
You and your significant other are in love and you’ve both agreed that you’re in this relationship for the long haul. Perhaps you’re already married, planning to get married, or are happy keeping your relationship as is without exchanging rings.
One of the most long-lasting ways to show your love for one another is a couple tattoo.
This form of showing your commitment to another isn’t new, it’s been around for hundreds of years.
“In 18th-century Japan – a period considered to be the golden age for tattooing in the country – a female courtesan might show her commitment to a male lover by having his name tattooed on her upper arm”
Stephen Crabbe in The Conversation

Not only will you have a design that reminds you of the other person and they will also have ink that remind them of their love for you, but this is a permanent expression of your relationship and commitment.
As such, it’s important to make sure that you and your partner are ready to go under the needle – click here for 10 points to consider before getting a tattoo.
Once you’re both sure that this is the way you’d like to cement your love for one another, getting a couple tattoo can be a bonding experience. One step that you’ll both need to agree on is the design.

Getting each other’s names tattooed is not the only way to express your commitment in a permanent way. It’s worth it to do your research and open your mind to the host of options out there.
From small designs on the inside of your wrists, to eye-catching his and hers tattoos, there are many ways to showcase your love with ink.
Small and Simple Designs
Justine Morrow from Tattoodo explains that you don’t have to go big to have a romantic impact, as small tattoos can be practical and heartfelt,
“It’s not just smart because it’ll make a cover up easier (if, indeed, this is what you’re worried about) but minimalism and tiny tats are actually really sweet, personal, and can be very meaningful… Just because they’re small or simple couple tattoos doesn’t mean they don’t pack a big punch to the proverbial heart.”

Something small and in a place that isn’t on display very often can act as an intimate secret the two of you share.
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Matching Ink
If you and your partner have similar styles, you could get the same tattoo. A symbol, a word, or a saying that signifies your connection could be the ideal tattoo for both of you.

It’s important that the tattoo you’re getting has a personal significance to you, too, not just to your partner. After all, it is going to be on your body.
Dive into the meaning of the design you’ve chosen and make sure this is something that you’ll be happy to have on your body forever. Yes, tattoo removal is available, but it’s often painful and expensive – click here to read more.
Designs That Fit Together
If you and your significant other are looking for a couple tattoo that isn’t necessarily the same, but that fits together, there are many amazing options.
Celebrity couple Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner paid homage to their relationship and their fondness for the movie Toy Story with their couple tattoo. To represent their plan to stick together, Jonas got “To infinity” and Turner got “& beyond” inked on their wrists.

Other ideas include a lock and key, puzzle pieces, and Tetris blocks.
Finger Tattoos
If you are planning on getting hitched, and want a symbol that cannot be taken off, wedding ring tattoos are an option.
To keep things simple, a plain inked band could do the trick. However, if you want a design with a bit more flare to it, there are other options to choose from.

Your wedding day is one of the most important days in your life, so why not get the date inked? A band of roman numerals circling your ring finger will represent your love and special day, and make sure you don’t forget your anniversary.
According to Weddingomania, there are many ways to approach wedding word tattoos,
“Initials of your spouse or the name is a very romantic wedding tattoo idea! These can be initials, the name or just two monograms.”

You can add symbols to the design of the name or initials – infinity signs and hearts are popular options. Also, extra words such as “always”, “forever”, or “I do” can add an extra romantic touch to the design.
For six essential facts to know before getting a finger or hand tattoo, click here.
King And Queen Tattoos
As the saying goes, a king is not complete without his queen. If this saying resonates with you and your partner, matching king and queen tattoos might be the permanent inking that will work for you.

If you lean towards the simplistic and minimal side of the tattoo world, small King of Hearts and Queen of Hearts symbols might be the right choice.
Forgoing the traditional black ink and opting for white could make for a subtle, yet stunning design. If white ink isn’t something you’re interested in, you could get the design done in red to better represent the color of love and the cards in the deck.
For something with a bit more glamour, matching crown tattoos could be the way to go. You could both pick the designs you want, and add something personal to the tattoo – such as an anniversary date.

The king of the jungle and his female counterpart are another way to represent a royal match. Lions are powerful creatures and they can make for incredible inspiration for tattoos.
Together, matching lion tattoos can symbolize a couple’s love for one another, but, on its own, a lion represents wisdom, confidence, and strength.
Love is powerful, and being in a relationship with the person you love is arguably one of the best feelings in the world. Getting a matching tattoo is not only a bonding experience, but the ink can serve as a constant reminder of your commitment to the other person.