We've all heard dire warnings about the "curse of the name tattoo" — because, as fairy-tale folklore goes, getting a significant other's name in ink is sure to provoke a breakup, right? Luckily, there happen to be many other creative ways to express love and connection through body art. These matching tats are strong apart, but better together!
The following ink ideas are all very different, yet they have one thing in common: love (aw!). These couples found matching symbols that range from whimsical to romantic to quirky to bold. And like the best relationships, each tattoo allows the wearer to express his or her individuality; yet, when put together, or side by side, the two images make an even more meaningful whole. Just talking about what ink symbolizes each person individually and together will make couples feel closer and more bonded than ever.
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Check these awesome examples of couples who did matching tattoos right. From colorful bonds and simple black and white designs to meaningful words and symbols, the thrill of finding a unique way to express togetherness will last a lifetime.
Tree & Owl
When Stacy and Adam got married, they were just two of a number of people who chose a tattoo over a ring (see subsequent slides for other ideas!). But these tree hollow and owl tattoos are so appropriate, cool, and unique that we're jealous we didn't think of it first!
Day & Night
Is he the yang to your yin? Is she the peanut butter to your jelly? Make it known that you're two parts of one whole with this tattoo's Latin take on day and night.
Get this Lumos & Nox temporary tattoo at Mossandferndesignco's shop ($3, etsy.com).
Vixen & Wolf
This tattoo, drawn by French illustrator and tattooist Tarmasz, is a sweet way to sport your spirit animal.
Kisses & Hugs
X's and O's are a classic sign of love and affection. Plus, they make for an understated, tiny tattoo!
Get this XO temporary tattoo at Pepperink's shop ($5, etsy.com).
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Fork & Knife Set
Humble though they may be, we can't eat properly without a fork and a knife (OK, maybe we can, but it won't be pretty). This is a whimsical and irreverent choice for two people who work beautifully as a team and are usually seen together!
You can this Knife and Fork temporary tattoo from the Tattoonie Team ($2, tattooniedesign.com).
Lock & Key
"I never understood why anyone would ever get a matching tattoo with their significant other, or even their name, until I met Matthew. This tattoo represents our dedication to one another, and that he has me forever," says Brenna, the owner of this feminine lock tat. "I will never leave him, and this tattoo proves just that."
Heart Emoticons
If you're always keeping each other abreast of what's happening via text and communicate more by emoji than with actual, you know, words, you should take a cue from Sally! As an alternative to engagement rings, she and her hubby-to-be got these geeky hearts inked on their wrists.
Lego Pirates
For their 10-year wedding anniversary, this bride and groom decided on matching tattoos based on their love for both the Navy and Lego — hence, these cute pirate Lego people each holding one half of a map.
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Heart Charm
Someone once said that love is friendship that has caught fire. We have a crush on this nostalgic ink that shows your SO is also your BFF.
Get this Besties temporary tattoo ($5, tattly.com).
To Infinity & Beyond
Fun fact: "To infinity… and beyond!" is a variation of the line "Jupiter and Beyond the Infinite" that appears as a title card in Stanley Kubrick's film 2001: A Space Odyssey. So whether you're a Pixar fan, a Kubrick buff, or none of the above, here's to spending your forever together.
Bird and Cage
What better way to symbolize that home isn't four walls and a roof, but each other, than with this elegant pair of avian tattoos?
Get this Bird Cage temporary tattoo at Siideways' shop ($5, etsy.com).
Mischevious Marauders
Claire got this Marauders-inspired tat with her best friend (also named Claire!) for their 21st birthdays.
"[We] bonded over our joint enthusiasm for HP [Harry Potter], so they were the only things I was willing to mark my body forever for," she writes in her blog A Thousand Lives.
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Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones may not be the most romantic show (See: Any of the ill-fated weddings), but we love this beautiful sentiment from our favorite Dothraki couple:
Drogo: "Yer Jalan Atthirari Anni ('Moon of My Life')"
Daenerys: "Shekh Ma Shieraki Anni ('My Sun and Stars')"
Get this Game of Thrones temporary tattoo at Mossandferndesignco's shop ($3, etsy.com).
Color-In Kitty Cats
These aren't just matching tats, but living coloring pages! As tattoo-owner Laura explains: "Phil and I designed this tattoo on a beach in Florida, taking turns drawing cats. The one we drew together was the one we ended up getting. We left them blank for now, so that on occasion, we can have fun filling them in for each other."
How cool is that?!
Nautical Anchors
An anchor keeps a vessel securely in place, so it's commonly used to represent stability. Often, our love is what keeps us grounded and steady in life — which makes it a fitting icon for a matching tattoo set.
Mario Power-Up Mushrooms
Before Angry Birds and Minecraft, the ubiquitous game was Super Mario Bros. These Super Mushroom and 1-Up Mushroom tats are a nod to retro 8-bit games that '80s and '90s babies will appreciate.
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Wedding "Rings"
The thing about wedding rings is that they get misplaced, lost, or accidentally washed down the drain. This couple opted out of them altogether and instead got a pair of matching tats on their ring fingers. But in lieu of a band, they went with two Reiki symbols that, when combined, mean "love eternal."
Harry Potter Patroni
Do you still get weepy when you hear the word "Always"? Yep, so do we. Show your love for Harry Potter and each other with a pretty Patronus tattoo. It's Lily and James Potter approved!
Lightsabers
Dark Side? Light Side? Whichever side of the Force you fall on, you can rep your Star Wars fandom in style with your SO.
Get this Lightsabers temporary tattoo at TattooMint's shop ($4, etsy.com).
Pinky Promise
Immortalize your commitment to each other with this sweet nod to childhood's most sacred oath.
Get this Pinky Promise temporary tattoo at FleetingInk's shop ($1, etsy.com).
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Holding Hands Tattoo
Will you never let go? It looks like Aaron and Deirdre won't, either! A sweet tribute to anyone who's promised "to have and to hold."
Squirrel and Nut
Are you animal lovers — or perhaps just a little nutty (sorry, we had to)? Whatever your reasoning, this is certainly a playful pick!
Get this Squirrel and Nut temporary tattoo at Sideways' shop ($4, etsy.com).
Ampersands
At some point in a relationship, you stop standing alone and come to regard yourself as one part of a whole. This ampersand tattoo is an understated way to acknowledge your other half.
Infinity Symbol
What lasts longer than diamonds? Infinity. Show off the vastitude of your love with an infinity sign. Because, after all, love is forever.
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Tin Can Telephone
We love the idea of a wire connecting two separate tattoos. This is a particularly poignant choice for a long-distance couple.
'I Do' Times Two
It's the one phrase that cements two people as a legally wedded couple — so why not get it inked to celebrate that special ceremony? Also cute for anniversaries and vow renewals!
Get the I Do temporary tattoo at Siideways' shop ($6, etsy.com).
Turn a Phrase
Do you always finish each other's sentences? Then this one's for you!
Compass Rose
Also called a windrose, or Rose of the Winds, a compass rose is a figure used to display the orientation of the cardinal directions. Needless to say, this is a great choice for the pair who always finds their way back to one another.
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Mr. & Mrs.
Matching Mr. and Mrs. tats are a cute idea for the couple who just walked down the aisle. Another option: Get it on your ring fingers!
Get this Mr. and Mrs. Temporary Tattoo at mossandferndesignco's shop ($3, etsy.com).
Coordinates
This is a sister tattoo, but would work just as well for a couple! So what's the deal with those numbers? "We chose the coordinates of EPCOT's Spaceship Earth since we spent a large portion of our childhood in [Walt Disney World]."
Get the latitude and longitude of your special spot inked on you both. Think: Your first date, where you met, etc. You can find the coordinates of most locations through Google Maps!
Me & You
Do you know how many songs are titled "Me and You"? Answer: a lot. And it shouldn't come as a surprise that most of them are love songs. Whether you're a music fan, or a fan of the short and sweet, this iconic three-word phrase is a classic.
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Full Circle
What better tattoo to share with your favorite person than a simple and utterly beautiful circle? The circle, after all, is a symbol of wholeness, the infinite, and eternity. It's basically the geometric way of saying: You complete me.
Earth & Water
When love is natural, it only makes sense to honor it with two strong symbols of the planet. Entirely different but each is essential to the other.
We Go Together...
Just name a more iconic duo. I'll wait.
All kidding aside for playful couples that perfectly complement each other, this is the perfect tattoo.
Like Cats & Dogs
This tattoo idea is perfect for a couple made up of opposites that just work.
Playful Promise
This terrific Toy Story line doubles as a sweet promise. Just how long will they love each other?
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Swoon Worthy
What better way for two lovebirds to represent their everlasting love?
Master-Pieces
In the game of life, it is always good to have someone around who can play it well.
A Missing Piece
When an S.O. is far away it always feels like a piece of the heart is missing, and this tattoo perfectly captures that.
To the Moon & Back
When love transcends this earthly plane, this tattoo is a great one to share with that special someone.
Nerdy Love
Gaming couples will totally fall in love with this sweet idea.
The Missing Piece
This puzzle piece of a lock and key really emphasises finding the "one."
A Perfect Balance
When one person keeps it centered and one person moves things forward, nothing can stop this couple.
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The Truth Is Out There
These Mulder and Scully mini portraits are perfect for people who have a partner to help them take on all things strange and unusual.
A Ghoulish Love
If the love between a couple is so good it's spooky, matching ghost tattoos is the perfect way to honor it.
Sealed With a Kiss
Pucker up! This cute tattoo will remind couples of exactly who they want to kiss goodnight forever.
Whimsical Flowers
These floral portraits are beautiful and elegant.
The Touch
If they ever need each other, they only need to reach out. The minimalist design gets a hit of personality with sneaky kitties hiding in the design.
His & Hers
This Dia de los Muertos themed set is so sweet and stunning.
Tale as Old as Time
What is more timeless than this classic Disney couple?
