Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley

Marriage & Family

Stardew Valley marriage guide: Choose a spouse, get the Mermaid's Pendant, propose, and start a family. Learn about married life and children.

·Multi-source verified (126/126)

Marriage & Family

Marriage and starting a family are significant milestones in Stardew Valley, offering a deeper connection to the game's world and its characters. Beyond the romantic aspect, a spouse and children can bring new routines, dialogue, and even practical benefits to your farm life. Building a family is a rewarding long-term goal.

To pursue marriage, you must first build a strong friendship with one of the eligible bachelors or bachelorettes in Pelican Town. This involves talking to them daily, giving them gifts they love, and triggering their Heart Events. Once you reach 8 hearts with a potential spouse, you can give them a Bouquet, which sifies your romantic interest and allows your relationship to progress to 10 hearts.

Choosing a Spouse:

There are 12 eligible marriage candidates (6 bachelors and 6 bachelorettes), each with unique personalities, backstories, and daily routines. Some popular choices include Abigail, Sebastian, Penny, and Sam. Consider their personalities and gift preferences when deciding who to pursue.

The Proposal:

  • Mermaid's Pendant: Once you reach 10 hearts with a candidate and have upgraded your farmhouse at least once (to include a kitchen), you can purchase a Mermaid's Pendant from the Old Mariner. He appears on the beach during rainy days.
  • The Proposal: Present the Mermaid's Pendant to your chosen partner. If they accept, your wedding will be scheduled for three days later.

Married Life:

After marriage, your spouse will move into your farmhouse and contribute to farm life in various ways:

  • Daily Interactions: They will have unique dialogue, offer gifts, and sometimes help with farm chores like watering crops or feeding animals.
  • Farmhouse Decoration: Your spouse may add their own furniture to the farmhouse.
  • Friendship with Spouse: You can continue to build friendship with your spouse by talking to them and giving gifts. Reaching 10 hearts with your spouse unlocks special dialogue and events.

Starting a Family:

If you wish to have children, you must be married and have completed the second farmhouse expansion (which includes a nursery). After reaching 10 hearts with your spouse, they may ask if you want to have children. If you agree, you will eventually have two children.

  • Children's Growth: Children start as babies and will grow into toddlers over time. They will eventually become children who can play outside.
  • Interactions with Children: You can interact with your children, give them gifts, and they will have their own unique dialogue and behaviors.
  • Farmhouse Upgrade: The nursery is a prerequisite for having children. This upgrade costs 100,000g and 500 Wood.

Benefits of Marriage and Family:

  • Companionship: A spouse provides a sense of companionship and adds to the immersion of farm life.
  • Farm Assistance: While not always consistent, spouses can occasionally help with farm chores.
  • Unique Dialogue and Events: Marriage and family unlock new dialogue and special cutscenes.
  • Sense of Accomplishment: Building a family is a significant achievement within the game.

Tips for Marriage:

  • Focus on One Candidate: While you can befriend everyone, focus your efforts on one person if you intend to marry.
  • Check Gift Preferences: Use the wiki or in-game knowledge to learn what gifts your chosen candidate loves.
  • Save for the Mermaid's Pendant: The 5,000g cost can be a hurdle early on.
  • Upgrade Farmhouse: Ensure you have the necessary farmhouse upgrades before proposing.

Marriage and family in Stardew Valley add a rich layer of personal connection and long-term goals to the game, making your farm feel even more like home.