud drive works if most guests already use that service. Expect questions from those who do not, and remember that anyone with the link can usually see, and sometimes delete, what others added.

Group chat and hashtag

Both are familiar. Both have limits. Chat apps commonly reduce photo and video quality, and a hashtag only finds posts that guests chose to publish on public profiles.

Disposable cameras

Film cameras on the tables are fun and give a look that phones do not. They also need developing and scanning, and some frames will be dark or blurred. Many couples use a few cameras for the mood and a digital method for coverage.

Tips that work with any method

Announce it. One sentence at the start of dinner changes the result.
Put the instruction where guests sit, not only at the entrance.
Ask for videos as well as photos.
Send a reminder the next day while phones are still full of pictures.
Decide beforehand whether guests may see each other's photos.

From PhotosPlease

How PhotosPlease handles this

PhotosPlease is the first method in the table: a QR code that opens an upload page in the browser. Guests need no app and no account. Photos and videos are stored in original quality in a gallery that is private until you decide otherwise, and you can download everything as one ZIP file.

See how PhotosPlease works