Ever feel like most tattoo ideas just don’t match your love for gothic romance or Tim Burton’s magical worlds?
If you’re someone who connects deeply with stories about love, loss, and beauty in the dark, the Corpse Bride might be the perfect inspiration.
That’s where this list of 12 Corpse Bride tattoo ideas comes in—each one carefully designed to capture the haunting charm and emotional depth of Emily’s story.
Whether you’re drawn to her tragic elegance, the movie’s unique art style, or just want something different from typical tattoo themes, these designs offer a creative and meaningful way to wear your love for Corpse Bride on your skin.
12 Corpse Bride Tattoo Ideas That Are Dark and Dreamy
1. Emily Standing in the Moonlight
Design Emily with her flowing tattered gown under a glowing full moon. Add wispy clouds and a shadowed forest behind her to set a haunting yet dreamy mood. Use soft blues and purples for a ghostly palette, with glowing white highlights to emphasize the ethereal light.
2. Victor and Emily Holding Hands
Show Victor gently holding Emily’s skeletal hand, their eyes locked in a bittersweet gaze. Frame them with twisting vines and roses to symbolize love beyond death. Make Victor look nervous but kind, and Emily softly smiling. Use delicate linework and a watercolor background to enhance the emotion.
3. Close-Up of Emily’s Face
Focus on a detailed portrait of Emily’s cracked porcelain face with her big, expressive eyes. Add subtle tears or flowers in her hair. Use light shading and a cool-toned color scheme for a soft but eerie finish.
4. Split-Face Tattoo: Emily and Victoria
Divide the face in two halves—one side Emily, one side Victoria. Show contrast: Emily’s side in cooler, decayed tones with a stitched smile, and Victoria’s in warm pastels. It represents the duality between life and afterlife, or two forms of love.
5. Skeleton Butterflies
Tattoo a cluster of butterflies with skeletal wings fluttering around Emily. These symbolize transformation and fleeting beauty. Make them slightly translucent with subtle bone detailing, floating near her veil or hand.
6. “Til Death” Quote with Emily’s Silhouette
Use the phrase “Til Death” in gothic script, with Emily’s silhouette walking away in the background, her veil trailing behind. Add scattered petals or a flickering candle to represent her fading presence.
7. The Wedding Scene
Design the emotional scene where Emily lets go of Victor at the altar. Capture her fading into blue butterflies, with Victor looking solemn. Use glowing effects and motion in the butterflies for dynamic energy.
8. Emily Holding Her Bouquet
Show Emily clutching a withered bouquet, standing alone in the graveyard. Her eyes reflect sadness, but there’s strength in her pose. Add tombstones and swirling mist to build an atmospheric setting.
9. Heart-Shaped Frame with Emily Inside
Frame Emily inside a broken heart shape—half bone, half rose vines. This makes a bold chest or upper arm piece. Add small details like cracks, flower buds, or a hidden tear for symbolism.
10. Color Splash Tattoo of Corpse Bride
Use a black-ink base of Emily with messy outlines, then splash her iconic blue tones across her hair, dress, and eyes in bold strokes. This gives a modern, edgy look with a painterly effect.
11. Emily’s Skeleton Hand with Ring
Focus on Emily’s skeletal hand wearing the engagement ring. Surround it with dried roses or a lace cuff to tie in her bridal theme. Ideal as a minimalist tattoo with fine lines.
12. Scene Inside a Coffin Frame
Design a story inside a vertical coffin frame—Emily lying peacefully with flowers growing from her ribcage. The top part can show moonlight shining down. Use muted shades with pops of deep violet and teal.
Final Thoughts
The 12 Corpse Bride tattoo ideas shared in this article are perfect for anyone who loves Tim Burton’s gothic style and the emotional story of Emily.
From detailed portraits to simple symbols like butterflies and quotes, each tattoo offers a special way to show your connection to the film.
Whether you want something big and bold or small and meaningful, these 12 Corpse Bride tattoo designs give you plenty of creative and unique options to choose from.