Memo vs Dearest: which event photo tool wins in 2026?
Both collect photos from event guests. They take different approaches. This page shows the real differences — pricing, guest experience, photo quality, moderation — so you can pick the right one for your event.
The short answer
Pick Dearest if you specifically want their visual gallery aesthetic and you're in their primary AU/UK market. Pick Memo if you want per-event pricing, sub-albums, audio guestbook, and a tool that handles non-wedding events too.
The full feature comparison
Reviewed against https://withdearest.com as of 2026.
Memo is the better pick when…
Per-event pricing, not subscription — Dearest's plans renew, Memo charges once and you own the album for up to 2 years.
Sub-albums (ceremony / reception / brunch) — Dearest uses one feed.
Audio guestbook included on Standard ($59) — Dearest doesn't offer this.
EXIF/GPS metadata stripped on every upload for guest privacy.
Dearest is the better pick when…
Polished visual gallery design — strong aesthetic out of the box.
Active Australian / UK customer community.
Founder-led customer support, responsive on small details.
Memo vs Dearest FAQ
Is Memo cheaper than Dearest?
For a single wedding, almost always. Memo charges $0–$89 once per event; Dearest's plans are subscription-style. Over the typical 6-month wedding planning window, Memo is meaningfully cheaper.
Can I use Memo for an Australian or UK wedding?
Yes — Memo works globally and our R2 storage has EU regions available. Photos arrive at full resolution regardless of where the guests are.
Does Memo have the same visual gallery polish as Dearest?
We rebuilt the gallery for 2026 with the same modern aesthetic — clean grids, full-bleed photos, themed covers. The 24-palette theme picker means your album matches your wedding colors.