Document guide systems and methods employing a document platen are provided. According to an illustrative embodiment, a document guide system employing a document platen includes a document platen having a first, document-faceable side and a second, opposing side, and a document support sub-system adjacent the first side of the document platen. The document support sub-system and the first side of the document platen are adapted to receive a document therebetween, and the document platen forms an aperture adapted to allow electromagnetic radiation therethrough.