30 Clever Wedding Guest Book Ideas (2024)

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Sign a Record Player

This vineyard wedding in Portugal swapped a conventional guest book with a record player for guests to sign. A fitting choice to match the couple's record-store proposal. "I always said music was our love language," recalls the bride. "I guess he was listening.”

Say It With Vinyl

Another one for the music lovers! This couple laid out a set of favorite vinyls for guests to sign at their Philadelphia nuptials. The wedding mementos will hang on the newlyweds' record-laden walls when not being lovingly listened to.

Draw Self Portraits

Who needs photos when guests can leave their self portraits instead? These mid-century modern nuptials in Arizona were all about personal touches, including the making of an illustrated guest book of each attendees artwork and sweet notes.

Paint a Romantic Picture

Wedding guests were asked to express their love visually at this romantic at-home wedding in the Bay Area. The heart-filled canvas will surely take pride of place in the newlyweds' home.

Elevate With Velvet

Want a classic guest book? Elevate the look just slightly with a velvet cover. This is such a rich and stunning option, especially for a fall wedding.

Pick Up the Phone

Instead of a notes, collect voice messages with a telephone guest book. This nostalgic pink phone recorded messages from guests for the couple to listen to after.

Make It Analog

For an even more retro spin (pun intended), select a rotary phone and record the messages on vinyl. “We plan to play the vinyl record each year on our anniversary to hear the recordings and the song selections from our wedding day,” bride Kristin says of her European-inspired wedding in Dallas.

Send Postcards

This is such a fun option for travelers. Put together a display of postcards and have guests write a note one their favorite. Add a custom mailbox to make it even more unique.

Set the Tone With a Meaningful Color

This book certainly has a traditional shape with beautiful gold lettering to dress it up. But it's the color of the book that held meaning for the couple. It was displayed at a Korean wedding where the color plum was chosen for its cultural meaning representing strong values of education.

Have Fun With Jenga

Bring a classic game into the mix by putting out a display of blank Jenga blocks with markers. Each guest will have fun signing their own block. Then, every time you and your partner play the game, you'll be reminded of all of the great memories shared on your big day.

Record a Video

Looking to ditch paper? Go for video. One couple opted to use VideoAsk for their guestbook, which allowed guests to record video messages of well-wishes. What a cool way to create a wedding video.

Keep It Simple

There's no shame in keeping it simple and traditional. Opt for a lovely guest book with a linen exterior. Customize the front with your names and wedding date and you'll have a timeless memento to fondly look back on.

Use a Coffee Table Book

We love the idea of using a coffee table book in place of a traditional guest book. One couple chose a book with a vibrant cover and colorful pages for guests to sign during their backyard wedding.

Showcase Images of the Locale

Or, create a photo book that highlights the locale. One couple chose to feature a book of stunning photos featuring Colorado landscapes, which is where they tied the knot.

Opt for Elegance

Planning a glamorous or elegant wedding? Choose a guest book to match. A traditional book featuring your names, the date of the wedding, and the location is easily dressed up with simple gold detailing to fit the theme.

Feature Photos of Your Relationship

Skip traditional lined pages and go for a clean slate. This will leave plenty of blank space for guests to sign, as well as the option to add your own photos. Use a photo book to show the many activities you and your partner have enjoyed together leading up to your wedding day.

Flaunt With a Frame

Why not use a framed photo as a unique option? Choose a favorite photo and be sure to have it framed with plenty of blank space around it for guests sign with a permanent marker.

Set Up a Table With Photos

If you're keeping the guest book simple, don't be afraid to add items around the table to add visual interest. Including beautifully framed photos will instantly transform the look and can even double as a memory stand to honor late loved ones.

Sign Polaroid Pictures

Love the polaroid look? Include a few cameras and pens and let your guests have fun. Designate someone to collect each signed photo at the end of the night so you can keep them tucked away in a photo box or make a book out of the memories.

Collect Corks

Wine lovers, this is your chance to recycle those corks. You can either purchase a design or craft a shape made out of corks. Have each guest pen their name and use it as a decorative piece at home later on.

Celebrate Adventure

If you're avid travelers or adventurers, celebrate that with your guest book. Find a book that mirrors your passion, like this book did with a map on the front. Of course, don't forget to customize it with your names and wedding date.

Commission a Custom Painting

For an ultra-personal option, commission a custom guest book. We can't get over how stunning this hand-painted watercolor guest book was for a tropical wedding.

Write on a Surfboard

If you love surfing, bring it into the mix. One couple displayed surfboards at their beach-inspired wedding and had everyone sign them. Talk about a conversation piece!

Try a Typewriter

Channel a vintage feel with a typewriter. Put it out on a table with plenty of paper for guests to type their well-wishes in style. Who knows, it might even inspire some extra poetic notes.

Snap Polaroids

Set up a photo station and ask guests to add their instant photo to your book. Include craft tape and pens to make signing the guest book a playful, interactive experience.

Reuse a Welcome Sign

Planning to put a beautiful welcome sign out for your ceremony? Repurpose it! Once the ceremony has ended, move the sign to your reception space as the perfect canvas for signatures and notes.

Seal the Message in a Bottle

Whether you love all things nautical or just a bit of mystery, this creative guest book will certainly leave a lasting impression. Put glass bottles, or any vessel of your choosing, out on display and encourage guests to seal their messages away for you to read at a later time. Plus, it'll double as a décor piece.

Make It Heartfelt

For a sweet idea, look to mini wooden hearts. You can order these cut-outs from Etsy, or get crafty and make your own. Have guests add their note to a heart and place it in a box as a charming keepsake.

Choose a Canoe Paddle

If you love getting out on the water, display a canoe paddle or any other type of water equipment such as a kayak or paddleboard paddle. Don't forget the waterproof markers.

Spell It Out With Scrabble

Allow your guests to sign their names with a classic game. Put out all of the pieces from a new scrabble game and once they're all signed, it'll serve as a fun option for family game night.