How to make a QR code for wedding photos

The idea is simple: a code on each table that guests scan to send you the photos they took. Getting most guests to actually do it comes down to a few choices, below in the order you’ll make them.

1. Step 1

   Decide where the photos should go

   A QR code is only a link. What matters is the page it opens. You have three common choices: a shared Google Photos or iCloud album, a cloud folder such as Dropbox, or an upload page made for guests.

   Shared albums and folders are free but ask guests to sign in or install an app, and most won’t at a wedding. An upload page opens in the phone’s browser with one button, which is what gets the photos sent.

2. Step 2

   Create the album and get its code

   With UploadQR, type your names and the date and the QR code appears straight away. It’s free for up to 100 photos and videos; the Party pass ($19) raises it to 500 and the Event pass ($39) to 5,000, each paid once.

   You also get a private album link. Save it somewhere safe, like an email to yourself: it’s the only way into the album.

3. Step 3

   Test it with your own phone

   Before printing anything, scan the code with your phone’s camera and send one photo. Then open your album and check it arrived. This catches a wrong link before 120 guests find it.

4. Step 4

   Print the table cards

   Print the code at least 3 cm (1.2 in) wide so it scans from a seated position, with a white margin around it. Matte paper is better than glossy, which reflects the venue lights straight into the camera.

   Our album page has a print sheet of four A6 table cards on one A4 page, with your names on each.

5. Step 5

   Put the code where phones already are

   Every table, the bar, and next to the guest book. Add it to the welcome sign and the order of service if you have them. One code at the entrance alone gets forgotten by dinner.

6. Step 6

   Remind people once, then again the next day

   Ask whoever gives a speech to mention it. The day after, send the guest link in your thank-you message: many guests send their best photos from home, on good wifi.