Journals are one of my favorite ways to keep track of memories and thoughts. An anniversary journal can be used to document special moments and reflect on what you’ve learned in your relationship. They also make really great gifts for your partner or someone you know that is getting married!
We started a wedding day journal to document the days leading up to our wedding and the event itself. We wanted to make sure we had a way to remember all the details, big and small. Plus, it’s been fun to look back on it as we approach our one year anniversary.
Whether you’re celebrating your first anniversary or your 50th, an anniversary journal is a thoughtful and unique gift for your partner! It doesn’t need to be anything large that takes up a lot of space. A small journal that sits in the same box as your wedding cards is perfect. Or, you may choose to create a larger journal that has more of a scrapbook feel. It’s completely up to you.
Tips for starting an anniversary journal
- Choose a journal that reflects your style as a couple. There are many beautiful and creative options available, so take your time to find the perfect one. This is a personal journal so you want to make sure you feel connected to it!
- Decide what format you want your journal to take. You could write letters to each other, answer prompts together, or simply keep a running diary.
- Set aside some time each week or month to write in your journal. This can be a fun date night activity or a way to unwind after a busy day. Or, you can choose to write in your journal once a year on your anniversary.
- Be honest, open, and vulnerable with your entries. This is a safe space for you to share your deepest thoughts and feelings.
- Re-read your journal entries from time to time. This is a great way to reminisce about happy moments and reflect on your growth as a couple.
An anniversary journal is a truly beautiful way to celebrate your relationship. By taking the time to write down your thoughts and memories, you’ll create a lasting record of your love for each other. Here are some ideas for what to include in your anniversary (or wedding) journal.
Anniversary journal ideas (things to include)
1. Write a list of things to do together on your anniversary
Write down a list of things you’d like to do together on your anniversary. Maybe you want to get dinner at your wedding venue or cook a special meal. Or, you may want to take a trip somewhere special. You can even plan for future anniversaries, like revisiting the place you went to on your honeymoon.
2. Reflect on your previous year of marriage
Think about what you’ve learned in your previous year of marriage and what you’ve enjoyed most about being married. This is a nice activity to do together. You can also each take one page and then share your reflections afterwards.
3. Remember memories from your wedding day
Jot down some of your favorite memories from your wedding day. What stands out most in your mind? Take a look through your wedding album and relive some of the precious moment. You may also want to read through your wedding cards and wishes.
4. Include photos from throughout your relationship
Include photos of yourselves from throughout your relationship. You could also add in photos from your wedding day and honeymoon. This is a great idea if you’re making a scrapbook-type journal for your anniversary. You can also do one special photo a month to keep it simple.
5. Craft love letters to each other
Write love letters to each other and include them in your journal. These can be as long or as short as you like. You don’t even have to read them to each other! Or, you can read the letter from the previous year and make it a tradition as you go forward.
6. Write down your hopes and dreams for the future
What do you hope to achieve in the next year, 5 years, 10 years? What are your dreams for your relationship? Write them down and see how they change over time. These can be really fun to look back on over the years.
7. Think of things you are grateful for in your relationship
Make a list of things you are grateful for in your relationship. This could be anything from your partner’s sense of humor to the way they always know just what to say when you’re feeling down. Practicing gratitude is one of my favorite activities, and it’s a healthy activity for couples.
8. Remember favorite moments from your relationship
Think back over your relationship and write down some of your favorite moments. These could be big moments like getting engaged or small moments like spending a lazy Sunday afternoon together. You might be surprised when you share each others favorite moments.
9. Reflect on things you have learned from your partner
What has your partner taught you over the last year? This could be anything from how to be more patient to how to make the perfect scrambled eggs. No matter how big or small, it’s important to remember these things and appreciate all your partner has taught you.
10. Include love quotes that describe your relationship
Look up some of your favorite love quotes or songs and include them in your journal. These can be sweet, funny, or anything in between!
11. Think about predictions for the future
Write down your predictions for the future of your marriage. These could be things like where you see yourselves living in 10 years or what you think your relationship will be like in 50 years. Even if you’re not a psychic, it’s fun to look back and see how accurate (or inaccurate!) your predictions were.
12. Write a list of things you love about your partner
Write down a list of things you love about your partner. This could be anything from their physical appearance to the way they make you feel when you’re around them. Each year, you can add to the list and see how it grows over time!
13. Write a unique love story
Use the journal to write your own love story. Start from the beginning and include all of the highlights (and lowlights!) of your relationship. This is a great way to look back and remember how far you’ve come. You can also include hand-drawn photos to make it more fun and personal.
14. Include a time capsule
Fill your journal with things that represent your relationship at this point in time. Maybe you saved ticket stubs or took some memorable photos. You can seal it up and open it on your 10th anniversary to see how much (or how little!) things have changed.
Anniversary journal prompts
If you’re free-writing in a journal for your anniversary, here are some prompts to get you started. You may also find these journaling prompts for couples very helpful.
- How has your relationship changed since last year?
- What are your favorite things about your partner?
- What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
- What are you grateful for in your relationship?
- What have you learned from your partner?
- What moments from your relationship stand out most in your mind?
- If you could describe your relationship in one word, what would it be?
- How has marriage changed your relationship?
- What challenges have you faced in your relationship and how did you overcome them?
- What are your favorite traditions as a couple?
- What has been the most challenging part of your relationship?
- What has been the most rewarding part of your relationship?
- How has parenthood (if applicable) changed your relationship?
My anniversary journal top picks
There are lots of great options for anniversary journals that are already made. All you have to do is plug in your memories! Here are some of my favorites from Etsy. I like shopping on Etsy because you usually have the option for personalizing the journal. Also, you’ll be supporting a small business which is always great!
1. Duncan and Stone Anniversary Journal (Etsy.com)
This high-quality and classy journal is 189 pages has a designated bonus section every 10 years. There are simple guided prompts and even spots for photos to help take a lot of the guess work out for you.
2. Rag & Bone Bindery (Etsy.com)
This personalized journal goes all the way to your 25th wedding anniversary. This little business has been around since 1990 and their journals are made by hand in Rhode Island!
3. Red Berry Guest Books (Etsy.com)
I love the wood cover on this anniversary journal. You can choose from maple or cherry and engrave the journal with your details. This journal makes a lovely keepsake or gift as well. And, it looks great on the shelf if you don’t want to tuck it away.
There are many different ways you can use a journal to celebrate your anniversary. Whether you write love letters to each other, list things you are grateful for, or simply reflect on your favorite moments, a journal is a great way to document and cherish your relationship.
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