How To Get Married In Skyrim: The Ultimate Guide To Tying The Knot In Tamriel
Have you ever wondered how to get married in Skyrim Elder Scrolls? In the vast, snow-swept world of Tamriel, where dragons roar and ancient ruins whisper secrets, finding love and settling down might not be the first quest that comes to mind. Yet, one of Skyrim’s most beloved and enduring mechanics is its intricate marriage system, offering a deep layer of role-playing, companionship, and practical benefits. It’s more than just a ceremony; it’s about building a home, sharing a life, and gaining a loyal partner who will stand by your side through thick and thin. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from the initial flirtation to saying "I do" and reaping the rewards of wedded bliss in the harsh yet beautiful province of Skyrim.
The Prerequisites: Preparing for Matrimony
Before you can even think about popping the question, there are a few essential boxes you need to tick. The path to the altar in Skyrim isn't locked behind a massive questline, but it does require specific items and a clear understanding of the game’s rules. Rushing into this without preparation can lead to missed opportunities or awkward rejections.
First and foremost, you must possess the Amulet of Mara. This simple silver necklace with a red gemstone is the universal symbol of your availability and intent. You can purchase it from almost any merchant in Skyrim, but the most reliable and thematic source is Maramal, the priest of Mara who resides in the Temple of Mara in Riften. He sells it for a modest 200 gold. It’s crucial to have this amulet in your inventory before you approach any potential suitor; without it, the dialogue option to propose will never appear. Think of it as your "relationship status: taken" badge in the world of Skyrim.
Secondly, you need to be at least Level 10. This isn’t a strict lore requirement but a game mechanic designed to ensure you’ve experienced enough of the world before settling down. It prevents low-level characters from immediately accessing the spouse’s unique daily routines and the Hearthfire DLC’s home-building mechanics, which are often tied to marriage. Reaching Level 10 is a breeze—simply explore, complete minor quests, and defeat a few enemies.
Choosing Your Perfect Match: A Pool of Over 30 Candidates
Skyrim’s marriage system is remarkably open-ended. Unlike many RPGs that restrict you to a single love interest or a narrow set of options, Skyrim offers a diverse roster of over 30 marriageable NPCs. This includes powerful warriors like Aela the Huntress from the Companions, cunning mages such as Marcurio of Riften, devout priests like Lydia (if you complete her quest), and even members of the Thieves Guild or Dark Brotherhood. The key limitation is that your potential spouse must be an NPC with the "Marriage" dialogue option after you wear the Amulet of Mara.
To find candidates, explore major holds and settlements. Talk to people, complete their personal quests (many require you to help them with a specific task before they become eligible), and look for the new dialogue option: "I'd like to know if you're available." This will reveal their interest. Some notable examples include:
- Aela the Huntress: For the warrior who values strength and the wilds.
- Marcurio: For the mage seeking an arcane partner.
- Farkas or Vilkas: Twin warriors of the Companions, offering a unique dynamic.
- Jenassa: A mercenary in the Ratway, for the morally grey adventurer.
- Ghorbash the Iron Hand: An Orcish blacksmith in Dushnikh Yal.
Pro Tip: Your choice significantly impacts your daily life. A spouse like Aela will often be out hunting, while a courtier like Viola Giordano in Markarth will stay at home. Consider their schedule, voice lines, and potential follower skills when choosing. Do you want a partner who fights alongside you, or one who manages your home?
The Proposal: Securing Your Partner's Commitment
Once you’ve identified a willing candidate and have the Amulet of Mara equipped, the next step is the proposal. Approach your chosen NPC and engage in conversation. If they are eligible and interested, a new dialogue path will appear: "Would you be interested in marrying me?" Selecting this option will result in one of two outcomes.
If they accept (which they almost always will if you’ve met the prerequisites and helped them, if required), they will joyfully agree and instruct you to meet them at the Temple of Mara in Riften for the wedding ceremony. They will then move in with you at your primary residence (your owned house or the location where you first met them, if you don’t own a home yet). Important: You must speak to Maramal at the Temple to formally schedule the ceremony. He will tell you to return the next day between sunrise and sunset. Simply wait or rest until the following day, then return to the Temple. Maramal will officiate a brief but charming ceremony, and just like that, you are married!
If, for some reason, they refuse (rare, but can happen if you haven't helped them with their personal quest or if they are already married in some mods), you may need to complete a specific task for them first. Always check their quest log or available dialogue for hints.
The Ceremony: A Simple but Meaningful Union
The wedding ceremony itself is a low-key affair held in the Temple of Mara in Riften. After speaking to Maramal to schedule it, return to the Temple during the designated daytime hours. You will find your spouse-to-be waiting inside. Maramal will deliver a short, heartfelt speech about the gods Mara and Shor, and the bonds of love and partnership. You will then exchange vows in a simple dialogue choice.
There is no elaborate processional, no guest list to manage, and no fancy attire required (though wearing fine clothes is a nice touch). The entire ritual takes less than a minute of in-game time. After the ceremony, your new spouse will give you a unique gift, often a piece of jewelry or a valuable item. They will then move in with you, marking the official start of your married life. This simplicity is part of its charm—it’s about the commitment, not the pageantry.
Life After "I Do": The Benefits of Skyrim Marriage
Marriage in Skyrim is not just for role-playing; it comes with tangible gameplay benefits that make the effort worthwhile. These advantages touch on logistics, economy, and combat, enhancing your adventure in practical ways.
- The "Lover's Comfort" Buff: When sleeping in the bed you share with your spouse, you receive a +15% bonus to all skills for 8 hours. This "Well Rested" bonus is one of the most powerful passive buffs in the game, significantly speeding up skill progression. It stacks with other bonuses like the "Lover's Stone" or "Rested" from an inn.
- Income Generation: Your spouse will begin preparing a "Home-Cooked Meal" daily, which restores health, magicka, and stamina. More importantly, if you own a Hearthfire homestead (with the Hearthfire DLC), your spouse can be assigned as a vendor. They will sell items you provide them, generating a daily income of up to 100 gold after a small investment. This creates a passive revenue stream.
- Companionship & Followers: Your spouse can become a permanent follower with a few exceptions (some, like Aela, may still have their own schedules). They will follow you into combat, carry items (infinite carry weight!), and offer unique dialogue. They are also immune to the "follower limit" if you have other followers via mods or certain quests, making them a constant, reliable ally.
- Home Management: They will automatically move into any owned home (player-built Hearthfire homes, Breezehome, Honeyside, etc.). They will sleep in your bed, use your containers (be careful with this!), and generally make the house feel lived-in. In Hearthfire homes, they will also tend to the children if you adopt.
Navigating the Hearthfire DLC: Building a Family Home
If you own the Hearthfire DLC, marriage becomes the gateway to building your own dynasty. After marrying, you can speak to your spouse about moving into a Homestead you’ve built (like Lakeview Manor, Windstad Manor, or Heljarchen Hall). They will agree and move in immediately.
Once settled, you can adopt children through the Raven Rock or Honningbrew Hall adoption quests. Your spouse will participate in family life, sleeping in a child’s bedroom if available and interacting with the kids. This creates the ultimate role-playing experience: a true home in the harsh wilderness of Skyrim, complete with a spouse and children. The spouse also helps with the homestead’s upkeep, though this is mostly cosmetic.
The Darker Side: Divorce and Spouse Death
What if you make a mistake? Skyrim’s marriage is, for the most part, permanent, but there are ways out, though they are drastic.
- Spouse Death: If your spouse is killed in combat or by a dragon, they are permanently gone. You will receive a "Widow/Widower" status and a small inheritance (a few gold). Their bed will remain, but they will not return. You are then free to remarry.
- Divorce via Glitch/Bug: There is no legitimate in-game divorce mechanic. However, a notorious glitch allows you to divorce by having your spouse arrested for a crime (like pickpocketing) and then having them executed. This is a morally reprehensible act in-game and will incur a bounty and infamy. It’s generally advised against for role-playing integrity.
- Spouse Stuck or Missing: Sometimes, spouses get stuck in the world due to bugs. The fix often involves using console commands (on PC) to reset them or, as a last resort, leaving them for dead and remarrying after a long period. On consoles, waiting for 30 in-game days or using the "Wait" function extensively can sometimes reset their AI.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I marry a Daedra or a non-human like an Argonian or Khajiit?
A: Yes! Skyrim’s marriage pool includes several Argonians (like Talvas Drath) and Khajiit (like Shavee). However, you cannot marry any Daedra, including the Daedric Princes you encounter, or any essential quest characters like Jarls or the Greybeards.
Q: What if my spouse disappears after marriage?
A: This is a common bug. First, try waiting for 24-48 in-game hours. If they don’t return to your home, check locations where you first met them or their routine spots (e.g., Aela at Jorrvaskr). Using the "Wait" function extensively can reset their AI package. On PC, the console command resetAI on the NPC can fix it.
Q: Can I have multiple spouses?
A: No. The vanilla game strictly enforces monogamy. You can only be married to one NPC at a time. Remarrying requires the previous spouse to be dead.
Q: Do spouses have unique dialogue or interactions?
A: Yes, each marriageable NPC has a set of unique daily greetings, comments on your actions (like after a dungeon crawl), and special interactions. For example, Lydia will comment on your Thane status, while Aela will talk about hunting. They also have unique "spouse" dialogue when you ask about their day.
Q: Does marriage affect the main quest or guild quests?
A: Generally, no. Marriage is a parallel system. However, some NPCs are tied to guilds (e.g., Companions, Thieves Guild). Marrying them might give you subtle comments, but it doesn’t block quest progression. Be mindful that if your spouse is a guild member and you betray the guild, they may react negatively.
Conclusion: Finding Your Happy Ending in Skyrim
So, how do you get married in Skyrim Elder Scrolls? It’s a beautifully simple yet deeply rewarding process that encapsulates the freedom of the game. It starts with a humble Amulet of Mara, blossoms through conversation and perhaps a helpful quest, and culminates in a quiet ceremony in Riften. The real magic, however, unfolds in the daily moments that follow: the Lover's Comfort buff energizing your skills, the sound of your spouse cooking a meal, the comfort of a shared home in the wilderness, or the thrill of having a loyal companion at your back in a dragon fight.
Marriage in Skyrim is what you make of it. It can be a practical arrangement for the Hearthfire homesteader, a role-playing cornerstone for the character-driven adventurer, or simply a way to add a layer of warmth and companionship to the solitary life of the Dragonborn. With over 30 potential partners, there’s a match for every playstyle and every hero. So, equip that amulet, find your partner, and build your legacy. In a world of epic battles and ancient prophecies, sometimes the most profound quest is the one that leads you home.
