There was a time when couples exchanged rings, lockets, and various personal effects as a show of love and togetherness.

Today, however, ink has replaced metal and many couples are opting for one of the 50+ best tattoo ideas to mark their devotion.

Couples tattoos encompass all the qualities and symbols that are personal to the individual lovers, an inked language that only they know.

While there are countless options for matching couples tattoos, the choice ultimately lies with the couple. What emblems, animals, and quotes best sum up your love and shared values and interests? Perhaps there is a particular date or occasion you wish to mark, or an inside joke via hidden symbolism; whatever you and your soulmate select, you are sure to enjoy the pleasures of both “our little secret” and showing off your design to the world.

Many modern couples are opting for matching inked-on wedding rings, rather than more traditional bands. Other couples prefer discreet numbers, symbols, and illustrations tucked away in a secretive part of the body, that only they know about. Whichever route you pursue, you can take pride in rendering your tattoo in the same likeness as your love: a masterpiece.

Best Matching Couple Tattoo Ideas

This is such a romantic way of saying I want to grow old with you. Wine as it ages becomes more valuable, same as love and relationship. There is added value and texture to a relationship as it grows with time and shared experiences. It’s vibrant colors on this piece also reveals how much passion and devotion they have for each other.

The classic twin heart design in thread like curves to form its shape for added texture. This small and delicate miniature hearts are inked on the wrists where the vein directly linked to the heart is located. A very meaningful spot for lovers and such a romantic interpretation of two hearts that beat as one.

The intertwined hands of the couple proudly declaring their love for each other. There are several layers of meaning infused in this simple design. Intertwined hands is an ultimate declaration of love. For the younger ones, it’s the act which reveals “we are dating”. To add a permanent ink into those intertwined hands, add commitment into the mix.

These geometrical patterns form one complete object when brought together but what makes it meaningful is the core. Couples often say, you make me whole. What is striking in this concept is that these are stand-alone illustrations. In as much as the individuals are two separate, complete being on their own. But, when paired, a magical transformation happens. The legacy of life and procreation.

The incredible illustration of the circle of life inked on both arms is such a lovely way of saying I am devoted to our family and will protect our circle in any way I can. It’s the perfect couple’s tattoo design for those who want it small enough not to catch too much attention, meaningful in design and aesthetically dynamic with its vibrant colors and interpretation.

The goal should be to uphold love at all times. This gallery of minimalist tattoo designs tries to convey that message. So he says, guide me so I will always in the right path. Hold me, she says, so I will always have the strength to honor our commitment. The journey will be far from perfect, but these affirmation of love delicately inked on their wrists will serve as a constant reminder to uphold love.

This couple’s tattoo takes inspiration from sacred geometrical patterns particularly, that of the three sided triangle, gathered to form a pattern. Each set of triangles is meant to compliment the other. Just as the couple should complement one another to create the perfect harmony & achieve peace in the process.

A magnificent and captivating rendition of the power of life in black ink filled with sacred geometrical pattern derivative of the flower of life symbolizing creation and that we all come from the same blueprint. Romantically, this illustration conveys that the couple consider one another as a symbolic gift of life, and that their union is a beginning of a beautiful and positive transformation.

A playful couple’s tattoo of Mario and Princess Peach in the Nintedo game which took the gaming world by storm during the mid to late 80’s. These thumb characters were proudly ushered in to announce the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. The illustration of these iconic characters in soft pastel colors are very refreshing to the eye.

This is an elegant pair of koi fish in a yin and yang inspired interpretation rendered in black ink. A pair of koi is a symbol for happy marriage as they represent happiness and harmony.

These lines claim to fame is the song I Walk the Line by Johnny Cash recorded in 1956. This song is dedicated to his wife, Vivian Cash. He wrote this song as a testament of his love and faithfulness to her and their marriage. It was meant to appease his young and beautiful wife that he will behave while on tour.

For the couple who loves deer, immortalized in minimalist design with geometrical patterns to complete the structure. The stag and doe, together forever.

This is the classic key and lock design majestically rendered in black, creased, contoured and faded. The intricate details of these metal objects are captivating and leads you back to the glorious era of romance and gallantry. He says, “I hold the key to your heart.” Then she swoons and blushes, her cheeks turn into those pretty pink roses.

The classic symbol of a man and a woman in its honest and striking interpretation rendered in black ink. One completely shaded to add a masculine vibe into this simple shape. The other outlined so as to make it more feminine. The virile symbol of machismo, upright, strong and aggressive. It will provide for her needs and protect her at all cost. The inverted cup, soft and nurturing. The vessel of fertility which creates life. This type of couple’s tattoo is very popular. Not only that it’s symbolic in so many ways, its power is on its simplicity. 

This tattoo is simple and subtle but powerful in meaning. For some it may be interpreted as the power of teamwork, that together they are indestructible. This is perfect for the power couple who are goal driven, ambitious and who wants to achieve big things together.

These chemical formula inked on these couple is a unique concept to express a specific message to one another without everyone knowing what it means. These are chemical structure of happy hormones. It can be simplified into, “you make my happy”. But this concept also known as a symbol for mental health campaign. This is such a meaningful way of declaring love for another since it also carries with it a deeper meaning, targeting a larger audience.

These are playful symbols for love and kisses. Utterly cheesy, yes but incredibly romantic with the simplicity of its design and depth of its meaning. This is for the modern couple who would choose simple and streamlined design for a couple tattoo.

This is a witty take on the concept of your other half, literally and figuratively. If it’s magic, then it must not be real. Just an illusion. This vibrant and clever concept for a couple’s tattoo is perfect for those who has a shared affinity for magic tricks.

This is the graceful dance of two as one. Yin, the dark swirl, is associated with shadows, femininity, and trough of a wave. Yang, the light swirl, conveys brightness, passion and growth. We are all warriors of light. With the strength of love and will, destiny can be reshaped.

This is perfect for couple who seek to harness the energy of the complete opposites. A belief that harmony is possible even when polarity is present at all times, that love can provide the much needed balance because when people are in love, it affects their environment, too.

An inspirational phrase for the couple intricately rendered in black and cursive design. It will always be a constant reminder for the lovers of their commitment to support one another, in good and in bad times. This is a positive reinforcement of their love for another, an affirmation of what is good and what binds them together as a couple.

Just as wedding bands symbolizes the union of the couple, leg bands tattoos carry the same concept. A woman with an ankle tattoo is known to be spoken for. It is a very traditional and tribal way of laying claim on another. He is my man, and she is my woman.

These are cute and good looking dogs. It warms the heart to feature these loyal and companion dogs. This is perfect for the couple who love these fur animas, and who most likely will get a dog first before formalizing their commitment.

“You opened the lock to my heart.” These symbols are the perfect pair for the couple who did not rush into a relationship and took ample time in choosing the perfect pair. Every moment of searching, is a moment of finding. It will always be worth the wait. This is a wonderful way to remember an important date in the relationship, with the added date inscription.

These geometrical flower pattern is contoured in soft black dots such that when joined together it becomes one object. The inner arm looks like a good spot for this optical illusion inspired couple’s tattoo. It looks subtle on him, and a hint of masculinity on her because of the more pronounced outlines. This pattern looks ancient and tribal, but for the romantics this is the best interpretation of, together we make sense.

For the jet setting couple who either loves to travel or does it for a living. This is perfect for the ones who work in the aviation industry who found love while cruising the clouds or for the ones whose first meeting took place in a plane. This tattoo is also fitting for the ones who watched too many romantic comedy movies which most of time the happy ending is either at the airport or inside an airplane. 

A cool couple’s tattoo on a food theme. It is a very romantic take on this versatile and extremely famous Italian dish. It is cheesy just like romance itself and is mouthwatering in terms of flavor just like love. This is a humble dish made of flour, cheese and some meat depending on variation. The ingredients to a happy union are also few and unassuming, labor driven but undeniably delicious, too.

The key and lock set inspired couple’s tattoo design is indeed extremely popular. There are several variations. This one is unique in design though since it comes with a chain joining the two objects together. It is a beautiful symbol of love indicating that they are impeccably matched.

Beyonce and JayZ otherwise known as Mr. & Mrs. Carter popularized ring finger tattoos. This power couple paid homage to their favorite number four, which has multiple meaning. This miniature ring tattoo is a good spot to enhance appearance of the ring finger. The knot represents infinity, strength and commitment to their vows.

This is a perfect pairing of the tea pot and the dainty cup. The former in blackened illustration gives it a more masculine illusion, whereas, the dainty tea cup looks feminine and dainty. This is a wonderful design for two lovers who love tea.

These are miniature tattoos of a dog’s head which looks very adorable. Its details are incredible taking into consideration the size of the tattoo. The artist took careful attention to make the dog look very real. Perfect for the couple who loves pet.

These are timeless tattoo designs rendered in vibrant colors to represent personality of the couple. It symbolizes direction and stability in a relationship. These two objects were given added details for a more rustic vibe.

These are fabulous and extremely well detailed, three dimensional tigers inked on the forearms of the couple. Tigers are known to represent strength and power whether it’s the king or the queen. For the couple who believes that their spirit guide is this awesome creature, or their birth years fall under the year of the tiger, or they’re just simply fascinated by the tiger’s distinct traits and aesthetic beauty.

How wonderful it is to be free and be given the opportunity to be given the freedom to choose whoever it is you want to be with. To immortalize this gift on an ink art and proudly wear it with your chosen partner is an extraordinary blessing life can give.

This is a lovely miniature rose puzzle design for the couple. It is striking in color and shaped in heart. It is divided into two, but forms one beautiful object when joined together.

The serene forest scene is such a beautiful sight to behold. This illustration is a perfect tribute for those who long for a destination scene captured on skin. To share this tattoo design with your other half is a complete testament that you aspire to be with this person for a very long time.

What more can we ask for when balance and harmony is present in our lives? Especially in relationships when it can be volatile as a volcanic formation at times. For the couple who longs for a peaceful and stable relationship, this design is perfect for them. To be free of the errant chaos which threatens to reverse positive transformation of a relationship, this symbol is perfect for them

The sun and the moon couple tattoos in tribal inspired intricate details rendered in black ink. The sun’s energy is strong, aggressive and abundant. It is often associated to the powerful physique of the man. While the moon’s softer, milder and calm demeanor represents the women.

The day and night concept tackles polarity, just like the yin and yang design. When opposites can co-exist in peaceful co-existence so harmony and happiness can be achieved.

These anchor tattoos worn at the outer side of the palm, also fall under the less is more category. It is rendered in black, minimalist in every possible way but its meaning is absolutely influential. It reminds the couple to stay true to themselves and to their vows, in good and in bad times.

“May the force be with you”. The ever popular Star Wars themed identical hearts will be definitely a box office among couples who are a huge fan of this movie franchise. This creation conveys that real love is an act of total surrender. Just like the multiple battles of good versus evil in Star Wars. It tells us to completely have faith in the good from within.

The classic king and queen of hearts design is the royalty when it comes to couple’s tattoos. It is indeed romantic to be recognized that in love, both of you should co-rule.

They are the cutest dancing couple ever. This is such a cool concept for a couple’s tattoo. The hairstyle and clothes can be customized to fit the profile of the couple. It is a timeless design which the couple can keep on their skin permanently. The captured movement of the pair sparks joy even without visible facial features on the illustration.

These Mexican inspired sugar skulls strategically placed on the base of the thumb, such that when the hands are joined together, the skulls face each other. This is a perfect interpretation of “until death do us part”. Death ends a life, not the relationship. Such that when one transitions to after life, it is labeled as a journey as we are all part of a divine spark. We all have a purpose in creation, and that purpose is called love. Wake up to that love. What is gone cannot return. Transition then may be the only truth.

The deer king and queen in a simple outline design on the inner arms of the couple looks breathtaking. Less is certainly more on this design. They are drawn with heads tilted towards each other, fondly declaring affection for one another. The symbolic glimpse reveals so much.

When the finger print is a unique identifying mark, these stylish hearts may be identical in form but the lines and curves are individualized. It looks very romantic with the infinity ribbon like details added into this simple ink art creation.

These finger tattoos are meant to be done as a couple. It certainly adds meaning to an otherwise lonely artwork.  What an exciting to enhance the finger ring, add an inscription dedicated to your better half. This type of design can be tackled with variations in font and color which is entirely up to the couple.

Best Matching Couple Tattoo FAQs 

Are couple tattoos a good idea? 

People express and receive love in various ways. According to relationship expert, Gary Chapman, author of the New York’s Best Seller, The Five Languages and, The Four Seasons of Marriage, “When two people commit to each other – and especially when they commit to communicating love to each other through the five languages – positive change occurs.” How do you communicate love effectively? If and when, getting a couple’s tattoo is part of their love language and will enhance not only their skin but also their relationship, that it’s a visual interpretation of their vows proudly worn on their skin which will serve as a constant reminder of what binds them together, then getting couple’s tattoo is definitely a good idea.

For the ones born under the millennial and digital age, it is definitely cool to get inked as a couple with so many fresh and stylish concepts available. The fast rising trend of finger tattoos popularized by celebrities are cool designs to choose. It is also a practical choice when both of you chooses a simple and minimalist concept such that modifications can be added later on when the family starts growing. Because there are those who choose to plant, endure the storms and trials season after season. They persist and take on adventure. Your tattoos are not required to stay dormant, it can grow with you – along with the relationship.

What does “matching tattoos” mean?

For the romantic couple, “matching tattoos” may mean the classic his and hers, identical tattoos which expresses their love for each other. The chosen design can be a complete mirror of the other, or perhaps a male or female version of a specific design such as the king and queen of hearts, or a portion of a certain design such that when brought together the meaning is revealed, like pieces of a puzzle. These designs reveal power stories of love. When we meet someone and fall in love, we have a sense that the whole universe I son our side.

Matching tattoos however are not exclusive to couples. There are families, group of friends, and organizations who wear matching tattoos as identifying symbol of affiliation. A shared memory is also a popular choice for matching tattoos especially memorializing a loss of a love one. There are others who may not know one another but shares a common advocacy may actually have matching tattoos. Popular nowadays are the semicolon for mental health, a circle with a triangle bearing the AA’s logo for sobriety, red AIDS’ ribbon or the stinging tail of the scorpion for the victims & supporters of HIV, and earth lover for the climate change advocates.