I’ll be honest, when my husband first suggested we get wedding ring tattoos, I thought he was crazy. We’d already picked out beautiful traditional rings, we were weeks away from the wedding, and now he wanted to add permanent ink to the mix? But the more we talked about it, the more the idea grew on me. Not as a replacement for our rings, but as something extra, something that could never be lost or forgotten in the gym locker room (which happened to him three times with previous rings, by the way).
Now, years later and with two boys who keep us busier than I ever imagined possible, I’m so glad we did it. There’s something special about having that permanent mark of commitment. My ring comes off when I’m cooking, doing dishes, or wrangling toddlers covered in who-knows-what. But my tattoo? That stays. It’s there in every photo, every handhold, every moment.
Wedding ring tattoos aren’t for everyone, and that’s okay. But if you’re considering making your commitment permanent in ink, or if you’re just curious about what’s possible, I’ve gathered 20 beautiful ideas that range from simple and subtle to elaborate and artistic.
You may also like: 25 Matching Couple Tattoos That Celebrate Your Love Story
Why Choose Wedding Ring Tattoos?
Before we dive into the designs, let me share why couples are increasingly choosing tattoo rings, either instead of or in addition to traditional bands.
They’re Permanent (Obviously)
This is the biggest draw and the biggest commitment. Unlike a metal ring that can be removed, a tattoo is forever. For some couples, that permanence is exactly the point. It’s a bold statement that this commitment isn’t something you can just take off when it gets uncomfortable.
They’re Practical
My husband works with his hands, and wearing a metal ring has always been either uncomfortable or downright dangerous. Ring tattoos solved that problem completely. They’re also perfect for people with metal allergies, those who work in healthcare where rings harbor bacteria, or anyone whose job makes wearing jewelry impractical.
They’re More Affordable
Let’s talk about money. A quality wedding band can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. A tattoo ring typically costs between $50 and $300, depending on the design’s complexity and your tattoo artist’s rates. For couples on a budget or those who’d rather spend money on the honeymoon, tattoos are an attractive option.
They Can’t Be Lost
I cannot tell you how many friends have lost their wedding rings. Down the drain, at the beach, somewhere in the house and never found again. That panic of realizing your ring is gone? Not an issue with tattoos. Once it’s on, it’s on.
They’re Uniquely Personal
Traditional wedding bands come in standard styles. But with tattoos, the possibilities are endless. You can incorporate symbols that are meaningful to your relationship, inside jokes, coordinates of where you met, dates that matter. Your ring becomes truly one-of-a-kind.
They’re a Talking Point
Whether you love or hate being the center of attention, wedding ring tattoos get noticed. People are curious, they ask questions, and it becomes a way to share your love story. I’ve had countless conversations that started with “Are those tattoo rings?” and ended with meaningful discussions about marriage and commitment.
Things to Consider Before You Ink
I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t mention a few important considerations:
Tattoos Change Over Time
Hands age, skin stretches, and tattoos fade. Finger tattoos especially are known for fading faster than tattoos in other locations because of how often we use our hands. You’ll likely need touch-ups every few years to keep the design looking crisp.
They Hurt (But It’s Manageable)
Not going to lie, getting tattooed on your ring finger is not the most comfortable experience. The skin is thin, there’s a bone right underneath, and it’s a sensitive area. But it’s over quickly, most artists can finish a simple band in 15-30 minutes, and plenty of people find the pain totally manageable.
Choose Your Artist Carefully
Not all tattoo artists specialize in fine line work or have experience with finger tattoos. Do your research, look at portfolios, and find someone who has successfully done finger tattoos before. The quality of the work matters, especially for something you’ll see every single day.
Talk to Your Partner About Expectations
Make sure you’re both on the same page. Are these in addition to traditional rings or instead of them? Will you get matching designs or complementary ones? What happens if you need to get the tattoo touched up? Having these conversations beforehand prevents disappointment later.
20 Wedding Ring Tattoo Ideas
These 20 stunning wedding ring tattoo ideas will make you fall in love with the idea of inked commitment. From minimalist lines and matching symbols to meaningful designs that represent eternal love, these tattoos are a beautiful way to say “forever.” Perfect for couples who want something unique, personal, and everlasting.
Tattoo by tattooist_banul
Tattoo by horan_tattooer
Tattoo by rbcatats
Tattoo Danie Schutte
Tattoo by jennifer_soulartistry
Photo credit: graceejones
Tattoo by 𝑴𝒂𝒚𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒂 𝑨𝒏𝒋𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒂 – 𝑩𝒂𝒍𝒊
Tattoo by tattooboutiquelarissa
Tattoo by carawtattoos
Tattoo by Brandon Van Vorst
Tattoo by VASHKA STUDIO
Tattoo by onepoint_tattoo_english
Tattoo by Crona · Botanical Fine Line Tattoo
Tattoo by whamsytattooer
Tattoo yujin_tattoo
Tattoo by haenytattoo
Tattoo by mitsuakai
Tattoo by Allie Doersch – Reykjavík Tattoo Artist
Tattoo by teagantatt_FINE LINE TATTOOS MELBOURNE
Tattoo by H I N T E R L A N D
Tattoo by kodigo13.es
Making the Decision That’s Right for You
After looking at all these designs, you might be feeling excited, overwhelmed, or still completely unsure. That’s normal. Getting a wedding ring tattoo is a big decision, one that shouldn’t be made lightly or impulsively.
My advice? Sit with the idea for a while. Talk about it with your partner multiple times, not just once. Look at examples, think about your lifestyle, consider your pain tolerance, and your feelings about permanence. Some couples know immediately that tattoo rings are right for them. Others need months to warm up to the idea. And some decide that traditional rings are the better choice, and that’s completely valid too.
If you do decide to go for it, take your time choosing a design. What looks cool in a photo might not translate well to your actual finger. What works on someone else’s hand might not suit yours. Don’t be afraid to work with your tattoo artist to customize a design that feels authentically yours.
And remember, there’s no rule that says it has to be one or the other. Plenty of couples, like my husband and me, have both traditional rings and tattoos. We wear our metal bands for special occasions and formal events, but day-to-day, our tattoos are what we see when we hold hands, when I’m typing this article, when he’s building block towers with our boys.
The Meaning Behind the Ink
At the end of the day, whether your wedding ring is made of gold, platinum, or ink doesn’t matter nearly as much as what it represents. It’s a symbol of a promise, a visible reminder of the commitment you made to each other, a mark that says “I chose you and I keep choosing you.”
For me, my tattoo has become more meaningful over the years, not less. Every time I glance at my hand and see that simple band, I’m reminded of our wedding day, yes, but also of every day since. The late nights with crying babies. The laughter over burnt dinners. The quiet moments on the couch after the kids are finally asleep. The fights we’ve worked through. The dreams we’re building together.
That little circle of ink has witnessed our entire married life. It’s been there for the huge milestones and the mundane moments that actually make up a marriage. It’s gotten me through hard days when I needed a reminder of why I’m doing all this. It’s made me smile on good days when I feel grateful for this life we’re creating.
Whether you choose a traditional ring, a tattoo, both, or something else entirely, make it meaningful. Make it yours. And then commit to the person wearing the matching one, every single day, with the same permanence you’re considering for that ink.
Because in the end, it’s not really about the ring at all. It’s about showing up for each other, over and over, in ways big and small. The ring, whatever form it takes, is just a beautiful reminder to keep doing exactly that.
