30 Unique Wedding Ring Tattoo Ideas to Inspire Your Own

Make your love permanent by sporting some custom ink.

By
Taylor Lane
Taylor Lane

Taylor Lane is a beauty and fashion expert with over five years of experience. Her work has appeared on W, Women’s Health, Aedit, The Zoe Report, The Sunday Edit, and Self.

Brides's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on 05/16/24 09:20AM
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 a ring in mind but it’s just not within your budget? Instead of pressuring yourself to wear a piece of jewelry—or breaking the bank to find the perfect band for you and your spouse—you may want to consider getting a wedding ring tattoo.

Although they're not traditional, ring tattoos are a popular choice for many couples, according to Dani Egna of INKED by Dani. "Whether you don't want to wear an actual ring every day or want something that signifies your love permanently, ring tattoos are definitely on the rise," she explains. But before you schedule an appointment at your local tattoo shop, be sure to keep your wedding date in mind. “Tattoo healing varies for everyone,” explains tattoo artist Brittany Randell. “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." Not to mention, most finger tattoos require touch-ups, which means that you'll have to time your ink perfectly around your nuptials if you don't want a dull design on the big day, Randell explains.

Meet the Expert

Below, we've compiled 30 unique wedding ring tattoo ideas for you and your partner to consider. Whether you get inked before the big day or schedule an appointment once you return from your honeymoon, use these examples to inspire your forever design.

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

Wedding ring tattoos of two lions

modelploy / Shutterstock
01 of 30

Nature-Inspired Designs

If you feel connected to nature, then put a ring on it, literally. Have your favorite nature symbols tattooed on your ring finger. You and your partner can even choose the same symbol for a matching piece you'll cherish forever.

02 of 30

Plain Bands

Simple, plain bands are the perfect way to display your married status. For brides, add the tattoo right under your engagement ring or opt for two tattooed bands if you don’t have an engagement ring to sport.

03 of 30

Matching Initials

Getting your spouse’s initials on your finger is a very common wedding ring design—and a great idea for matching tattoos. If you want more of a noticeable feature, consider using a bold script as your font.

04 of 30

Meaningful Words

Do you or your partner have a word that defines your relationship? If so, get that word inked on the side of your ring finger. You can even ask your tattoo artist for your spouse’s initials, then select a significant word that represents your marriage as an added bonus. 

05 of 30

Linked Chains

Highlight your and your partner's unbreakable bond by getting linked chains as your wedding ring tattoo. Just as the chains will stay connected forever, so will you and your spouse.

06 of 30

Dainty Symbols

If wedding bands and initials aren’t for you, then dainty shapes and symbols are the way to go. Talk with your spouse about certain signs you both would like and play off one another’s ring finger for a matching tattoo.

07 of 30

Floral Patterns

If florals are your go-to design, have the tattoo artist add a floral pattern around your ring finger. You can also pair this idea with another tattoo to create something that's unique to you.

08 of 30

Simple Wedding Bands

Thin wedding bands are a chic option if you and your spouse don’t want to have traditional rings. It’s notable yet dainty enough to add more designs to it later.

couple tattoo ring

melisamok / Shutterstock
09 of 30

Roman Numerals

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

10 of 30

Pride Rings

To show off your pride for equality, choose to get rings tattooed in the color of the pride flag. What's more, rather than having your tattoo artist create a perfectly symmetrical design, have them freehand the ring and enjoy the imperfections that come with it, much like marriage itself.

11 of 30

Matching Anchors

Nothing is better than showing how strong your love is than with a design that reflects that, like anchors. This will be a lasting symbol of your love and a constant reminder of your partner. 

12 of 30

Birth Years

Honor the date your partner was born by tattooing their birth year on your finger. You can even add your wedding date year to another finger, and continue to add significant years as your marriage goes on.

13 of 30

Celtic Knot Rings

A Celtic knot is a great choice for couples who'd like to honor their heritage and traditions. The knot's meaning shows no start or finish—much like an infinity symbol—and is closely tied to the Celtic sense of loyalty.

14 of 30

Shaded Hearts

What better way to showcase your marriage than with the universal symbol of love—a heart. You can either rock a simple outline or a shaded design depending on your personal preferences.

15 of 30

Wedding Dates

Matching your spouse with a wedding date tattoo is an excellent way to symbolize your vows. Though this idea is simple, it will be a strong reminder of the time you both chose to say "I do."

Man's Hand With Infinity Symbol Tattoo on Finger

Getty Images
16 of 30

Infinity Signs

Another way to symbolize your new vows is with a sign of infinite love. Instead of bands and dates, opt for the infinity sign, which notes that your love cannot be broken and is continuous.

17 of 30

Puzzle Pieces

A puzzle-piece tattoo is a fun idea for those who want something unique. This design also symbolizes that you and your spouse complete each other, making it the perfect look to sport for the rest of your life.

18 of 30

Claddagh Rings

Much like a simple heart design, a Claddagh symbol tattoo is a lovely alternative to the traditional wedding ring design. The best part? Claddaugh rings mean friendship, loyalty, and love, which are three foundations of marriage.

19 of 30

Nautical-Inspired Looks

It’s no secret that marriage is hard work, much like staying afloat on the waves. If you and your spouse love the water, ask your tattoo artist for a nautical design.

20 of 30

Butterflies

Searching for a symbolic idea? Why not get a butterfly design on your ring finger, which represents transformation and new beginnings—major wedding themes.

21 of 30

A Cross

Highlight your marriage and personal beliefs by sporting a cross tattoo on your ring finger. Not only does it show your commitment to your spouse, but it also emphasizes the faith you have in your union.

22 of 30

Mismatched Designs

If you want a couple's tattoo but don't want your ink to match, consider getting mismatched designs as your wedding rings. One spouse can choose a meaningful phrase, while the other can design a significant saying or sign that is reflective of the relationship.

Hand with wedding ring finger tattoo

Fisher Creations / Shutterstock
23 of 30

Large Initials

Go big or go home is the saying, right? If delicate rings and initials aren't your thing, then supersize your spouse's initials and create a bold design to go around the entirety of your ring finger.

24 of 30

Danity Bows

We love the idea of sporting a dainty bow in lieu of a wedding ring, as it symbolizes that you view your marriage as a precious gift. It's also a tattoo idea you won't get tired of looking at down the line.

25 of 30

Full Ring Finger

If you want to show the world that you're married, ask your tattoo artist to design a full-finger tattoo that commemorates your union. Unsure what to get? Anything from flowers to abstract art and your wedding date will work for this idea.

26 of 30

Hidden Initials

Don't want to fully commit to a tattoo that's big and bold? Consider getting a hidden letter inked on the inside of your finger to pay homage to your spouse while keeping things demure.

27 of 30

Full Names

If you’re craving more than your spouse’s initials, go for a full name in script. It’s an intimate touch to your marriage's start and is an excellent work of art. It’s also more commemorative than a wedding ring, and it's a piece that you will cherish forever.

28 of 30

Coordinates

Pay homage to your wedding using your venue's coordinates as your ring tattoo design. It's a chic, inconspicuous, and modern idea you're sure to get many compliments on.

29 of 30

Zodiac-Inspired Designs

If your love story is written in the stars, consider opting for a tattoo of your partner's zodiac sign. You can even ask your tattoo artist to create an idea that merges your sign with your partners.

30 of 30

Signs of the Stars

Here's another idea for astrology-loving individuals. If you and your spouse find meaning in the stars, opt for celestial symbols that are significant to you both.

FAQ
  • Is a ring tattoo cheaper than a traditional wedding ring?

    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 ring tattoos shouldn't cost much more than $2,000.

  • How long does a ring tattoo take to heal?

    A ring tattoo takes about six weeks to heal completely, as fingers are not the fastest-healing part of the body.

  • Will a ring tattoo fade?

    Since a ring tattoo is on the hands, which get quite the workout on any given day, it is prone to fading. Some designs, particularly thin ones, will be more likely to fade than others, so ask your artist about it when choosing yours.

Related Stories