Your wedding ring signifies one of the biggest and most memorable milestones of your life. The tradition of exchanging wedding rings is meant to symbolize enduring love, and as traditional vows say, ’til death do you part. So what better way to memorialize your commitment than with permanent wedding ring tattoos? Need some marriage tat inspiration? We’ve got 40 real-life wedding ring tattoo ideas to help you start figuring out what you want inked on your own digit.
READ MOREDiamonds & Gems: Resetting an Heirloom Stone
In this article:
- Reasons to Get a Wedding Ring Tattoo
- Finger Tattoo Tips
- Designing Your Own Wedding Ring Tattoos
- Get Inspired by These Wedding Ring Tattoos From Real Couples
Reasons to Get a Wedding Ring Tattoo
There are a few great reasons to get a wedding ring tattoo, other than it being a creative and unique way to express your love and commitment.
- Cost: A survey by The Knot shows couples-to-be spend an average of $5,871 on their engagement ring and $560 to $1,400 on wedding bands. Compare that with wedding ring tattoos, which usually cost between $50 and $2,000, even for complex designs. The simpler designs won’t set you back much but will give you a reminder of your love forever.
- Permanency: The main reason couples get wedding ring tattoos is usually to represent their forever commitment to their marriage—they’re everlasting and cannot be lost, nor do they need to be removed for any task, like washing dishes.
- Flexibility: You and your spouse can borrow from tradition with single band wedding ring tattoos, or you can create your own unique and meaningful design.
- Convenience: If you are an active person or have a career or serious hobby that requires work with your hands, you may not be able to wear your wedding band for large chunks of time. A ring tattoo is an excellent way to showcase your marriage status even when you aren’t able to wear a physical ring.
Finger Tattoo Tips
Finding the design you want for your wedding ring tattoo isn’t the hard part—it’s finding the reputable, experienced, licensed tattoo artist to ink your wedding ring tattoo. Here’s how to find one:
READ MOREDiamonds & Gems: Resetting an Heirloom Stone
- Understand the laws in your state: Many states don’t allow tattoo artists to ink above the neck, below the ankle or below the wrist, specifically because your feet, hands, fingers and, of course, your head, are the most sensitive places to get tattooed. So, check the laws in your state before you book your appointment. If your state does not allow finger tattoos, you may want to consider making the drive across the state border. Another option is to get matching wedding tattoos on a different part of your body. What you shouldn’t do is get a tattoo from your buddy who inks up his friends in his garage. Don’t get famous for a bad tattoo fail.
- Find a reputable tattoo artist: Once you decide to get a wedding ring tattoo, research a tattoo artist with experience and a reputation for safety and sterility. Not every artist is adept at finger inking, and many don’t do them. Not all tattooists are comfortable or capable of doing unique designs versus tattoo book designs they’ve practiced and done before, so if you’re going for an original wedding ring tattoo design, do your homework to find someone who is comfortable with tattooing new designs.
- Book your appointment early: The best tattoo artists are often booked weeks or even months in advance. Don’t wait until the last minute to get your ink. Start calling around a few months before your wedding to book your appointment. Make sure to add this step to your wedding checklist.
- No pain, no gain: Tattoo artist Mickey T at Outer Limits Tattoo in Long Beach, California, which was established in 1927 (making it the oldest tattoo shop in the US), says wedding finger tattoos are a grand gesture, but the process is a big one. Tattoo artists warn that finger tattoos are particularly painful, as our digits are one of the most sensitive parts of our body. “We tell our clients not to hold their breath so that they don’t pass out,” Mickey T says.
- For the best results, get inked one week before your wedding day: Many states don’t allow tattoo artists to ink above the neck, below the ankle or below the wrist, specifically because your feet, hands, fingers and, of course your head, are the most sensitive places to get tattooed. Your wedding ring tattoos will be red and sensitive for at least a few days, so for the best-looking result, get them done at least a week before your wedding.
- Take care of your wedding ring tattoos: Follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions. Mickey T says to be extremely careful what you touch because tattoos are considered open wounds. Keep them clean and don’t over moisturize. “Tattoos need to breathe and need air to keep them healing consistently,” she says.
- Finger tattoos “blowout” early: Even if you take care of your wedding ring tattoos properly, you may notice the ink-bleeding sooner than other large body tattoos. “Ring tattoos often look crisp in the beginning but start to spread faster than big body tattoos,” says Mickey T. The cause of early “blowout” (when a tattoo spreads too much and can blend together) is because hands and fingers suffer hard wear and tear in our everyday lives. Take the possibility of a “blowout” into consideration when choosing your ring tattoo design. Will it still look good or be legible if the ink spreads?
Designing Your Own Wedding Ring Tattoos
If you and your partner want unique wedding band tattoos but aren’t sure where to start, consider your shared hobbies, jobs, favorite things to do together, favorite places to be, shared passions or even nicknames for each other.
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For example: If you’re wine lovers, one band could be a bottle pouring wine, while the other’s is a glass. Scientists? The mathematical symbol for eternity. Bird-watchers? A pair of doves. Avid Comic Con fans? Each get your favorite superhero.
If you’re looking for something a bit more classic, traditional wedding ring tattoo designs are plentiful, and easily recognized as representing your forever love for each other.
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- “His” and “Hers” or “Mr.” and “Mrs.”
- Words of commitment in your favorite fonts: Love. Unity. Forever. For life.
- Show you’re a permanent pair with “+” or “&” symbols
- Each other’s initials or names
- The luck of the Irish: four-leaf clovers
- Matching Celtic knots or traditional Celtic band pattern designs
- Say how you’re feeling: Blessed. Loved. Cherished.
- Your wedding date in Roman numerals
- Your love secured: a lock and a key
- Scribe “Love” in your native language
- A Psalm number reflecting your commitment
- A diamond design
- And our personal favorite: Tie the knot with an elegant, single line nautical rope or single knot, or a bow.
Still undecided? Get inspired by wedding ring tattoos from real couples below or ask your tattoo artist to see their portfolio of ring finger tattoos.
Get Inspired by These Wedding Ring Tattoos From Real Couples
Committed to wedding ring tattoos? The best place to start is seeing the possibilities. From classic to creative, get inspired by these 40 images of some of our favorite wedding ring tattoos that leave no guessing of your love for each other.
1. Commit the date you exchange your vows with compasses to ensure you’ll never lose your way.
Nautical Compass with letters on a finger…challenge accepted. This couple got married today and I was lucky to play a part! #Tattoo #tattoos #weddingtattoo #weddingtattoos #ringtattoo #nauticaltattoo #nautical A post shared by Speakeasy Tattoo Parlour (@speakeasytattoo) on Jan 24, 2018 at 10:40am PST
2. Show that your love’s written in the stars with complimentary sun and moon tattoos.
@jessicaleighozimek and I were lucky enough to give @waffleswar and @loveplaygrow their #weddingtattoos #tattoos #fingertattoo #sunandmoontattoo #sun #moon #waverlycolorco #workhorseirons #swissrotary #eminenttattooneedles #eminenttattoomachinesupply A post shared by andrewozimek (@andrewozimek) on Sep 5, 2017 at 12:54pm PDT
3. Match your partner’s design in this sweet way.
Pyew! Pyew! @christinnnnnna #weddingtattoos #nerd #goldenagetattoo #chloemarie #weddingringtattoo A post shared by Joshua Strasburg (@joshuastrasburg) on Aug 11, 2017 at 5:37pm PDT
4. Ink a nautical-themed nod to your prized catch and eternal anchor.
Hooked. #weddingtattoo #2016wedding #imgettingmarried #azafarms #tattoo #newtattoo A post shared by Beth Aza (@azafarms) on Mar 30, 2016 at 6:01pm PDT
5. KISS: Keep It Simple Sweethearts. Go for elegant and clean with “his” and “hers” initials. The bride’s on the groom’s finger, the groom’s on the bride’s.
Sometimes you just keep it simple. This was their first tattoo after 20 years of marriage. #tattoo #simpletattoo #simplebutcute #ringtattoo #weddingringtattoo #fingertattoo #fingertattoos #sweetwatercollective #ringtattoos A post shared by Evan Dunn Tattooer/Artist (@evandunnart) on Mar 27, 2016 at 12:47pm PDT
6. Get creative with your own original wedding ring designs. They’re less expensive to ink than having rings made to order.
Permanent love. #weddingringtattoo #weddingrings #weddings #tattoos #weddingring #weddingringtattoos #tattoo A post shared by Wedding Cake Toppers (@caketoppersaustralia) on Mar 22, 2016 at 2:18pm PDT
7. Look for jewelry store wedding rings you love and re-create them with tattoo bands representing your permanent, lasting love.
Somos almas gêmeas. Ligados agora pela tinta em nossa pele. Muito mais significante que usar um círculo feito de metal é usar um círculo feito a ferro e sangue, que estará eternamente nos lembrando de que somos feito: amor e respeito! Flavio & Daiana . #tattoo #weddingringtattoo #nikon #nikonphotography #nofilter #love #ink A post shared by Daiana Broedel (@daianabroedel) on Feb 15, 2016 at 11:31am PST
8. Disney fanatics will love these sweet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse designs.
“Being someone’s first love might be great, but being their last is beyond perfect. . .” Couples ring finger tattoo thanks to Sarah at Afflicted Ink! She came up with the design, and executed it perfectly! Thank you for making our Happily Ever After more MAGICAL. Check her out: @miss_murphy93. ✌??? #peace #love #happiness #tattoo #girlswithtattoos #inked #bodyart #couplestattoo #mickeyandminnie #SARAHisthebest #afflictedink #femaletattooartist #ido #mrsandmrs #wives #lgbt #lesbians #foreveryours #happilyeverafter #magical #disney #couplegoals #foreverandalways #iloveyou A post shared by Brittany Lynn Cunha (@brittany_lynn_) on Jan 6, 2017 at 6:16am PST
9. Consider marriage a lifelong gift and tie a bow on your love.
#nailsdid#nails#hotpink#pink#almondnails#bow#tattoo#weddingringtattoo#diamondsdontmeanshit#tattsareforever A post shared by aspiring model** Nadia D**?? (@aphroditeinpink) on Jan 2, 2016 at 4:28pm PST
10. Underscore the permanent promise you’re making to each other with the ultimate sacred vow: “Til death do us part.”
Had the honor of doing these two ring finger tattoos on some great clients of mine today! #congrats #surprisegift #tilldeath #weddingrings #marriagetattoos #lettering #scripttattoo #chilliwacktattoo #firsttattoo #tattoos #couplestattoo #fingertattoo #married #handtattoo #tattoolife #forever #tattooedwoman #forlife #ringtattoo #tilldeathdouspart #smalltattoo #love #blackandgrey #dove #handtattoo #instagood #picoftheday #loyalty #weddingringtattoo #abbotsfordtattoo A post shared by Jason (@afflictedaddictiontattoos) on Dec 23, 2015 at 8:43pm PST
11. Lovers of Mexican culture? You may feel drawn to a Day of the Dead skull design.
‘Til death #weddingtattoos #tattooweddingring #alternativewedding #skulltattoo A post shared by @outsidetheaisle on Oct 3, 2014 at 9:43am PDT
12. Go halfsies. Create a connecting tattoo that when your fingers meet reveals your love message and partnership in marriage.
Today’s #work #tattoo #mgtattoostudio #mg_tattoostudio @mg_tattoostudio #weddinggift for my friend @ivanjushkas #weddingrings #weddingringtattoo #arrowtattoo A post shared by Aleksandra Vader (@samaraxsk_mgtattoo) on Nov 23, 2015 at 8:42am PST
13. Unite with double-love ring tattoos that pair when you join hands.
Today , tomorrow ,forever. . Wedding band and the spiritual unalome. .clients pic ?#blackbandtattoo #weddingbandtattoo #unalome #phreshink #love #today #tomorrow #forever A post shared by ▶▶▶▶▶▶▶▶▶▶▶▶▶▶▶▶ (@upspatterson) on Feb 29, 2016 at 1:21am PST
14. A simple initial is still impactful for a sweet wedding ring tattoo idea.
#BecomingTheSurpenters #weddingtattoos @hightidetattoo A post shared by christine surpenter (@missteeny) on Jun 21, 2017 at 9:49am PDT
15. Go nautical to show you’re each other’s anchor, happily tethered and stable through any storm.
Couple treble clef anchors #tattoo #art #ink #weddingbandtattoo #trebleclef #anchor A post shared by Hall Of Ink (@hall_of_ink) on Dec 1, 2015 at 8:15pm PST
16. If you’re each other’s king and queen, say it with a crown.
Every Queen deserves a King who understands when her crown gets to heavy. #kingsandqueens #crown #weddingringtattoo #coupletattoos A post shared by Bree Vaughan (@oklahomajeepgirl) on Oct 18, 2017 at 7:49pm PDT
17. Show that in the presence of God you’re committing to your pledge of marriage, love and your religion.
Kyle got the same one as I did. We are forever tied together ? Christ first, us second.#tattoo #weddingbandtattoo #marryyourbestfriend A post shared by Dawn Flaherty (@dloves2sing) on Jan 31, 2015 at 1:39pm PST
18. Star Wars fans? Declare your love with your favorite movie classic.
Wedding tattoos. Artist Kelly Rogers, Gearhead Tattoo, Cape Coral, FL #StarWars #Cartoon #R2D2 #C3P0 #WeddingBandTattoos #CouplesTattoos #Tattoos #FingerTattoos A post shared by Paige Sams (@frenchfriesinthesnow) on Dec 21, 2012 at 6:38am PST
19. Dr. Who fans? The Tardis proves your love can travel through time.
Woo Hoo!! Did these matching Dr. Who finger tattoos!! Thanks for looking! #jimbocutler #portangelestattoo #drwho #drwhotattoo #tardis #tardistattoo #badwolf #badwolftattoo #whovian #whovianforlife #whovians #fingertattoo #smalltattoo #microtattoo #portangeles #sequim #olympicpeninsula #washingtonstate #pnwtattoo #upperleft #poulsbo #silverdale #bremerton #forkswashington #oakharbor #gigharbor #ringtattoo #weddingringtattoo A post shared by Jimbo & Choom Choom (@jimbo_and_choom_choom) on Nov 19, 2015 at 7:57pm PST
20. Birds of a feather stick together.
I did a little bird on her finger the other day as her #weddingband! #weddingbandtattoo #weddingringtattoo #weddingrings #weddingbands #Weddingring #birdtattoo #traditional #traditionaltattoo #fingertattoo #handtattoo #tinytattoo #love #lovetattoo #evolvedbodyart #columbustattooer #nanerlife A post shared by Anna B. Nana (@anna_b_nana) on Oct 8, 2014 at 8:30am PDT
21. This adinkra symbol hails from the former kingdom of Gyaman and underscores your vows by representing beauty, vigilance, patience and understanding.
Wedding day countdown. Roxanne & Greg. Ready for the rings this Friday! #weddingbandtattoo #weddingbandtattoos #Hastings @heathershuker tattoo by @alexiscamburn_cox A post shared by Things & Ink (@thingsandink) on Aug 26, 2015 at 5:00am PDT
22. Does your partner make your heart race? Consider a cardiogram representation of your love for each other.
#fingertattoos #heartbeattattoos #weddingbandtattoos #tattoosofinstagram #tattoo #asheville #invidiatattoo A post shared by Tina Mcfarland? (@tina_invidia_tattoo) on Oct 11, 2013 at 8:02pm PDT
23. Hold your love tightly in your hand. Chain link your ring to an inscribed medallion in your palm.
#weddingringtattoo #ringtattoo A post shared by James Dearman (@2madjacks) on Oct 11, 2013 at 9:05am PDT
24. Does your loved one share a name with a leaf, flower or other object? Get a tattoo of the object as a sweet, subtle way to symbolize your union.
Delicate dot-work fern on the ring finger from this morning. His wife’s name is Fern 🙂 #tattoo #dotwork #colour #ferntattoo #weddingtattoo #lovetattoo A post shared by Holly Robertson (@hxlly_x) on Mar 22, 2016 at 5:32am PDT
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25. Go the extra mile with an extravagant finger-to-wrist design extending your promise to love and cherish for life.
Matching #tattooweddingrings at yesterday’s wedding #celebrantbrisbane #celebrant A post shared by Natasha Lewis Celebrant (@celebrantbrisbane) on Nov 21, 2015 at 5:07pm PST
26. Molecularly bond your marriage.
#handtattoos #tattoos #tattoo #weddingtattoo #fingertattoo #inkspot #inkspottattoo #inkspotmelbourne #tattooed #melbournefl #melbournesquaremall #bestspacecoasttatoos #spacecoast #palmbayfl #kingpintattoosupply #infiniteirons A post shared by Kat (@kitty1183) on Apr 11, 2016 at 9:09pm PDT
27. Tattoo rings are inked forever. Show that your love is too.
Wedding tattoos! #4ever #forever #weddingtattoo #weddingband A post shJust finished this anniversary tattoo that commemorates my best bday ever…marrying my wifey!?#romannumeraltattoo#weddingtattoo A post shared by Martin Davila-Illustrator (@anacelica79) on Aug 5, 2017 at 10:06am PDTared by Amy Pate (@pkt_amy_pate) on Dec 19, 2015 at 12:50pm PST
28. Still want a diamond ring? Ink it.
Kreativke iz R&T vjenčanja vam mogu izraditi personalizirane kratkotrajne tetovaže! ?Odlična ideja za parove, ali i djevojačke večeri i djeveruše!:) #putaringonit #vjencanja #hellyeahweddings #wedding #croatiaweddings #cool #tattoo #weddingtattoo A post shared by Hell_yeah_weddings (@hellyeahweddings) on Feb 21, 2016 at 12:20pm PST
29. Display your wedding date in Roman numerals.
My #firsttattoo thanks @wadebyrdmt turned out awesome! #romannumerals #weddingtattoo #wedding #kalispell #ringtattoo #tattoo A post shared by Eric Hansen (@_h_a_n_s_e_n) on Mar 8, 2016 at 11:26am PST
30. Love you to the moon and back!
Love you to the moon and back <3 #weddingtattoo #pipedream2016 A post shared by Liz Rizzo (@rizrizzo) on Mar 20, 2016 at 12:59pm PDT
31. Let your ink rings represent how tightly woven together you are—and always will be.
Your name is my tattoo #wedding #weddingideas #weddingtattoo #weddingdetails #weddinginspiration #weddingjewelry #handjewelry #lovetattoo #weddingstyle #loveit #amazing #beautiful A post shared by Sam Ivomirs (@samion_) on Apr 19, 2016 at 1:25pm PDT
32. Roman numerals are a classic way to show your wedding date.
Just finished this anniversary tattoo that commemorates my best bday ever…marrying my wifey!?#romannumeraltattoo#weddingtattoo A post shared by Martin Davila-Illustrator (@anacelica79) on Aug 5, 2017 at 10:06am PDT
33. If you’re going for a minimal and simple look, thin lines are eye-catching.
Eternal wedding rings for Natalia and Alvian, congratulations! Placement on this area and with line this thin needs extra care. Best of thr best for the newlyweds! A post shared by Be No Square Bali Tattoo (@benosquarebali) on Jul 25, 2017 at 9:09pm PDT
34. These rings are fit for a king and queen.
As we approach our 2yr wedding anniversary & having planned to do this for ages, we finally have??As we teach most of the time & can’t wear our wedding rings, we wanted something permanent. So, here they are, our wedding ring tattoos??#flzfit #mrandmrsflzfit #weddingtattoo #alwaysandforever #dontjustsayitdoit A post shared by FLZFIT (@flzfit) on Jul 1, 2017 at 2:19pm PDT
35. Two lines for two lives intertwining.
#marriage @matty_crocker517 @fishladdertattooco @tattoosbyforce #tattoo #weddingtattoo #weddingringtattoo #husbandandwife A post shared by Paige Jones (@turntheepaige) on Jun 30, 2017 at 3:05pm PDT
36. We love these cute caricatures of a bride and groom.
#wedding ?#matickremzarphotography #photography #photoshoot #weedingday #weddingtime #weddingseason #weddingtattoo #tattoo #love #nature #OrehovGaj #nikond750 #nikon #colours #justmarried #happycouple #husbandandwife A post shared by Matic Kremžar (@prejak_kremzar) on Jun 13, 2017 at 10:43am PDT
37. Opt for eternity bands to represent your eternal love for each other.
Congratulations ~you crazy kids❤? #nycink #nyctattooartists #ladytattooers #infinitytattoos #weddingtattoos #weddingtattoo #weddingtats A post shared by Kmo ~ Kansas Kelsey Mo ~ (@kmotattoos) on Jun 10, 2017 at 1:37pm PDT
38. Who says wedding ring tattoos have to be bands? These symbolic snowflakes are gorgeous.
Matching couples tattoos for these lovely newly-weds. Always a blast working with you two! ??❄️ #fingertattoos @smokeybanana_ana A post shared by Smokey Banana (@smokeybananatattoo) on Aug 7, 2017 at 6:51pm PDT
39. Get your love locked up with this sweet key and heart wedding ring tattoo idea.
#weddingday #weddingtattoos #alternativetorings #wedding #hisandhers #heartandkey #loveforevermore A post shared by Julia (@julias_wedding_wants) on Jan 2, 2017 at 11:28am PST
40. If you’re tying the knot, you may as well tie a bow too, right? So cute!
Got a lot of wedding shit done today, but this was my best purchase today. I love you @actual_waifu ❤ #tattoos #matching #weddingtattoos A post shared by Cj Germain (@vinylglutton) on Apr 14, 2017 at 6:14pm PDT