The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Marriage & Spouses

Marry in Skyrim: find eligible NPCs, get the Amulet of Mara, and propose. Learn spouse benefits like followers and the Well-Rested bonus.

Marriage & Spouses

In the world of Skyrim, even the most hardened adventurer can find companionship. The game allows you to marry certain eligible NPCs, offering a unique facet to your character's life and providing some minor benefits. Marriage isn't just a romantic pursuit; it can also be a strategic choice for those seeking a loyal follower or a boost to their daily life.

To be eligible for marriage, your character must first complete a specific quest for the NPC in question, demonstrating your worth and building a relationship. Once you have a positive relationship, you can propose marriage. The process involves several steps:

  1. Find an Eligible NPC: Not all NPCs in Skyrim are marriageable. You'll need to identify those who are. Common marriage candidates include Aela the Huntress, Farkas, Vilkas, Lydia (if you complete her quest), Mjoll the Lioness, and many others.
  2. Complete their Quest: Each potential spouse has a personal quest or a series of interactions that must be completed to gain their favor. For example, to marry Aela, you'll need to complete quests for the Companions.
  3. Obtain the Amulet of Mara: This sacred amulet is essential for proposing. You can purchase it from Maramal, the priest of Mara in Riften, after completing his quest to spread the word of Mara.
  4. Initiate Dialogue: Once you have the Amulet of Mara and have completed the NPC's quest, approach them and wear the amulet. If they are receptive, you will have a dialogue option to ask them to marry you.
  5. Attend the Wedding: If they accept, a wedding ceremony will be held at the Temple of Mara in Riften the following day. You can invite friends to the ceremony.

Once married, your spouse will offer several benefits:

  • Follower: Most spouses can become your follower, accompanying you on your adventures. They can fight alongside you, carry your burdens, and offer combat support. Some spouses are more skilled fighters than others.
  • Home Life: If you own a house, your spouse will move in with you. They will offer a daily bonus called the "Well-Rested" bonus, which grants a 15% boost to skill progression for 8 hours. This bonus is only active if you sleep in your own bed.
  • Merchant Services: Some spouses will open a shop in your home, allowing you to sell items to them.
  • Dialogue and Interaction: Your spouse will offer unique dialogue, commenting on your adventures and offering encouragement.

Important considerations for marriage:

  • Race and Gender: Skyrim allows for same-sex marriages. Your character's race and gender do not restrict marriage options.
  • Divorce: There is no in-game divorce. If you wish to marry someone else, you will need to kill your current spouse or use console commands (on PC) to remove them.
  • Follower Limit: Remember that you can only have one active follower at a time, unless you use mods. If your spouse is your follower, you cannot have another companion.
  • Quest Dependencies: Some marriage candidates are tied to specific factions or quests. Completing these is a prerequisite.

Finding a spouse can add a layer of depth to your Skyrim experience, providing a loyal companion and a comforting presence in your home. Choose wisely, as your chosen partner will be by your side through thick and thin.