40 Wedding Ring Tattoo Ideas to Make Your Love Permanent

Honor your lifelong union by sporting some custom ink.

By
Lilly Blomquist
Lilly Blomquist Brides editorial assistant headshot
Lilly Blomquist
Lilly is the associate editor at Brides. She joined the staff in 2021 and covers real weddings, wedding décor, wedding news, and more. Her work is also featured in The Knot, The Bash, and Tracy Anderson's The Edit and Tracy Anderson Mind, Body, and Soul.
Brides's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on January 08, 2025 09:10AM
bride getting a wedding ring tattoo during her reception

Photo by Ben Smith

Does the idea of wearing a wedding ring every day sound unappealing? Or, do you have your eye on a bauble that just isn't in the budget? Instead of pressuring yourself to add another piece of jewelry (albeit, a valuable and delicate one) to your daily wardrobe or break the bank to buy the perfect pair of bands, you and your partner may want to consider getting wedding ring tattoos.

Although most couples exchange tangible bands made of exquisite metals to mark their marriage, a nontraditional option that's become increasingly more popular for spouses is getting permanent ink etched on their respective left ring fingers. "Whether you don't want to wear an actual ring every day or you want something that signifies your love permanently, ring tattoos are definitely on the rise," explains Dani Egna, founder and CEO of INKED by Dani.

If this is your first tattoo or you're nervous about having a permanent tribute to your spouse engraved on your body, consider a temporary option first. A temporary tattoo gives you the ability to play around with designs and try out the placement before committing to the real deal. 

Some partners choose to visit a tattoo parlor ahead of their special day, while others wait until they return from their honeymoon to get inked. If you decide on the former, tattoo artist Brittany Randell of Humble Bee Tattoo stresses the importance of keeping your wedding date in mind before you book an appointment to ensure your skin is fully healed by the time you tie the knot. “Tattoo healing varies for everyone,” Randell notes. “Everyone’s skin type is different, and there are many factors with one’s body: health, water intake, and hydration; how often you will be using your hands and fingers; products you use for healing, to name a few." On the other hand, since finger tattoos—especially thinner designs—tend to fade easily and require touch-ups, you won't want to schedule a visit too far in advance, according to Randell.

Meet the Expert

  • Dani Egna is the founder and CEO of the temporary tattoo company INKED by Dani, which offers hand-drawn designs, using cruelty-free and vegan ink, that last up to two weeks.
  • Brittany Randell is a Toronto-based tattoo artist who owns tattoo parlor Humble Bee Tattoo.

Once you've figured out the ideal timeline for your wedding ring tattoos, the next step involves selecting an apt design. While there are unlimited options to consider, taking into account meaningful symbols that reflect your unique relationship is supreme. Perhaps you and your partner are tying the knot in the countryside; then, you may want to choose rolling hills as a tribute to that special venue. Or maybe the two of you met at the beach town you frequent every summer, so a pair of ocean waves are more fitting. Other classic, versatile options consist of your joint initials, each other's first names, or your wedding date.

If you're interested in viewing more ideas, we've scoured Instagram to compile dozens of unique designs that tattoo artists imprinted on their married clients. Read on for 40 wedding ring tattoos for a permanent reminder of your love.

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Natural Landscapes

If you and your significant other feel connected to nature or if the great outdoors plays a big role in your relationship, then put a ring on it, literally: Have your favorite landscape tattooed on your ring finger. Do you spend your free time hiking at high altitudes or the summer months visiting a nearby lake? Have a scenic site imprinted on your body to permanently preserve those memories. These wedding ring tattoos are also solid candidates if a stunning setting played a role in your love story, like a beachfront first-date spot or a mountaintop engagement.

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Thin Bands

A thin line that encircles the circumference of your ring finger is the perfect option for minimalist couples. If you don't want to cover too much of your skin in ink, a pair of thin black bands will cater to your preferences. With minimal ink, you'll honor your marriage in a subtle yet meaningful way. For those who do want a bit more pizzaz, these wedding ring tattoos are adaptable, so you can definitely add more art to them later on.

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Wedding Dates

An idea that's enticing and relevant for every couple is getting your wedding date etched on your skin. Seeing a daily reminder of the day you tied the knot will keep your vows, and all of the special moments from your nuptials, alive. You can always denote your wedding date using numbers for a classic option or Roman numerals for a vintage twist.

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Matching Initials

Asking a tattoo artist to write your spouse’s initials on your left ring finger is a very common and beloved design for your wedding ring tattoos. Instead of identical pieces of body art, they'll correspond, so your finger will showcase your partner's initials and their finger will spotlight yours. There are more variations within this idea, like choosing cursive or print writing, keeping it simple or adding other symbols, and including their first initial or monogram.

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Dainty Symbols

If dates and initials aren't for you, then dainty shapes and symbols might be the way to go. Talk to your partner about certain signs that the two of you are drawn to, especially ones that represent your union and have sentimental meaning. For instance, crescent moons might speak to your love of astrology.

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Focal Flowers

Another symbol to note for your wedding ring tattoos? A single flower planted on your ring finger. We especially love this idea if the two of you share a favorite flower or if buying floral bouquets is a common way either of you expresses your love. For those who want a bit of variation in their designs, try your birth flower.

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Shaded Hearts

What better way to showcase your marriage than with the universal symbol of love, a heart? Depending on your personal preferences, you can either rock a simple outline or a shaded design. Another way to personalize these wedding ring tattoos? Vary the size by opting for a dainty option or a larger one.

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Religious Emblems

If your faith is a prominent part of your relationship, dedicate your wedding ring tattoos to your shared religious beliefs. For those who connect over their Christian faith, crosses and rosaries are compelling designs to keep at top of mind. Not only will these artistic symbols show your commitment to your religion, but they will also emphasize the faith you have in your union.

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Ring Accents

While most couples choose wedding ring tattoos to replace their tangible baubles, you don’t have to entirely forgo an engagement ring or wedding band. If you still want to wear a sparkly jewel on the daily but you like the idea of permanent ink, why not combine them? For a unique idea, consider using body art to outline a diamond-studded accessory or metallic band.

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Celestial Signifiers

Feel like your love was written in the stars? Try celestial-inspired wedding ring tattoos. For astrology-loving couples, stars, moons, and suns are suitable signifiers of your fated connection to select for your inked design. To go all out, you can link several heavenly objects around your ring finger.

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Sizable Drawings

If you want to show the world that you're married, ask your tattoo artist to craft a full-finger design that commemorates your partnership. Unsure what to get? The sky is the limit: Anything from lush flowers and radiant stars to pretty patterns and abstract shapes will work for this idea.

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First Names

While your partner's initials are a popular choice for wedding ring tattoos, to go the extra mile, get their full name wrapped around your finger. Having your partner's first name on display is an intimate way to kick off your marriage—and this work of art will continue to bring meaning in the years to come.

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Double Bands

For brides who want to swap their engagement ring and wedding band for permanent ink, consider having an artist use their expertise to create double wedding bands. Two plain bands will represent your engagement and marriage without requiring that you wear damage-prone pieces of jewelry every day. For some added flair, you and your partner can sport two different hues, too.

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Mismatched Designs

If you love the idea of wedding ring tattoos but you aren't keen on donning matching art, consider getting mismatched designs. One spouse can choose a meaningful phrase, while the other can design a significant sign that signifies their relationship. The distinction doesn't have to be super drastic, though: Tattooed bands that each have a different level of thickness and a distinctive design will also work.

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Infinity Signs

Another way to symbolize your new marriage and its lifelong duration is including a symbol of forever on your skin: infinity signs. These emblems represent infinity, so when applied to your partnership, they reflect the ever-enduring, indestructible bond that you share.

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Roman Numerals

In lieu of wedding rings, have your tattoo artist ink a meaningful date in Roman numerals. This can either be the day you met, the day you fell in love, the day you got engaged, or your wedding day.

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Celtic Knots

A Celtic knot is a great choice for Irish couples who'd like to honor their heritage. Much like an infinity symbol, the meaning of Celtic knots shows no start or finish. Plus, the intricate, interwoven pattern is closely tied to the Celtic sense of loyalty—the cornerstone of every marriage.

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Hidden Initials

Don't want to fully commit to wedding ring tattoos that are big and bold? Consider getting a hidden letter inked on the inside of your finger. Given the smaller surface area on this part of your hand, compact, less involved works of art, like your spouse's first initial, are preferred. With this idea, you'll pay homage to your life partner while keeping the design demure.

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Linked Chains

Highlight the unbreakable bond you share with your significant other by choosing linked chains for your wedding ring tattoos. Just as these chiseled chains will stay connected forever, so will you and your spouse.

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Floral Patterns

If florals are your go-to design, have your tattoo artist add a floral pattern around your ring finger. To create something that feels unique and personal, you can always pair this idea with another tattoo design. Or for a fun, playful feel, have yours drawn in vibrant colors.

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Wrapped Ribbon

We love the idea of sporting a delicate bow in place of wedding rings. Not only will a wrapped ribbon look dainty on your finger, but it will also exemplify your outlook on your marriage: a precious gift. Not to mention, bows are wedding ring tattoos you'll never get tired of looking at.

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Nautical Figures

It’s no secret that marriage is hard work, much like staying afloat on the water. If you and your spouse love taking a dip on the ocean or if a coastal setting played a part in your relationship, ask your tattoo artist for a nautical design. We're partial to overlapping waves, since the repeating design symbolizes the enduring nature of your union.

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Large Initials

We've already discussed how initials are a sought-after design choice for to-be-weds' wedding ring tattoos, but for those who want to make a big impact, select a massive size. If delicate rings and initials aren't your thing, supersize your spouse's initials and create a bold design that encircles the entirety of your ring finger.

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Meaningful Words

Do you or your partner have a word that defines your relationship? If so, get that term inked on the back or side of your ring finger. Unsure what to choose? A word that caters to every couple's relationship is none other than "love."

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Perpendicular Art

Maybe you and your partner want duplicative designs that have a slight variation. Wedding ring tattoos that each have a different orientation will cater to this desire. A repeating pattern of dots and lines, for instance, that a tattoo artist places on your finger vertically and your partner’s finger horizontally will be representative of your partnership without looking matchy-matchy.

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Sound Waves

Are you and your significant other music aficionados? Honor your appreciation for artists and their craft by selecting a tattoo of sound waves. In addition to referencing your shared interests, this design idea will look eye-catching on your finger and speak to the longevity of your relationship (given the repeating pattern).

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Center Stones

If you love the look of wedding rings but you don’t have the funds to invest in a real diamond, settle on a tattooed one. Thick bands with an inked center stone are reminiscent of diamond-focused baubles, but they don’t come with the same price tag or the vulnerability to scratches and dents.

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Abstract Artistry

As long as your wedding ring tattoos correspond to one another, it isn’t a requirement that they have a deeper meaning behind them. If you aren’t sure which work of art to get on your left ring fingers, an abstract design, like these indistinct linear drawings, is always an option.

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Braided Baubles

Similar to coordinating infinity signs and interlinked chains, opting for braided baubles for your wedding ring tattoos will allude to the eternal nature of your marriage. As an added bonus, these inked creations look similar to actual wedding rings. With this idea, you can either settle on a filled-in tattoo or an outlined one.

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Ring Stacks

Even if you’re going for a permanent version, you don’t have to settle on just one wedding ring. To up the ante, use ink to denote a wedding ring stack by sketching three bands on your ring finger. You can vary the widths of these sparklers, alternating thin and thick iterations for visual intrigue and a noticeable distinction among each one.

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Colorful Creations

While wedding ring tattoos colored in black are often the norm, you can choose any color that resonates with you. Swap the conventional dark tone for a rich shade of red or a punchy shade of pink, or select multiple hues, like the blue, orange, yellow, and green ones here. Technicolor body art will surely stand out.

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Coordinating Characters

Instead of sporting wedding ring tattoos that are identical to one another, you can always incorporate a motif. For example, maybe you and your partner decide to include infinity signs into your inked art, but you flank yours with a double band, while your significant other opts for zero designed additions. With this idea, your tattoos will exemplify your bond while allowing for some individuality.

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Wedding Vows

If you and your partner will be uttering traditional vows on your wedding day, consider plastering a pivotal part of those promises on your ring fingers: "Till death do us part." Sketched on your finger in place of wedding rings, this phrase will help you cherish one of the most special days of your lives, preserve your marital vows in writing, and remind you of your lifelong marital journey.

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Interlocking Vines

Another organic-centric symbol for nature-loving couples is a vine inked on your finger. Not only will a garland of greenery commemorate your shared values and preferences, but it will also symbolize the sprouting of a new chapter and the living, breathing bond of your marriage.

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Additional Adornments

For some, a single tattoo isn’t enough to celebrate something as monumental as marriage. In addition to getting an inked design where a wedding ring would typically sit, you can also decorate the rest of your ring finger in ink. Consider a heart or another apt symbol of your love to top off your wedding ring tattoos.

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Thick Bands

To imitate the look of a thick wedding band—but one with a permanent placement on your finger—ask your tattoo artist to create a wide black ring that encircles the circumference of your finger. For a little extra flair, you can border the thick band-like design with two thinner black rings.

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Adjacent Arrows

Another idea for you and your spouse’s wedding ring tattoos is a pair of arrows. This emblem is filled with romantic meaning, particularly given its association with Cupid, the god of love in Roman mythology, who strikes his targets with an arrow to make them fall in love. In our modern day, this character implies direction and the ability to move forward—qualities that are important for the longevity and success of any marriage.

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Connecting Skulls

Want to give your wedding ring tattoos a gothic touch? Look to skulls. If you and your spouse consider yourselves to be edgy, adding a ring of skulls around your finger will infuse personality into your inked designs. This symbol can also function as a visual representation of the traditional vow: Till death do us part.

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Regal Diadems

Tattooed tiaras are other permanent wedding rings to consider if you feel like your marriage is reminiscent of a fairy tale. Like every other wedding ring tattoo we’ve listed, there’s a lot of leeway with this design: Agree on the same style or opt for different crowns; select the standard black hue or a nontraditional one; and choose a solitary symbol or one that's connected to a band. 

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Similar Replicas

Instead of wearing a wedding band every single day for eternity—and worrying about how to protect the sparkler when it’s secured on your finger—opt for an everlasting ring that will never tarnish, crack, or get lost. With permanent body art, you can replicate a typical wedding bauble that includes an intricately adorned band and an exquisitely cut gemstone.

FAQ
  • Are wedding ring tattoos more affordable than traditional wedding rings?

    Typically, yes. However, the final cost of the tattoo will depend on how intricate the design is, where you live, and which artist you choose. That said, even the most elaborately designed wedding ring tattoos shouldn't cost much more than $2,000.

  • How long do wedding ring tattoos take to heal?

    Wedding ring tattoos take about six weeks to completely heal, as fingers are not the fastest-healing part of the body.

  • Will wedding ring tattoos fade?

    Since wedding ring tattoos are placed on the hands, which get a lot of use throughout the day, they're prone to fading. Some designs, particularly thin ones, will be more likely to fade than others, so keep this in mind when making your decision.

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