A Google Drive folder behind a QR code is the classic free way to collect wedding photos. It works, with a few catches you should know before printing it on every table.
Step 1: Create the folder
In Google Drive, create a new folder for the wedding photos. Use a folder that holds nothing else, because everyone who can add files can also see what is already there.
Step 2: Share it
Open the folder's sharing settings and set general access to anyone with the link. To let guests add photos, give that link editor access. Viewer access only lets people look.
Step 3: Turn the link into a QR code
Copy the folder link and paste it into a QR code generator. Download the code at a high resolution and add it to your sign. Our free sign maker accepts any link, including a Drive folder.
Step 4: Test it
Scan the printed code with an iPhone and an Android phone while signed out of Google, so you see what a guest will see.
The limits
Guests have to sign in to a Google account to upload. Guests who don't use Google, or who don't remember their password at a party, can't add photos.
Anyone with editor access can rename, move or remove files in the folder, not only add them.
On phones, Google steers guests toward the Drive app to upload, which adds steps at a party.
The photos count toward your Google storage. Google gives 15 GB free across Gmail, Drive and Photos, and a wedding's videos can fill that quickly.
There is no live gallery or slideshow, just a folder of files.
What about Google Photos?
A shared Google Photos album shows photos more nicely than a Drive folder, but guests still need a Google account to add theirs.
When a guest photo app is worth it
If many guests don't use Google, or you want videos, a live slideshow and one original-quality download, a QR photo-sharing app removes the sign-in step. With PartyLab, guests upload in their phone browser with no account, and you can approve photos before they appear.