Creative Guest Book Ideas Inspired by Long Island

Jul 14, 2025 11:29 AM Back

Looking for a guest book idea that goes beyond the traditional flip-through pages? Long Island offers a rich landscape of natural beauty, coastal charm, and local culture that can inspire truly unique ways for guests to leave their mark on your special day. From nautical touches to vineyard vibes, here are some creative guest book ideas inspired by Long Island that your guests will love—and that you’ll cherish forever.

1. Nautical Message in a Bottle

Embrace the coastal charm of the Hamptons or Montauk with a “message in a bottle” guest book. Set out vintage glass bottles and slips of paper for guests to write their notes. You can read them on your anniversary or pull one out each year as a tradition. This idea works perfectly for weddings near the water—from beachfront venues in Fire Island to waterfront estates in Port Jefferson.

2. Long Island Map Signing Board

Display a custom-made map of Long Island and invite guests to sign their names around towns that hold meaning—like where you met, had your first date, or are saying "I do." Not only is this interactive and fun, but it also makes for a beautiful framed keepsake to hang in your home.

3. Wine Cork Wishes

Pay homage to Long Island Wine Country by collecting well-wishes on wine corks. You can personalize corks with your initials and date, then provide fine-point Sharpies for your guests. Later, arrange them in a shadow box, spell out your last name, or fill a decorative glass vessel with the signed corks for a rustic-chic display.

4. Beach Stones and Sea Glass Notes

Incorporate the natural elements of Long Island's North and South Shores with beach stones or colorful sea glass pieces. Set out gold or silver markers and ask guests to write their names and a quick note. These treasures can be stored in a decorative jar or used in a garden pathway or mosaic art piece in your home.

5. Polaroid Guest Wall at the Boardwalk

Set up a vintage Polaroid camera at your reception and encourage guests to snap a selfie and pin it to a string board, like a nod to the Jones Beach boardwalk. They can leave a note on the back or in a photo album next to their picture. It’s an instant crowd-pleaser and a fun visual element that grows throughout the night.

6. Vineyard Barrel Signing

If you're getting married at a Long Island vineyard like those in North Fork or the Hamptons, have guests sign an actual wine barrel or a barrel-shaped guest book plaque. This creative, rustic piece becomes a conversation starter in your home or garden for years to come.

7. Surfboard or Paddle Guest Book

Perfect for beach weddings in places like Long Beach or Montauk, a custom surfboard or paddle becomes your guest book—and an unforgettable décor piece. Whether you're surfers or simply lovers of the sea, this is a fun and visually impactful way to bring your love story to life.

8. Custom Shell Guest Book

Collect shells from your favorite Long Island beaches and invite guests to write a message on them. Store them in a glass bowl, display them in a shadow box, or use them to create a custom coastal wreath.

9. "Postcards from the Island" Station

Set up a table with vintage Long Island postcards and ask guests to write their notes on the cards. Later, have a friend or family member mail them to you one-by-one during your first year of marriage. It’s a heartfelt way to keep the wedding joy going all year long.

10. Wooden Bench with Coastal Engraving

Have a custom wooden bench engraved with your wedding date or a Long Island motif (like the Montauk lighthouse or the Fire Island ferry), and let guests sign it with permanent markers. It’s a beautiful and functional piece of art that will live in your entryway, garden, or patio.

Your guest book should reflect your style, your love story, and your roots—and for Long Island couples, the inspiration is endless. Whether you're getting married by the beach, in the vineyards, or at a classic Gold Coast estate, these creative guest book ideas add a touch of local charm and lasting memories to your wedding day.

Photo Credit: Social Print Studio