20 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 08/10/23 09:50AM
hands held

Unsplash / Design by Jiaqi Zhou

Let’s talk about wedding rings. Have you saved dozens of different jewelry ideas on every inspiration board, but none have grabbed your attention? Or do you have a ring in mind but it’s just not in your budget at the moment? Instead of adding more pressure to your big day to find the perfect piece for you and your spouse, it might be time to consider a wedding ring tattoo, if you're partial to ink.

Although they're not the traditional route, ring tattoos are increasing in popularity, 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 shares. However, before you schedule an appointment at your local tattoo shop, be sure to keep timing 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." Randell also notes that, in most cases, these types of tattoos require a touch-up, so be sure to also add this to your wedding timeline to allow for the best results.

If this is your first tattoo or you're just 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. 

Below, we've compiled 20 unique wedding ring tattoo ideas for you and your spouse to consider. And, trust us, they're designs you are sure to love forever.

Meet the Expert

Wedding ring tattoo's of two young of a lion

modelploy / Shutterstock
01 of 20

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 20

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 20

Matching Initials

Getting your spouse’s initial on your ring finger is a very distinguished ring detail. If you want more of a noticeable feature, however, choose a bold script as your font.

04 of 20

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 20

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.

06 of 20

Signs of the Stars

This tattoo idea is for star and moon lovers. If you and your spouse are interested in astrology and find meaning in the stars, then instead of traditional wedding rings, opt for celestial symbols that are significant to you both.

couple tattoo ring

melisamok / Shutterstock
07 of 20

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.

08 of 20

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.

09 of 20

Floral Patterns

If your spouse does not share your enthusiasm for florals, start by getting a matching tattoo band with a few designs on it. From there, have the tattoo artist add a floral pattern around your ring for a special touch.

10 of 20

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.

11 of 20

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.

12 of 20

Matching Anchors

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

13 of 20

Wedding Dates

Matching your spouse with a wedding date tattoo is an excellent way to symbolize your vows. The tattoo is simple, and will be a constant reminder of the time you both chose to say "I do."

Man's Hand With Infinity Symbol Tattoo on Finger

Getty Images
14 of 20

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.

15 of 20

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.

16 of 20

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.

17 of 20

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.

18 of 20

Mismatched Designs

Who says your couples rings have to match? One spouse can choose a meaningful phrase, while the other can design a significant saying or sign that is reflective of your relationship.

Hand with wedding ring finger tattoo

Fisher Creations / Shutterstock
19 of 20

Large Initials

Go big or go home is the saying, right? And your love for one another should be the same. 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.

20 of 20

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.

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. With that in mind, 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