What Is an Event Guestbook
An event guestbook traditionally captures written messages and signatures from guests; the modern version collects photos from every attendee into one shared album. Poolr by MRVL does this through a simple QR code that guests scan with their phone, upload photos from the browser, and see everything in a live shared gallery.
The Purpose of an Event Guestbook
A guestbook serves one function: to preserve the moment through the eyes of those who were there. Historically this meant pen and paper. Today it means photos. Every guest has a camera in their pocket; a guestbook app collects those photos in one place so the host doesn't have to chase people down weeks later asking for pictures. With Poolr, the host creates an event, generates a QR code, and guests simply scan it on arrival. Within seconds, their photos appear in the shared album. No signup, no friction, no download required. The result is a complete visual record that the host can download, print, or share.
How Poolr Works as a Modern Guestbook
Poolr replaces the traditional guestbook with a live photo collection system. When a guest scans the QR code, they enter a mobile web interface where they can upload photos directly from their phone's camera roll or take new ones on the spot. Every photo arrives at full resolution into a single shared gallery. As of June 2026, hosts can see uploads in real time, with a live moderation queue to approve or reject photos before they appear in the shared view. Higher tiers unlock a live photo wall feature, which displays the gallery on a screen at the event itself, creating an interactive element. Audio guestbook messages are also available on paid tiers, letting guests record short voice notes alongside photos.
Guestbook vs Photo Sharing vs Storage
A guestbook is not the same as a cloud photo backup service like Google Photos or iCloud. Those store your personal library. A guestbook is event-specific, guest-inclusive, and time-bound. Poolr sits between a social media post and a printed album. It's designed for a single event: a wedding, birthday party, corporate gathering, or school sports day. Guests upload once, during or shortly after the event. The host then has a complete set of guest photos in one place. Poolr is also not an event management or ticketing platform; it doesn't handle RSVPs, seating, or payments. It does one thing well: collect every guest's photos into one shareable album.
Guestbook Features Beyond Photos
Modern event guestbooks can do more than collect images. Poolr's Occasion+ tier and above include an audio guestbook feature, allowing guests to record short voice messages of congratulations, gratitude, or memory alongside their photos. The live photo wall display lets event hosts project the growing gallery on a screen during the event, creating a shared moment as new photos arrive. Custom event frames let guests add overlays to their photos before upload, so every image carries a visual marker of the event. For hosts who want a printed keepsake, Poolr can automatically generate a photobook from the full gallery. All of these are guestbook functions, but centred on photos rather than signatures.
Pricing and Tiers for Events
Poolr offers a free tier for small gatherings: 30 photos, 7 days retention. For most events, the Moment tier at £8.99 allows 200 photos. The Occasion tier at £19.99 unlocks unlimited photos, never-expiring storage, live photo wall, audio guestbook, custom frames, and automated photobook. The Forever tier at £34.99 adds two years of retention and face recognition to create highlight reels. For repeat hosts, the Host+ annual pass at £49.99 per year reduces per-event costs. Wedding planners and venue managers have access to Pro Organiser (£9.99/month or £89.99/year) and Teams plans (£79/month or £699/year) for managing multiple events and client galleries.
Why a Guestbook App Instead of Social Media
Social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook let guests tag themselves or post photos, but this fragments the collection across many accounts and requires ongoing moderation. A dedicated guestbook app like Poolr keeps everything in one curated, host-controlled space. Guests don't need to post publicly, photographers can upload full-resolution files without platform compression, and the host has a permanent record they own. The QR code makes entry frictionless compared to asking guests to find and follow a hashtag or join a group. For events like weddings or corporate gatherings where privacy and curation matter, a guestbook app is cleaner and more professional than relying on social media.
Start collecting guest photos at your next event with Poolr, no app or signup needed.
Frequently asked questions
Can guests use Poolr without downloading an app
Yes. Guests scan a QR code on their phone and upload directly from a mobile web interface. No app download, no account signup, no friction. They can upload immediately and see photos appear in the shared gallery in real time.
What happens to photos after the event
On the free and Moment tiers, photos are kept for 7 days and 30 days respectively. On the Occasion tier, photos never expire and stay in the gallery indefinitely. The Forever tier keeps photos for two years and adds face recognition features.
Can I print photos from a Poolr guestbook
Yes. The Occasion+ tier and above offer automated photobook generation, which creates a printed album from the gallery. Hosts can also bulk download all photos as a ZIP file and print them separately.
Is Poolr only for weddings
No. Poolr works for any gathering: birthday parties, corporate events, school sports days, church events, family reunions, and festivals. Anyone who wants to collect guest photos in one place can use it.
Can I control which photos appear in the guestbook
Yes. Poolr includes a live moderation queue, so the host can review and approve photos before they appear in the shared gallery. Unwanted images can be rejected.
What is a live photo wall in Poolr
A live photo wall is a display-screen feature on the Occasion+ tier and above. It projects the event's growing photo gallery on a screen at the venue in real time, so guests can see new photos arrive as the event happens.