More and more couples are choosing unique and personal ways to celebrate their bond, and one striking trend is the rise of Couples Tattoos. Moving beyond traditional symbols, these tattoos offer a permanent and intimate expression of love and commitment. We delve into this growing phenomenon, exploring why couples are opting for ink to symbolize their relationships.
Recently, we visited a local tattoo studio, seeking insights from artists and couples embracing this trend. Speaking with Ryan Manske, a seasoned artist at Atomic Tattoo, we gained valuable perspective on the world of couples tattoos.
“Do couples still request tattooed wedding rings?” we inquired. Manske explained, “While wedding ring tattoos were once popular, they’re becoming less common. The skin on hands regenerates quickly, often causing the ink to fade rapidly. Regular touch-ups can address this, but many couples are exploring more durable and symbolic alternatives.”
Instead of fleeting trends, couples are seeking meaningful coordinating tattoos that reflect their shared stories and values. Manske shared a captivating example from naval tradition: “Historically, sailors would get lighthouse tattoos, and their partners would get ship tattoos. This symbolized guidance and homecoming.” This concept resonated with Jessica Ciesielczyk and Jake Berry, an 18-year-old couple celebrating their two-year anniversary.
Inspired by the naval tradition, Jessica and Jake opted for a lighthouse for him and a compass for her. These designs, placed on their forearms, point towards each other when they hold hands, a beautiful metaphor for their relationship guiding them. Despite Jessica’s experience with eight previous tattoos, the anticipation still brought a touch of nerves, highlighting the significance of each piece of body art. Both Jessica and Jake see tattoos as a powerful form of self-expression and agreed that if marriage is in their future, couples tattoos would definitely be a meaningful and non-traditional choice.
Another couple, Rachel Groening, 27, and Peter Jackson, 30, visited Atomic Tattoo seeking a couples tattoo rooted in their shared humor. They decided on a spoon and fork – an inside joke representing their love of food and their individual eating habits. Rachel prefers spoons, while Peter favors forks.
Positioned on the undersides of their forearms, their utensil tattoos align when they hold hands, creating a playful and personal symbol of their connection. With around 20 tattoos for Rachel and six for Peter, this couple views body art as a fun way to commemorate their relationship.
Rachel also shared a story about a previous couples tattoo experience. A half-heart tattoo from a past relationship at age 20 had been transformed after a breakup. Instead of removal, Rachel creatively incorporated the design into a larger piece with an inspirational message, demonstrating that even tattoos from past relationships can evolve and gain new meaning. Her former partner, however, chose a complete cover-up with a zombie design, illustrating the diverse ways people deal with tattoo reminders of past loves.
Manske further elaborated on current trends in couples tattoo placement: “Areas just below the thumb on the outer hand are popular for matching designs that connect when holding hands. Rib tattoos are also a favored spot, particularly among women.”
Even those who might not consider themselves “tattoo people” can find themselves drawn to the idea of couples tattoos after witnessing their deeply personal and symbolic nature. The experience of observing these couples at Atomic Tattoo sparked reflection on how a tattoo could represent a unique bond.
What are your thoughts on couples tattoos? Do you see them as a romantic gesture, or potentially a risky move for a relationship? Share your opinions in the comments below.
