About
GatheringUs is a full-service memorial event platform designed to bring communities together to honor and celebrate the lives of loved ones. Whether hosting an entirely virtual service, an in-person gathering, or a hybrid of both, GatheringUs handles the planning, coordination, and technology so families can be fully present during one of life's most difficult moments. Key features include dedicated event planners who help craft a personalized program — incorporating speakers, musicians, clergy, cultural customs, and family traditions — alongside professional facilitators who guide the actual service, manage slideshows, video playback, and memory sharing in real time. Unlike passive one-way livestreams, GatheringUs enables guests to actively share stories and memories during the event. Families also receive access to a permanent online memorial page where they can post a free obituary, upload photos and videos, collect condolences, and share event details with their broader community. Crowdfunding tools allow loved ones to contribute toward funeral costs or a chosen charity. GatheringUs is ideal for families who live across different cities or countries, those who want to honor a loved one with a meaningful yet manageable event, and funeral homes seeking modern memorial technology. The platform has served over 100,000 people and now operates as part of the Keeper Memorials network.
Key Features
- Dedicated Event Planning: A personal event planner guides families through crafting a custom memorial program, including speakers, musicians, clergy, and cultural traditions.
- Live Event Facilitation: Professional facilitators manage the service in real time — handling slideshows, music, video playback, and guest memory sharing — so families don't have to worry about logistics.
- Online Memorial Pages: Create a permanent memorial page to post obituaries, share photos and videos, and collect written memories and condolences from the broader community.
- Crowdfunding Support: Built-in crowdfunding tools let the community contribute toward funeral expenses or a designated charity in memory of the deceased.
- Hybrid Virtual & In-Person Events: Seamlessly connect remote guests with in-person attendees, allowing everyone to participate and share memories regardless of location.
Use Cases
- Planning a hybrid in-person and virtual funeral service for a family with members across multiple states or countries.
- Creating a permanent online memorial page where friends and family can post photos, videos, memories, and condolences.
- Crowdfunding funeral expenses or charitable donations in memory of a loved one.
- Hosting a fully virtual memorial celebration of life with interactive guest participation and live facilitation.
- Coordinating a culturally personalized memorial event that incorporates specific traditions, music, and religious customs.
Pros
- Comprehensive, Hands-On Support: GatheringUs provides end-to-end assistance — from pre-event planning to live facilitation — reducing stress on grieving families during an emotionally difficult time.
- Free Obituary Posting: Families can create and share a free online obituary with event details, making it accessible without an upfront financial commitment.
- Interactive Virtual Experience: Unlike simple livestreams, guests can actively share stories and memories during the service, creating a more meaningful and community-centered event.
Cons
- Limited AI Automation: The platform relies heavily on human staff for planning and facilitation, which may result in scheduling constraints or slower response times during peak periods.
- Primarily US-Focused: Timezone and language support appear centered on North American users, which may limit seamless service for internationally distributed families.
- Paid Plans Required for Full Features: Premium features such as full event facilitation and technical support are locked behind paid tiers, which may be a barrier for some families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GatheringUs?
GatheringUs is an online platform that helps families plan and host virtual and in-person memorial services. It provides dedicated event planners, live facilitators, technical support, and online memorial pages to make the process as smooth and meaningful as possible.
Is GatheringUs free to use?
GatheringUs offers a free obituary posting feature and basic memorial page. Full event planning and facilitation services are available through paid plans. Visit their Plans & Pricing page for details.
How does the virtual memorial service work?
GatheringUs uses video conferencing technology (similar to Zoom) to host virtual services. A GatheringUs facilitator manages the session, guides presenters, plays media, and enables guests to share memories interactively — unlike a passive one-way livestream.
Can GatheringUs support both in-person and virtual guests at the same event?
Yes. GatheringUs specializes in hybrid memorials that connect in-person attendees with remote guests, ensuring everyone can participate and honor the deceased together regardless of location.
Who is GatheringUs best suited for?
GatheringUs is ideal for families with loved ones spread across different cities or countries, those who want professional help organizing a meaningful memorial, and funeral homes or event coordinators looking for modern virtual memorial technology.
